Hello, Weight Loss Lovin' Blog Readers!
Cathy here, reporting monthly as promised, on my own utterly fascinating journey to better health and well being, and quite possibly to wearing size 10 pants again.
And this month, I can say this: losing weight sucks, and is hard.
Can I get an amen, sisters and brothers?
Alright, first the good news: since we last visited on this topic, I've shed a few more of those unwanted chub nuggets. I'm not sure what the math was from the last report, but since January 3rd, I'm down 11 pounds total. [insert somewhat restrained but nonetheless celebratory woot-wooting] This places the current weight calculation, as of last Saturday's semi-official weigh in, at 164.
I am feeling really good about this because one of my goals in this round of weight loss is to take it slow and steady. Nothing too over the top. No personal trainers. No crazy fads like Flirty Girl Fitness (though secretly, I really DO want to learn pole dancing). No starvation diets. And of course, no smoking. In short, nothing that's so extreme it'll send me packing all the way back to Lays Potato Chip and Couch Land.
So far…so good.
Still following Weight Watchers Online. Still using my treadmill every day for 30 minutes. (Although my secret weapon? Watching E True Hollywood Stories while on it. I never knew Jessica Simpson's story could be so compelling!) And still trying to make good choices instead of poor ones.
My next big goal? Break the 160 barrier. Some say it can't be done. Some say it's simply too dangerous. It's unrealistic. It's simply dreaming beyond achievable barriers.
I say LET ME DREAM. And pass me the Weight Watchers Giant Fudge Bars while you're at it.
chiara says
okay Cathy you just inspired me to throw on some clothes and shovel the snow that is a good cardio work out right.
Mia says
congrats Cathy! loosing weight is hard and requires a lot of work. I live in the Chicago area and there’s a FlirtyGirl Club!! they have a bar that you can drink at and then dance on!!!
Sara Mangan says
Keep up the good work Cathy.
I too am trying to be healthier. I needed to tone up after my 3 kids.
The scale is hardly moving but I feel better and for me that is a huge thing. So give yourself a pat on the back celebrate your success.
Also, I LOVED your BPS class. I can’t wait to see what you are up to next. Your style is timeless.
Wishing for spring in MN,
Sara M
Judy in Huntsville [al] says
looking forward to this new direction in scrapbooking – so HAPPY to see you’re still willing to share with us…and congrats on the weight loss – I’m about to weigh after 5 days at the beach – and I’ll admit — I’m a little afraid to do it…
Katie Scott says
Lately I’m loving the WW Giant Latte Ice Cream Bars.
Julie Johnson says
WOOT WOOT Woman! Great work. I have been doing WW Online since Jan 1 and I am only down 4.2lbs. I need to get back on that wagon hardcore so thanks for the inspiration and keep it coming!
Can’t wait to see the new workshop…I am newly ADDICTED to FB and Twitter (secretly hoping it will replace my food addiction) so this sounds right up my alley!
Rock on chick!
JenniB says
I completely cannot wait for the Twitter/Facebook class at BPS!! That is so ME! 🙂 I “lucked out” and can’t go to my WW meeting this morning because I’m snowed in. Bummer. Can you tell I’m all broken up about it? I’m thinking the shoveling will be good exercise for me since I also can’t get to the gym.
You’re doing great, Cathy – slow and steady! 🙂
Hillary Chybinski says
amen 🙂
Hillary
Melissa says
(sigh) I’m right there with you, but I have only lost 7 pounds since January. I’m all about slow and steady too, but I’m feeling a bit discouraged at this point…
And LOL at the giant fudge bars…..I’m totally addicted to those too! What else can you eat that that yummy with only 1 point?!?!
sharon says
I don’t know what I weigh in pounds, but the kilos is scary enough! Go Cathy! I need to follow your shining example! The hardest thing I reckon about weight loss – starting. Well that, and being able to stick with it… so that’s even more fantastic on your behalf! yay for you.
Cheri says
Yeah for you! Have to say that we started out at exactly the same point, but I went THE OTHER WAY, topping the scale this morning UP 5.5 lbs. UGGGHHHHHH. I hate winter and my constant hunger and cravings for comfort food. Guess I can’t do this on my own and may be joining you online shortly.
Jeanne Pellerin says
Bring it!
margaret says
I’m a dietitian. Diets (torturing people) is my job.
You’re SO doing it the right way. Everybody sees the “Lose 10 pounds in 1 week” magazine cover and, heck, we’re Americans! WE WANT INSTANT GRATIFICATION. But we’re fighting millions of years of evolution.
So, great job. I’ve lost 30 lbs in 5 months, but there’s been a WHOLE lot of stress in the picture. Take your nice, slow weight loss. 🙂
Kristin R says
You get an Amen from me Cathy. I too am on the weight loss band wagon and it isnt going too well. Lost about 6lbs even though I have been on the cross trainer nearly everday this year. So might just have to make me a food journal! Good luck for this month!
Teresa Cotterman says
You go girl, I’m with ya!! Weight loss sucks, but we will be the better for it. insert…”What doesn’t kill us will make us stronger!” Pass me the Fiber One bars!!
Sue says
Congrats on the weight loss! Going down in any amount is a victory. I am on the elliptical for 30 minutes a day, watching Jeopardy. We have a family wedding the first weekend in April so I have a goal in mind for appearing before the relatives. We’ll see.
Can’t wait to hear about what you’ll be offering at BPS!!
Lovebug Kat says
Can’t wait to see what your next BPS venture is Cathy!
I took DYL and absolutely loved it, I will be waiting at my keyboard with credit card beside me for the announcement for your next one.
Keep up with that weight loss girlie, if anyone can do it, you can!
reflections:0) says
Amen…You are doing great… I too have been on the get healthy kick this year and part of last year as well, really about 10 months… Each day is not easy but, it is so worth it… I am down 30lbs.[woot-wooting!] for the year so far and for that I am thankful… and 80lbs. for the last 10 months…[woot-wooting!]….
reflections:0)
Lori says
Keep dreaming- dreams do come true. You are doing great Cathy.
Susan W says
Sounds like a fab week over here in your blog!
Congrats on the 11 lbs being gone!
sue Treiber says
So funny! I am glad you got a new camera so we didn’t miss out on the scale photo.
Michelle Giaimo says
Good job! looks like everything is getting a new look!
Nancy Hyland says
Amen on the losing weight – its tough, but 11 lbs is nothing to sneeze at!! great job!!!
Can’t wait for the rest of the week and all the cool stuff you have coming up!!
Rebecca says
Well done!
kp says
love the new banner! and keep on keepin’ on-
Beth says
Amen, sista! I tried running…but my thighs rubbed together and my sweats caught on fire and melted my swank new running shoes. I might have found a few of those pounds you lost.
Joan says
Thank you for your honest sharing! You made me laugh and feel so much better about my own weight-loss challenge, very similar to yours, numbers and all. Good luck…and keep at it. And thanks for the inspiration!!
Joan
Jana D says
Congrats on your 11 pounds GONE.
I just started WW myself. Found out I am up 2.2 since last I went to WW. 🙁
Sharon says
It’s good to see that we’re all in this together. I’m 14lb down since mid Jan and feeling a heck of a lot better for it. I woud like at least another stone and possibly an extra half by Mid May when i hit 40. Keep on going Cathy and everone else in blog land, we CAN do it. (I’m not normally this positive but am thrilled by the prospect of new jeans as mine are looking awful)
Sharon from across the pond in the UK x
Tanya says
AMEN – thanks for the inspiration and keep it up! ~TanyaS
Anne says
Minus 11 pounds since the start of the year is terrific! Stop being disappointed in yourself and bask in your accomplishment. I gave up a long time ago on diets and slimming down. I’m about the same weight as you and I’m happy with it. And I do enjoy my time on the couch, but I prefer Krunchers to Lays.
pam says
Good job on the 11 lb weight loss. Slow and steady wins the race.
Love the new banner and excited about the new paths you’re taking.
Jennie says
Congrats on the weight loss! I love the new banner. It made me smile!
Nadia says
congrats on 11 pounds down! have you ever considered a heart rate monitor? lets you know that you are burning the fat and not walking for nothin’. also lets you know if you are working to hard and thus just exhausting yourself? again for nuthin’. just a thought. happy monday! ciao!
Suzette says
You rock! I only wish I was down 11 pounds! Right now, I weigh more than the morning I gave birth to my son–YIKES! If I hadn’t just eaten 2 tortillas slathered in butter, I would start today. I guess there’s always tomorrow (insert Annie here). LOVE the new banner and I can’t wait to here the details of your new class!!
Houston says
Love the new banner and the “talking” scale. You are brave girl, I judege all weight loss on the looseness of my pants, scales scare me!
Sara Rossi says
CONGRATS Cathy!! You shoule proud of yourself! You make me want to hit the Wii Fit that’s been sitting in my living room giving me a case of the guilts!
Rhona says
Hats off to you Cathy, I wish I could say I’d lost 11 pounds since January but I think my total is probably around 2!! I hate trying to lose weight and am not very good at it – such bad eating habits! Keep posting and inspiring us, I am going to try and get on the band wagon again soon.
Darlene says
Wow, you go girl!! Weight loss and new activities!! You better be feeling good…all your cyber-friends are rooting for you, miss you and will follow you blindly into any endeavor you choose. 🙂
Can’t wait for the new blog info & BPB class. Yahoo!!
Your online scrapbooking friend,
Darlene
Ange says
Congratulations! Awesome!
Bec says
Ah, you are such a tease, my dear. Will continue to watch the blog, the tweets and the face to get all the juicy details.
Don’t you have a birthday coming up? Or am I having memory problems again?
Heather P says
Amen and Congratulations on the great progress! You are doing great!
Can’t wait to hear about the new class and other stuffs. %)
Heather P
Annette says
I’m playing the Bright Eyes song for you! “First Day of My Life”…I downloaded it after DYL and love it. Am so loving your new look and excited to take more classes from you. I’m taking LOM right now- one of the challenges of your class was I had no photo organization and couldn’t find photos for layouts! Anyways, we are doing the “Personal Page Requirement” assignment, and one of mine is to make pages that are well designed in order to allow the viewer to “get it”– the story/emotion that I’m trying to convey. And thanks to you- I’m on my way!
Way to go on the weight loss! You are inspiring me to get on my elliptical and get moving. Thanks for the inspiration!
Kimberly says
Definately an amen here….I’m on the weight loss bandwagon too. For my height at a whopping 5’1″ I am in the “red” area at the Dr.’s office…wow I find it hard to believe that being 25-30 pounds overweight is “obese”. That really hit me hard…so like you and tons of other people, I’m trying to get it off!
P.S. I really want to learn that pole dancing too! It looks really hard though.
Jakesmom says
Amen sister! You keep on going – slow and steady as the tortise will win this lb race.
Looking forward to find out about your new classes…loved DYL…
Kathy T says
You go girl! 11 lbs is great work. I’ve only lost 5 since Jan, but then I like to eat too much….
Keep going. You’re losing 5.5/month. 160 is toast, sista.
Theresa says
Amen! Good work! My friend got the Flirty Girl workout video and she loves it. I’m working up my nerve.
Korey Lindberg says
Amen, Cathy, Amen!
You rock and keep it up!!!
Lauren says
OKay Cathy, thank you for being so honest and upfront. I too, long for the size 10 pant days. However from a size 18, they are quite a bit aways. Your slow, but steady way is the true good way to lose and keep it off. I must do the same. Thanks for your inspiration and honesty!!!
elsie says
i want to learn pole dancing too! but i think i will try to follow your inspiration of slow and steady. nothing else has worked so far. looking forward to the new scrapbooking ideas.
Lisa says
Great job on your weight loss and getting healthy 🙂 Dream big (or should that be dream smaller or dream on…just keep dreaming-whatever)
Your list of “up & coming” stuff sounds fabulous and also a bit of a tease…now I will be stalking your blog 😛 till I find out more! hahaha
Dani says
AMEN!!! I lost 13 pounds and now it seems I have hit a plateau.(sp?) It is frustating, but I thank you for sharing, because it does help to hear other people’s triumps and struggles with weight. Keep us informed.
Amanda says
Well done on the weight loss. Hopefully I can start my journey by the end of the month. I go for my 6 week post baby checkup in 2 weeks and then I’ll get the go ahead to lose weight. BTW…I want to learn pole dancing also, but don’t think I could convince hubby to put a pole in this house since we don’t own it. LOL
Caity says
Yay for guilt free internet time! And thanks to your obsession of Josh Pyke, I too love love love him! And just saw that he has a new album because of your twitter update. so keep up the good work with the updates!
Susanvl says
Good job! Keep it up, you’re my inspiration here. Of course, I’m blaming my lack of progress on hormones (or whore-moans as my best friend calls them). As soon as that’s dealt with, I hope to be chasing you down that scale. Just keep picturing Oprah’s wagon full of lard, that always keeps me away from the really bad stuff!
krista says
i did it and you can too. keep up the great work!!!!! 🙂
Tammy McClain says
I hear ya girlfiend! I’ve been working out it’ll be a year the end of this month and I’ve lost a total of 13 lbs. Though I would have wanted to have lost more, excersicing isn’t as hard as the staying away from the wrng foods…but we are working on that 😉 Excited to hear about this new workshop…I loved Design My Life and I’m sure this one won’t disappoint either.
Sara says
Time I registered to weight watchers again, the 1/2 stone I lost before christmas has crept on again and left me feeling crap!
JulieP says
I’d say you’re right on track. I started Jan. 5th and have lost 11.5 lbs. Yay us!
Barb says
You’re doing great! And the fact that you’ve been using the treadmill every single day for 30 minutes? Amazing. I really need to join you in that endeavor. E True Hollywood Stories, huh? I’ll have to check and see when that’s on. Goodness knows I need something to motivate me.
Christa Adamski says
Great Job Cathy! I’ve been going to WW for a little over a year now and you are right, it is HARD, but it is WORTH it! One of the things my leader told us, which REALLY HELPED me, is to watch the BLT’s…Bites, licks and tastes…they all add up in the day (and esp. the day of a mom!) Hope this little “nugget” helps you on your journey!
BTW, went to a Bikers & Bitches 40th party this weekend – and they had a pole installed just for it – and WOW is that hard stuff!!! It was fun though! Photos on my facebook if you want to see 🙂
Cassie Fishbein says
Okay, you TOTALLY crack me up:) Great job on the weight loss and a hearty “amen!”
Can’t wait to hear about the workshop at BPS. I can’t imagine your promo is lame…but if it is I’ll let you know:)
Diane says
So hearing the weight loss woes !!! I just love food … AHHHHHHH!
And hangin to see whats in store from scrapping cathy!!!!
Kirsty says
AMEN! Losing it isn’t half as much fun as putting it on *sigh*
My pants fell down yesterday as I came down the stairs trying to juggle the garbage bags…I am guessing its working 😉
Andrea says
(and my new workshop revolves around Twitter and Facebook). Aw yeah! Bring on guilt-free internet time.
THAT IS MUSIC TO MY EARS! Can’t wait for the sneak peek!!!
SuzAnn says
Cathy, I think you are my soul sister! Amen to all you do, girl. Congrats on the weight loss and thanks for keeping it real. Can’t wait to see your classes at BPS!
Shannon C says
Way to go Cathy. Congrats! Never underestimate the power of “compelling” television! That is the only thing that keeps me on the treadmill in the AM!
Susy says
Amen Sister.
Kris says
I have to say I’m a big fan of Pink’s THS. (And Anna Nicole’s…I’m so ashamed)
Lisa says
Amen here too. I also have reached the 11 pounds lost in two months. Nice to know I’m not alone on this long journey. Looking forward to your new class.
Barb says
Congrats on the weight loss, especially the part about making better choices. 🙂
And the previews of coming attractions… it all sounds good. Can’t wait!
Margy Eastman says
Congrats on the loss! I lost 45 pounds last year with WW. My secret? No, not exercise and drinking copious amounts of water…SKINNY COWS. Yup, the best dessert ever for only 2 points. That allows a few extra points for my 8 ounce (or whatever) glass of wine.
Cheers!
Margy in NP
Lisa says
Woot woot and amen. I just want to point out how especially difficult it is to lose weight in winter. I bet you could rock the pole too. Operators are standing by to tell you how you can try one out in your home for just $1.
RobynS says
Who HOOOOO – All I can say is I wish I was in your 3 digit range vs my 3 digit range. I think you should go celebrate and buy the new Price CD at Target!
RobynS
Sherri P eh says
Way to go Cathy! I am so impressed! I too set a goal to start after Christmas, then it was beginning of February and I still hadn’t started any serious weight loss, and now, beginning of March, I HAVE TO DO IT! If I had started when you did, maybe I’d be down 11 pounds too! We’re samers, as I got on the Wii fit today and it told me I was overweight, at 176. Woo hoo! I didn’t hit those numbers in either pregnancy! Guess that’s what the forties are doing to me! You’re inspiring, and I want to see your kind of results! And I can’t wait to hear more about your BPS class! Very intriguing!!
Jennifer Larson says
Congrats on the weight loss! And I can’t wait to hear about your new class!
Alissa W. says
Ok so I never comment – but you know what needs good design? Pieces of Flair on Facebook. You should start a second career designing flair on Facebook – really some of the font choices are appalling, and haven’t these people heard of balance? Anyway, love your blog – loved your BPS class. and looking forward to what’s in store next.
Becki Britt says
Let me chime in on loving the new banner. Very simple. Very CZ!
Miss M! says
I own a pole. It’s AWESOME.
Tonja Trump says
It’s only 4 more pounds…YOU can do this!!
(cheering as I’m doing the Carlton for you)Go Cathy, Go Cathy, Go Cathy!!
Happy Tuesday!
Susan C says
Well done on the scales heading in the right direction. I too have been on the weight loss band wagon and have shed 34kg since the end of July last year. The treadmill is my friend too, although I aim for an hour.
My trainer says that the first 20mins is just your body burning carbs so the more you can do after that 20mins at your optimal heartrate the better. Works for me.
Mona says
Congrats on the weight lose!! So we will be able to participate in the BPS class if we haven’t yet gone to the dark side and joined FB or Twitter?
Michelle says
Amen, sister Amen!
Losing weight after 40 is so much harder than I imagined! My body has gotten rather attached to those 10 pounds that I am trying so hard to loose. Would you believe that I have been working out for a month…and have gained 2 pounds!?!?! WTF???
Amen, sister, Amen!
Michelle
Jenell says
Good job on the 11 lbs. I think it’s great and I like the attitude – slow & steady! And thank you for your inspiration – I’m counting points starting today and hope I don’t blow it by lunch!
Can’t wait to see what’s in store – interactive with your blog readers? just can’t wait.
Jenell
Lazy Mom Leslie says
So proud of you! I have lost 30 pounds, and gained that same 30 back. It five pound increments at least six different times. Good news, I still can wear the clothes in my closet. Bad news, seems like I can’t keep it off! At least it’s only five pounds, over and over and over and over.
http://www.lazymoms.com
Paula - Buenos Aires says
Amen!
I´ve been going the “healthier choices” way too.
I don´t own scales, just in case. 😉
Christine_H says
Woohoo, good luck Cathy! 🙂 Just wanted to say that I’m really looking forward to your next BPS class 🙂 And I currently design for a magazine where I’m from, and you’re a total inspiration 😀 😀 😀
Jennifer R says
OMG!!! That would be the best picture ever for the front of the fridge! Talk about making you think twice when you reach in for a snack you really don’t need and aren’t even hungry for! Classic!
Jennifer
Margaret C says
Just a little whoop-whoop for you – here in the UK you would already be 2 sizes smaller than you are… so that size 10?? You’re aiming for a 6 here sister…!!! Hope that cheers you up – it SOOOO doesn’t work the other way !!
Jen de Ridder says
So much teasing…so little…
Anyway, looking forward to all you will share and all you do share.
Karen says
Congrats! Breaking the 160 barrier will happen..can’t wait for the announcement when you achieve that goal!
Jamie Q says
Found you a job. In Dallas … before you say no just remember No Snow!
http://jobview.monster.com/getjob.aspx?JobID=79611460&brd=1&q=scrapbook%2c+scrapbooking&cy=us&lid=316&re=130&AVSDM=2009-02-26+15%3a03%3a00&pg=1&seq=1&fseo=1&isjs=1&re=1000
Nanette says
Hooray for you, Cathy!!! That’s fantastic!! Great weight loss!! I weighed in this a.m. at my local WW meeting + lost 2.4 lbs. WW is wonderful!! Glad you’re having so much success with it. 🙂
Can’t wait to see the ‘new’ look on your blog!!
Hugs!!
Debbie from Arizona says
I love your new banner/masthead – goes well with your “unemployed” theme. Looking forward to hearing about the new BPS class.
Quinna says
It is hard to lose weight but I truly believe in Weight Watchers….it is the best.
It becomes easier as the farmers markets with the fresh fruits and vegies arrive.
Try some polenta….I never dreamed that I would love that cornmeal mush!
Gina says
Congrats on the 11 pound loss – that is so awesome! I wish I were the one recording that kind of loss on Sparkpeople, but I got to put in that I’ve gained 4 pounds in 2 weeks! WTH! I’m getting serious now too & you are my inspiration!
KarenB says
11 pounds is AWESOME! I am working with you, although I have not been on my treadmill. I have too many great excuses not to be! Keep on truckin’ Cathy. We can both be where we want. It didn’t pack on overnight so it doesn’t come off overnight…
Lynn Gleason says
Your comment about passing the Fudge Bars made me wonder if you’ve heard about the new WW program called incrEdible rewards. I just joined myself and thought I’d pass this link along just in case you want to check it out…our family is into their brownies, Giant Chocolate Cookie and Cream Bars, yogurt, progresso soups etc. so it will pay off for us to take advantage of the program. Just fyi. http://www.WWIncredibleRewards.com
Marianne says
Why the “Boo?” You’ve lost 11 lbs, sister! It should be a “Yeah!”