Another month has come and gone and the weekend found me in my bathroom, with camera in hand and a heartful of hope, as I expelled all the air from my lungs and stepped ever so gently onto the scale.
161.5.
3 pounds down since last month.
What the?
Am I being punked?
What about being back in the one-fitties by my 44th birthday? I DEMAND A RECOUNT!
After I calmed down and took my photo, I decided to take my measurements. Every single number went down. So maybe all that crap about building muscle has a drop of truth to it.
I captured my feelings in the lovely scrapbook page you see below. (Click on the layout to see it larger in a new window, and enjoy!)
For the record, I've done everything I'm supposed to be doing this month. I am exercising every day and eating within my points range. I guess this month my body is just being a bit stingy with the chub.
Let's take a quick visual recap of January, and now:
I still have much work to do, and I still have to remind myself every single day that doing this is good for my mind as much as it is for my body.
And let me tell you, I really do have to remind myself every single bloody day.
Remember, you're always just inches away from overdosing on donuts at any given second. And by "you" I really mean "me." And by "donuts" I really mean ALL FOOD EVERYWHERE (but specifically french fries).
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Want to join in the fun (and hard work) of documenting your own journey to fitness? I have two templates (here and here) to help you do the job.
Kate says
Ahh the numbers aren’t important…don’t worry (plus Feb is a SERIOUSLY short month 🙂 ) You can really notice a difference between the two shots. So much so you may have inspired me to don my fitness gear and go for a run!
jody says
As much as I am happily cheering you on in your weight loss journey, I am strangely drawn to your toilet and wether the lid is up or down in each photo LOL
I know, I have a problem…
jody says
…I am also aware of the spelling issues in the above post!
Madeline St Onge says
Cathy I can so see the difference in you from Jan to March. It does show how hard you are working. I am so happy to hear that someone else is obsessed with food like I am.
Hang in there you are doing great
Michelle K says
Good for with keeping it up. I am really impressed. Maybe I should be doing the same thing with my goals. I have never measured just weight..and the way my clothes fit.
Marcia says
I rooting for you – and working on my weight as well – have a class reunion in August. It’s reality when you’re over 50 and your daughter says, “mom, you’ve been eating like a teenager.” OUCH. Trying to say no to junk food, cookies, cakes, extra starches. Okay, so once in a while I indulge, like the bag of m&m’s hidden in a drawer in my living room. Keep up the great work Cathy! You’re not alone in this.
Amy L says
Cathy, you are looking great! And the waistline determines our risk for diabetes, so you are right that inches are important. You are very inspiring!
JoLynn says
You’re doing great, Cathy. I hear ya about your 40s. I re-started my journey in October. I just now hit 20 pounds. I have 40 more to go before I am back to where I was before meds made me explode (not taking them anymore). Every pound has clung to me for dear life.
One thing that has helped is mixing cardio and strength training. I go to Zumba… which is such a good time… an hour of dancing (much like Elaine on Seinfeld for me) goes by in a blink. I also take a Pilates Reformer class twice a week. It uses machines much resembling torture devices. But I’m working places that have probably never been worked.
So, away we go. I appreciate you sharing your journey with us.
Leora says
Cathy, you are looking great! Congrats on your progress. It really does show. Continuing to send vibes, Leora
ale says
cathy, we can all see how your body is changing – is amazing!!! congrats!!! thank you for sharing this journey with us.
Donese says
Lookin’ good!!
annie says
your “tuckus” is much smaller and your profile is skinnier…you are doing great!
Christine H says
Hang in there…..you are doing great! Focus on how you feel…remember that MOA in a size 12 feeling. Numbers are nice but the real deal is how you feel and the love you are showing that great body that lets you do all those things you love. Give yourself a big hug, you deserve it!
Ronnie Crowley says
Cathy – have you tried Fiber One for breakfast? It really helps my body keep on the weight loss road. Also a bowl of this fills me right up and I don’t feel hungry at all. Low in points which is especially important.
Heather says
You might be the bravest person I know. I hide my own eyes when I get on the scale. THe thought of sharing it with the world almost makes me vomit =)
Maureen says
You’re pluggin’ along and that’s what matters. btw, since the Ides of March isn’t until the 15th, you have 6 more days to drop more weight and inches. Technically i.e.
Do you love food? oh baby, I know. My blog isn’t named by accident… 🙁
Stephanie Howell says
cathy!!
the differences in those two photos are GLARINGLY obvious. you can do this! don’t drown yourself in trans fats. death by fries is not the way to go, as delicious as it would be. you rock, so proud of you. xo
MimiSaysMeow says
The change is totally noticeable in the photos! I wonder if you actually need to eat a tiny bit more points each day. The reason I say this is that last time around when I did WW I would eat within my points, walk a lot but not eat my activity points. My average weekly loss was 3lbs but then it suddenly slowed to 1lb one of the weeks. My leader told me to try eating a tiny bit more as my body might’ve reached a plateau and was economizing that calories I was eating. So I ate a bit more (like 1pt more a day than I was supposed to) and it worked.
This time around I am doing the same. I eat half my activity points each week and have lost 7lbs in 2 weeks so far. I’m going to be 39 in April so am not far off from 40!
I did my measurements as well and those have changed. I am glad I saw your layouts about the measurements as I didn’t do that last time around but it’s awesome to see all the changes!
Stacy B says
You got taller, too! Looking awesome, Cathy…
cathy says
I actually noticed that myself. It’s a mystery. You know, keep ’em guessing.
cathy says
I know that this is the month i need to mix things up a bit. It’s in the plan!
cathy says
Ronnie, i have not, but will!
cathy says
Thanks, Steph.
cathy says
You know, i just woke up to an email from a friend of mine saying the same thing. Maybe i will test it out next week, after my weigh in, for a week, and add a few more a day.
Marianne says
The pictures say everything! Focus on how you feel and how your clothes fit! It’s not all about the numbers. Go you!
cathy says
Yes, it’s the stretching machine i am using. ; )
susan says
I think that you are doing GREAT!! I think that you are being too hard on yourself. Last night at my WW weigh in my leader did a meeting on celebrating all of our successes so far. She was giving little bravo star stickers out. You need to give yourself a bunch of little stars. You are doing GREAT!! Keep up the great work!!
Thanks for the link to Gina’s site too – Lots of yummy stuff there!
ginny says
I’m right there with you! I lost 7 pounds the first month and now things have slowed down to one or two. Look at your measurements though–you’re getting an hourglass figure! 🙂 I’m still a pear shape! Keep up the hard work!
Jane says
Cathy..you can totally see the difference! I too am doing some layout of my sad journey too….I need to lose 40 pounds by my 50th in August. So I am right there with you! My biggest challenge is the wine…I play fast and loose with exactly what a 4oz glass of wine really is! 🙂
Jodee says
The change is noticeable! Awesome job!
I feel like I’m getting nowhere. I am proud of my exercising, but I don’t seem to be losing any weight. Trying to eat healthier, but that is hard when your husband can and does eat anything! LOL! Just gotta keep plugging away at it.
Congrats to you!
Betheroo says
The important point is that you LOST 3 pounds. You didn’t gain and you didn’t plateau. Keep the faith, baby!
margie scherschligt says
Whoo…hooo….looking good!
Martha says
Cathy-Thanks for posting this. You are going great! And you are keeping me inspired! I haven’t done measurements and the scale has slowed to a snail’s pace, so I am going to do the measurements. There is only a 10 pound difference on my scale, but my clothes fit more comfortably AND I wore a skirt and pair of pants last week that I haven’t been able to put on at all for quite a while.
So you have inspired me to 1) take measurements, 2) stay on track and 3) shake it up this month and try some different things!
Thanks again, Cathy!
Cynthia Friese-Hassanein says
Go you!!!!!!!!! So excited for you:) I need to get my behind back in gear!!!!!! I totally fell of the wagon. try try again:) Thank you for inspo!
Veronica says
congratulations so far on a job well done!! LOL!! you look fabulous and am an inspiration to those of us who are living vicariously through you! I am ready to start…but do not have the motivation…working on it…especially waiting for fruits and veggies to come back into season here…so this plan doesn’t cost me an arm and a leg and a first born son!
C@rol says
I applaud your bravery to put photos of yourself in this challenge on the internet. I couldn’t do it.
Go Cathy! You CAN DO THIS! We are all behind you and share in your goal to be healthy and at a proper weight.
Courtney Walsh says
I can tell a huge difference, Cathy!! Go you! 🙂 Seriously! And thank you for the templates. I’m downloading them right now.:)
Dawn Morgan says
Cathy, you’re doing awesome!!! Keep up the great work! I can really see a difference in the pictures. Also, don’t forget that even though the scale may not budge as much as you’d like, your clothes are probably fitting different!
Jen D says
You look great, congratulations!!! Your bathroom shots I first thought were a crazy idea (especially the sharing them with the world part!) but now I think you have inspired me to do the same- what a great way to see your progress. you go girl! and happy birthday too 🙂
Ali Edwards says
You just keep at it sister!
sarah says
Way to go! The power is in the inches, not just the pounds…and kudos to you for doing it without a professional chef, without a life coach,and without a personal trainer. Just you…and your determination and weightwatchers (and your computer world)! Keep up the great work..you are truely an inspiration.
JamieS says
Congrats! Dont worry about the scale, because the photos dont lie! You look great! I’ll keep reading your update for a little motivation for myself!
Angie says
You are doing great. I heard some very good advice form a life coach – instead of telling yourself you HAVE to eat right, you HAVE to exercise, you HAVE to pass up the fries you should be telling yourself you WANT to eat right, you WANT to exercise, you WANT to pass up the fries. I know it seems so simple but I have (want) to do this and it is helping – really it is.
Go girl go!
Michell says
Wow Cathy look at the definition developing in those arms! I can’t tell from the pants but I bet your legs even more impressive. Focus on how far you have came not how far you have to go. Awesome job!
Jane Toft says
I love your honesty. Remember it’s all about healthy living not being skinny. Diets don’t work, being healthy does 🙂
Izzy says
I haven’t been that weight in 20 years. So VERY proud of you….and happy for you and your size 12 jeans experience. 🙂
We all deserve to have one of those in our lives.
I’m not a smoker, but that stuff about reaching 90 sounds appealing. I may start drinking too. What the heck.
Smooches! Grats on the weight loss.
Deb J says
So proud of you. Just keep on keeping on and it will happen.
Jennifer I. Walker says
CZ, there is an obvious difference in the two pictures! You are looking great!
Jenny says
Congrats! What a difference in the pictures! I’m finding already at almost 36 (10 days) how much harder it is to lose weight. I love reading your blog and thanks for sharing your weight loss trials. I hope you had a great birthday!
tirzah says
Just can’t be anything but happy for you! It’s great what you’re doing!!
Maegan says
Cathy, you look great! Keep up the good work!
Stacy S. says
You go girl! The pics really show a difference. You are inspiring me to start a diet…well, maybe tomorrow! Keep up the good work!
Happy Belated!
LeeAnna says
You are so funny! I love coming to you every morning and getting a good dose of Cathy. Keep up the good work, you look fab. I’m over 40 now too, am I still allowed to say “fab”?
kelly says
I totally see a difference too. You are doing great keep up the good work!
Linda says
You are awesome Cathy–but isn’t the ides of a month the 15th??? My dear hubby always says he was born on the ides of October!
Misty says
What I really want to know is what your husband is saying to you! Hahaha. I recently lost a little over 20 lbs and my husband is all over me (well he was before too, not really much of a change there, but I feel different…sexier some how).
I just wonder what their(our loved ones) perspective is…especially with you having “older” children (mine are all under nine). I’ve told them I’m trying to be healthy.
Nicky Hurt says
You’re an inspiration, Cathy. I’m not in my 40’s (yet) but I want to do what I can to get healthy before I’m there. So…. I joined Curves. Wish me luck! I have quite a bit more weight to lose than you do! 🙂 OH, and congrats!
heather says
keep going. you’re doing great!!!
anna says
Cathy, I know just how you feel. I had the most perfect WW week yet when I went to my meeting and got on the scale yesterday, I was up 1 pound. How can that be?
Sometimes you have to stop and look at the big picture. For me that is being down fourteen pounds since the beginning of the year. And I feel better, too!!!
I did have a meal yesterday that was way out of bounds cuz I was kind of depressed for a minute but I’m starting anew today!
You go girl – You are looking great!
Chubby Housewife says
I’m in the same boat: I’m in the gym 5-6 days a week, sweating and pushing myself. I am eating food that food eats. I’m walking the walk, so to speak.
I even started a BLOG about my fatness. I one-upped you though. I posted a photo of my FRONT BUTT..Top that, Mrs. Z…
And my scale? It sticks its tongue at me….
But I am going to stay the course. I’m committed. I don’t want this fat forever, you know what I’m sayin’?
(I did go on an Oreo bender, I ate like 12….my body said, “no deal” and I puked them up. Puked up Oreos will ruin your cravings for them, I assure you.
I *am* The Chubby Housewife, but not for long…
This week I’m trying green tea. I’m a bit nervous. I’m following your progress with glee, I must say. You’re inspiring me. So please don’t give up….
cathy says
Yeah. I figured i could stretch it. LOL!
cathy says
I’m drinking green tea right now, and i feel…. like what is this flavor anyhow? LOL!
GO YOU!
Jana says
Yay Cathy! You’re really doing it – must be building muscle, since you do look fantastic!! I’m still plugging away at the exercise part – doing daily dancing, walking/jogging, fitting it in as I can. Got a scale finally & if it’s correct I’ve lost 10 lbs. since the last time I checked (who knows when that was!) Even hubby has noticed a dif – says it shows in my face! Why oh why am I loosing weight there?! Hello belly fat – are you paying attention?! Don’t be discouraged – we’re here with you sweating too!!
Tammy says
I have read a couple books by Bob Greene, the guy Oprah worked with to lost her weight, and he covers the topics about plateaus and the whys of the body’s resistance to losing the weight. Maybe this will make the frustration, well, less frustrating.
Jennifer Larson says
You should watch The Biggest Loser. They always have a struggle with week 2, and I’ve heard it’s paradoxically because you’ve lost weight: you aren’t carrying around as much weight as you go about the day, so you will need to add weights to your normal workout to increase the loss. Good luck–you are doing great!
emspahn says
I think you are doing awesome.
I need some motivation…maybe if I make an awesome album it will insprire me to lose some weight!!
Di Hickman says
Cathy what is your routine? Are you just doing cardio on the treadmill? If so add some resistance training. You don’t need weights household objects or bodyweight exercises work just fine for beginners, push ups, seat tri-cep dipsm, ab planks etc. Also for the cardio you are better doing intervals than steady state (continuous speed) as it burns more fat/cals and has great cardiovascular benefits too plus it’s a great way to break through plateaus. You are still losing though so I don’t count this as a plateau.
Slow and steady wins the race, and is more likely to keep it off!
Di – personal trainer and scrapbooker
Sarah B. says
If it helps, I started my weight loss journey with weight watchers the same time you did, and I’m a year younger than you are. And I’m struggling this month too, with many of the same issues you are. It’s just hard. Hang in there. I’m off to check out that website you mentioned.
Susan Dingess says
Well Cathy, since you “prodded” me with your progress on WW, I rejoined and this time online, lovin it! So, in my continuance being a copy cat, what is your favorite (s) of Adagio Tea?
SusanD
Lorrraine Reynolds says
The pictures, the inches, and the size 12 jeans say it all. You are looking, and feeling much better, form what I read. The lb on the scale are such a small part of the picture. Way to go girl!
Lorrraine Reynolds says
Well will you look at that, I’ve never noticed it before. When I post here, in Austrlaia it puts the time and date of where you are, not where I am. Unless it’s like groundhog day or something – and yesterday was not such a good day that I want to live it over and over!
Jules says
You’re doing a fab job, Cathy. You can really see how your body has changed. It’s easy to get discouraged, but try not to let it get to you. There will come a time when you fear getting on the scale b/c of all the “bad” you’ve done only to discover you’ve lost five pounds. It defies logic, I tell ya. Keep up the good fight.
Aileen says
Thanks for inspiring us to get healthy. Don’t get caught up in the numbers . . . there is a serious difference between the 2 pictures. Keep it up!
Leslie says
Congrats! You go girl!
mary says
a day late but happy birthday! fun post. . .
and oh the weight thing. . . .I swear the older one gets the slower the metabolism gets! weight loss gets harder and harder. . . .I was just telling a friend that last year I “worked out” on my wii everyday for a month and thought “this is doing nothing” but at the end of the month my pants were fitting differently! so i guess it was working.
keep it up. . . .my daughter is getting married in June. . . I’d better jump on the band wagon with you!!
cinback says
Cathy, you are looking good! Way to go! My family has recently changed the way we eat too on a program called Eat Clean by a woman named Tosca Reno. She actually says that we need to eat more – 6 smaller meals a day – and pair complex carbs with protein. At first it felt like I was eating all day long, but now that we have adjusted it feels good. I don’t have those highs and lows throughout the day. Anyway, if you want to check out her website it is http://www.eatcleandiet.com.
Deneen Cook says
I think I just may be inspired to try again LOL! Cathy you just totally crack me up. Good Luck and I will be praying for you!
Jackie M says
You look fabulous! You look much more taut, your arms are toned, your butt is smaller …. it’s all good 🙂
Dawn says
You are so freakin brave!! Thanks for the inspiration!!
lea says
Hey Cathy, I’ve been in and out of love with a number of blogs in my time, but yours is just great – I can’t help but keep coming back. I love your sense of humour, the fact that you can make fun of yourself, your openness and generosity with your life and your family, and I just want to say you seem like a really lovely person.
Best of luck with the weight loss program!
PS – you have a really good looking family – yourself included!
Heidi says
Hey, as of today we are the same weight!
I’m in my 8th YEAR and fighting every day – if not to get to goal…still 8 lbs away…at least to not re-gain.
Be prepared to analyze every single thing you put in your mouth for the Rest Of Your Life.
giselle says
I think you are looking quite a bit slimmer! Keep going 🙂
At least you have great teeth……………!!!!!
Heidi says
Cathy, you’re doing a great job! I think you look a lot slimmer! Hey – you even look taller! 🙂
Keep up the good work, you inspire me!
Wendy says
You look great! You are inspiring me to get back on track. I lost 20 pounds last year (over 5 months) and wound up gaining it all back in 3 months!
I know I can do it again and this time keep it off!
Thanks for the inspiration.
www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkIaSpLIYHRcAMWXpv1Wc99BPQO-pMr2II says
Holy crap, you’re immensely inspiring to me! Just enjoying your honest photos and journaling motivates me and makes me actually a bit charged and excited for my daily workout, rather than the usual dread-filled sensation…thanks a million for your blog…it really is a great happy-spot in my day. 🙂
amy says
Nice legs! You are doing great. Thanks for sharing the journey. You are truly inspiring in many ways.
sarah says
Haha. I gained five pounds in the last two weeks since I started working out. What the…?! I’d bet there is something wrong with your scale. 😉
Michelle says
Thank you for posting your photos and progress from your tales from the scale. I have struggled with my weight for my whole life. August 2002, I began my first grown-up attempt at losing weight. From Aug 2002 to Spring 2006, I lost 70 pounds. Life threw me a few curve balls and between that Spring and now I have regained 30 of those pounds. So, I am rededicating myself to becoming healthier, and in the process, losing these 30 pounds. Every day at one point or another, I know I am on that slippery slope of relapse. Yesterday, at just such a point, I was blog hopping and came across your post. I don’t know if you can see the progress like I can, but you have done an awesome job since January. Thank you again – truly kept me firmly on plan yesterday.
jacqueline says
cathy…you look great! you have made a difference in such a short amount of time. i believe in you!
Liz says
Keep up the great work! I recommitted at the beginning of march, and it’s been going good, but not fast. I just have to keep thinking that if I keep it up for months, I will WIN! Which is hard when the scale has showed barely any change over the past few weeks. But I’m betting by the end of March, I will see a change in the RIGHT DIRECTION, so I’m staying focused. I’m with you on the french fries, though, somehow I think they are still tastier than carrot sticks and fiber one bars. Did I mention how much I miss smoking right now?
This series of pages/documentation is awesome. Very motivating for people like me.
P.S. Round these parts, we call it the trudgemill. 😉
Patricia says
Do you ever listen to podcasts while you exercise? Often I exercise MORE just to finish one. Every topic imaginable. Many times I can hardly wait to exercise if there’s a new segment of my favorite podcast.
kerry says
This is my first visit to your site and you captured my attention right away. You are brave to make these numbers public. You own them and we hold you accountable. 14 pounds in 3 months is terrific. I’m inspired. But why does the bust drop 3 inches and the waist stay the same? Not fair. I may join you on weight watchers. It’s a terrific program. Keep it up – Kerry
Edie says
Cathy just keep doing what you are doing! Those pounds will come off. I have been doing Weight Watchers for 5 years and have lost 103 lbs to date. I SOOOO know what you are going thru. My weight loss has had its nice moments where the pounds came off nicely, but I have also had A LOT of moments where the weight did not want to budge no matter what.
Take right now, I hit my 103 lb loss over Christmas. Once I did that I decided to step up the exercise even more. For four weeks I started using the elliptical and treadmill 5x a week, pushing myself harder than I ever had, and I didnt lose a single lbs. Four weeks ago I started going to a “bootcamp” workout 3x a week. They have me doing things I never thought I could do, and yet.. I still havent lost a single pound. I have been bouncing back and forth between the same 2 lbs for 3 months. But Im not giving up.. I know Im living a healthier lifestyle and that eventually I will win and the scale will move.
And the scale will start moving again for you! Just stick with it, and take it one day at a time, and know that you are not alone in this journey. We are all right here cheering you on!
Deirdre says
Amazing! Thank you for sharing your progress and the photos. My inspiration is coming from your arms—do you SEE how they have changed already??
I’m doing WW online…or at least I’m paying them for a membership and counting my pts until 2 pm each day when I give up and eat cookies. Not today.
Keep going! One good choice at a time…
Lisa says
Cathy, you are so-o-o inspiring and funny! Did you ever think about stand-up? I would pay to go see/hear you. You make me laugh out loud whenever I read anything from you. Plus, because you admit to being a “potty mouth”, I don’t feel so bad anymore, because I’m one too. I don’t know what it is about swearing. I don’t do it to be nasty or bad, I just feel like I express myself better (plus it feels GOOD to say certain bad words!), when I swear. I do have control over the situation tho’, I’m not a total moron. Stay YOU Cathy!
Lisa