We recently went on holiday to Devon, and while there we took a day trip to Somerset.

We visited Cheddar Gorge, where we explored the caves, and then went up Jacob’s Ladder and embarked on the Clifftop Walk.

Jacob’s Ladder was 274 steps up, but thankfully there were resting points built in.

Even though I’m fairly fit, I still needed them.

The Clifftop Walk was a very challenging walk!

The ground underfoot was extremely uneven most of the way, with big rocks.

But there were also places where smoother paths had been worn in, and so there were choices to be made, and taking the easier paths led to the same place.

The easier paths were also more interesting, and I even spotted a goat peering at me.

At times it got really hard but we kept going, as we knew (even though we didn’t know what it looked like) that the view from the top would be worth it.

It struck me that there were some parallels with the weight loss journey.

Many of my clients when they first come to me believe that they need to take the most difficult journey, and as quickly as possible, and with no breaks.

And it’s going to be miserable!

But just like Jacob’s ladder, trying to do it in one go is just too much for most people.

I teach my clients that it’s absolutely ok to pause and rest, and for as long as you need to before you’re ready to go again.
That doesn’t mean going back down. (or putting weight back on).

This is a far better alternative if historically they have never been able to stick to a diet for long or keep their weight off, and it goes straight back on as soon as they finish trying.

And as for which path to take, the most rocky one is going to be full of danger.

We could twist an ankle, or trip and bang our heads or break a bone!

Or if we’re talking about weight loss, we could go on a binge, or end up developing unhelpful, all-or-nothing eating patterns – yo yo dieting.

So why not take the easier path, as we’re more likely to enjoy it and reach our destination.

Losing weight slowly and steadily, building in breaks that can tie in with life events, and making room for our favourite foods, is much less stressful, and more achievable, for both body and mind.

And whichever path we take, while it’s important to be aware of the direction we’re heading, it’s vital to keep our eyes and our concentration on our next steps, so we don’t stumble or fall.

So when it comes to the parallels with losing weight, the key messages from me are:

It’s ok to take breaks in your weight loss.

It’s ok to take the gentler, more scenic path where you take your time and can still enjoy your favourite foods as part of a healthy overall ‘diet’.

It’s vital to take it one day at a time, keeping your focus on your very next step.

You know what the goal is (the view at the top) and why you want it (how you will feel when you get there) but you know where it is, and how much you want it, so while it’s important to think about this, you don’t need to see it to keep going.

Look at what you’re doing right now and check it’s taking you in the right direction.

If you want some tips to manage your weight without taking the most treacherous path, you can subscribe to my email list here:

 

About Claire Jones

Claire Jones of YourOneLife Healthy Weight Solutions, is a multi-award-winning Sustainable Weight Loss Coach, Mentor, Therapist, Speaker and Author of the popular book “How To Eat Less”, available on Amazon.

She helps people learn how to confidently manage their weight well for life, after successfully managing her own weight since 2011, following a 25 year yo-yo dieting battle.

With a career background of over 25 years spanning the NHS, HM Prison Service, and the UK Fire Service, she has seen first-hand what happens when people don’t look after their health, and has a natural desire to help and to serve those in need.

However, it was after overcoming decades of yo-yo dieting and learning how to look after her own health, that she found a particularly unique way to be of service.

She realised she had found an effective, unique and sustainable solution to the weight loss and regain cycles that so many go through, that cripples their confidence and holds them back from the lives they really want.

She is known for her relatable, down-to-earth manner and for helping her clients finally crack the code to their healthy weight and happiest selves.

She offers both standard and bespoke packages to work with her intensively on a one-to-one basis, as well as lower cost options to suit more limited budgets.

You can find out more about her services by clicking here.