I've made no secret of it lo these past 11 months: I want to be a loser.
December marks the beginning of the 12th month that I've been living in Move More, Eat Less mode. 12 months. Just like that.
And this month finds me on a much needed return to following the Weight Watchers plan. If you recall, two months ago, I blogged about going off the plan and trying another online calorie counting website, MyFoodDiary.com, mostly to shake things up and see if I could be successful with a slightly different approach. And the resulting answer? Not so much.
Turns out that counting calories compared to counting points doesn't really measure up evenly, and especially not when you're trying to cram roughly 600 calories worth of muffins or cookies into your daily allotment that apparently says, "No problem. Eat 'em up, Sister!" I was milking the system for as much sugar as I could get my hands on.
So it's Hello Weight Watchers once again.
As many of you have heard by now, Weight Watchers has overhauled their Points system for the first time in over a decade, recently introducing the new Points Plus system. This is as new to me as anyone so I feel like I'm in test mode for the month. Can I lose weight and eat all the points-free fruit I want? Time will tell.
Let's be honest here: some days, Cuties vs. Banana Sex Muffins seems like some really heartless joke. It's very easy to delude myself into thinking I can bake twice a week and maintain a healthy attitude towards sugar.
But the reality is that I can't.
It's like those few times I tried to quit smoking in the 90s, and I'd make these ridiculously transparent rules. Rules like: I'll only smoke when I'm drinking wine, or, I'll only smoke after 5 p.m., or, I'll only smoke when the sun is on the other side of the Earth, and so on and so forth. Every path eventually led to complete immersion. I have an enormously difficult time moderating my addictions.
It's the same with sugar. I try to convince myself that baking for my family is a way to show them I love them, but it's mostly a chance for mama to get a big time bump.
Case in point: last Saturday, I went out with my sisters-in-law for our annual holiday shopping outing known in St. Paul as the Grand Meander. We had a lovely lunch at our favorite bar, The Wild Onion, where we shared onion rings, sliders, lettuce wraps, and chased it all down with a nice round of Bloody Marys (mine was a virgin mind you, I just like the spicy tomato juice and the fixin's, the vodka, not so much.) And all was well and good until I kept noticing every store was offering tasty cookies, and I kept noticing I couldn't resist them. Then I got home and promptly at 4 muffins and a two tall glasses of orange juice. The sugar was literally coursing through my veins and I felt like I was high, minus the paranoia.
Then the crash hit. After about an hour, I felt like complete kaka du jour. My solution to feel better? Eat two more muffins. Then fall asleep.
This is not how I want to live my life.
So for now, it's More Broccoli Please!
Beginning today I'm re-dedicating myself to another year of Moving More and Eating Less. I've proven that I know what it takes and I'm not willing to get cocky or careless with it. Stay tuned for more info on how you can join me in 2011.
For now, my last official Tales from the Scale layout of 2010:
(click on the layout to see it larger in a new window)
SUPPLIES: Layered Template No. 38 (Cathy Zielske) • Krafty No. 7 Cardstock Pack (Katie Pertiet) • Aki Solids Paper Pack (Michelle Martin) • Avenir and Archer fonts
Want to join in? Or document your journey? Or whine along? Or celebrate successes? Both the template above and this one are available at Designer Digitals for those who want to track their progress along with me. There's a Flickr Group as well, to share your pages with others making similar changes.
To read more on my journey of Eating Less and Moving More, all posts on fitness related issues can be found here.
Kristi says
Cathy – I think you are awesome. I love that you posted the good and the bad all year. I love how AMAZING you did. I love your pages. I know it is hard to maintain health. It is soooo much easier (and a hell of a lot more fun) to eat what comes at you and sleep through a workout. You did a great job with your Move more, Eat Less campaign. Have you ever looked into going to local meetings because I bet you would be an incredible WW meeting leader? So real and so funny. Good luck this year. Cannot wait to keep following your jouney.
Kristi (used to work at Cropper Hopper)
Jeanne Pellerin says
Having a similar problem. Will exercise today, though. Must make better food choices!
KathleenB says
You’ll love the new WW!!!! I’ve been doing it for the past week and, although not official until Tuesday, I’ve dropped like 4 pounds – in one week! Been doing WW since April and down almost 40 lbs…woohoo! Good luck getting back on track…you’ll love it!!
Christina says
wow that’s great Cathy!! But has this affected your memory all this weight loss??? It’s Monday!!Remember template Monday…. what happened?? I’ve been sitting here all afternoon checking (in Australia) and then this…. boo hoo!!
katie squires says
I felt like I was reading my own journal…I have the exact same love affair with muffins…my nickname as a kid was even MUFIIN….oh vey.
Muffins aside…your still kicking ass…you see what needs to be tuned or done and you do it!
Most of all you keep moving 🙂
Go Cathy GO 🙂
Ellie says
Oh yes the evil battle of the yummy sugars.
I too am there and I just joined WW last
Wednesday so far I have been proud of
My choices and feeling good. It’s been A week
Since I’ve had a soda and for me that is my
1st of many victories to come
Nancy M says
I’m with you in 2011!
twitter.com/pmakurat says
I think you’ll love the new program. I compared Points & calories & kept finding myself way over in points & under in calories ultimately under eating no matter what the points said. I love the new program! It’s much more healthy based.
cathy says
Hey Kristi, thanks for the comment! Maybe I should check out a meeting, I mean, just to go. In 2000 I attended meetings to lose weight after Cole was born, and I really did like going. : )
cathy says
Remember, Christina, I did have a disclaimer of not every Monday will necessarily have a page! LOL! Sorry to disappoint down under. You know how i love my Aussie readers!
Jan C. says
Somehow I am able to bake often and not eat every scrap of it up myself. But then, I have 5 kids who help by eating it first. The addiction that I can’t break is caffeinated tea, believe it or not. I always pay for drinking caffeine with a migraine. And I always try to convince myself that I am just like everyone else in this world and can drink a cup of tea now and then without it being a problem. And then, inevitably, I start drinking the caffeinated stuff every day and cracking out the Imitrex to chase away the migraines. Duh. The only thing that works is to give the offending beverage up. Period.
Things could be a lot worse over here. Just sayin’–I totally get what you are writing about kidding yourself into thinking you can dabble in the forbidden without paying the consequences!
cathy says
Ellie, letting go of soda is HUGE. I mean HUGE. H.U.G.E.
I dont drink it myself anymore at all. Used to only drink it on special occasions anyway, but now, I can count the number of sodas Ive had this entire year on one hand. Truly.
Good for you!
Katy says
I LOVE the new program.
Why? when I’m ON the progam… Not so hungry.
I know.
HUGE!
Hope you enjoy the PP!
Dana says
Good for you! I love these “Tales from the Scale”. I was right with you for a few months at the beginning of the year. Then came major life changes and there went my good eating and exercising habits out the window. I find that with sugar, if I have a bit, I want more. And that includes diet sodas too. I did so well cutting back with my sweets and I fell off the wagon and haven’t been able to get back on. I’m going to really try in January to focus and eat better and move. I’ve ordered an exercise DVD to hopefully help me with my exercise woes. I’ll continue to read your blog to see how you plan on staying motivated. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Connie says
I LOVE “Tales from the Scale”! Thank you so much for sharing. I am on WW and am very excited about free fruit – especially no 2 pt bananas! I agree with the above comment that you would make a great WW meeting leader. The Before and After pics are inspiring and really reflect your hard work.
Laurie says
You are such an inspiration. I always get something out of your blogs-whether it be a scrapbooking idea, a tidbit of new information, or a good laugh. Case in point-The last couple of weeks I’ve been feeling so tired. I figured it was just end-of-the-semester typical tiredness and ready for a break. Then I read your blog and had an ah-ha moment-more sugar=
increased tiredness. I had been doing really well with not eating as much chocolate-which is my downfall. No longer did I have some M&Ms after lunch, another handful when I got home from work and then a carefully measured 1/4 cup (a “serving size”) after supper. I had re-configured my eating so I only ate the after supper treat (cold turkey doesn’t work well for me). Until Halloween. Then not only did I have M&Ms in the house, but also snack size Milky Ways (they are snack size so they can’t be bad for you, right?). And I went to Target after Halloween and there was all of this chocolate at 50% off. Wow-how could I pass up such a good deal? At work we all brought our extra candy so it wouldn’t be in the house to tempt us. Hello-now it was at work tempting me! Needless to say, my chocolate consumtion skyrocketed. And the to-be-expected fall from the sugar high hits every afternoon. Why I didn’t put this together until reading your blog, I don’t know (yes, I do, I didn’t want to make the connection!). Your blog post this morning made me admit to the connection so I’m back to no chocolate during the day again. Let’s hear a big hooray for healthy eating. Thanks for always being an inspiration.
cathy says
Im tellin ya, that chocolate will get you. Apparently it hits the same pleasure centers in the brain as nicotine, or other drugs. Sigh.
Keep up the hard work!
Kate says
ive just re-started weight watchers. I lost some weight for my wedding and then got married and was ‘happy’ and stuffed my (not so) little face. I started 3 weeks ago, have lost 6lb and want to have lost another 4lb by christmas. heres hoping its downward from there. i love sugar too.
Ladkyis says
try using a sweetener to replace the sugar. My husband is diabetic but sometimes needs to eat a muffin just to show himself that he can still rebel against… well just rebel. I substitute splenda for the sugar – I think Sweet &Low is one of the named brands in the USA. The cakes taste a little different BUT the sugar content isn’t there to psychologically make you high – cos there’s no such thing as sugar high is there.
Therese says
You look fab and the truth is we should eat more fruits and vegis and less stachy foods. Keep us posted, I have been re-thinking WW since they have a new game plan and I’d be interested in what you think. TKS!
Angel Estes says
I have the exact same unhealthy relationship with sweets that you do, and it’s so frustrating!! A couple of years ago I lost a bunch of weight and was cycling almost daily. Now, not so much cycling, and I’ve watched the scale creep up 10+ pounds. I can NOT go back to feeling gross and uncomfortable! And that motivates me to….go eat some cookies. Ugh.
I’ve never done weight watchers, but I’m thinking I might look into it.
Melanie says
I get it. Love baking. Cookies, muffins, cake – but I have very little self control when they’re in the house.
So far, I really like the new program. The extra points were a bit shocking at first (some of my favorites doubled – and it was obviously was not reciprocated in my daily points increase) BUT – I feel oddly more in control than I have in a couple of months (since reaching goal). I can’t say that I’ve lost this week, but I also haven’t gained (and PMS is quickly approaching – this is the time I’m usually +2).
Melanie says
Good for you Ellie! Keep it up. I swear my first – 8 lbs was simply from giving up my beloved Coke. I haven’t touched one since March (although I will drink a diet when we’re out & I get the urge for something fizzy).
Kristyn G says
Cathy, Thank you for opening up to us about your journey this year. You inspired me to start running after the birth of our second child and I am now 6 weeks in to my moving more and eating less campaign and am doing good. Slow and steady wins the race is my mantra. I am interested in joining WW, but don’t want to fork over the money just yet. I’d love to hear what you think of the new points plus system and as much information as you can share with us about how it all works. I’m doing really good with the moving more, but need some help with the eating less and making better choices 🙂
Michelle says
I just went back through your archives and found the first post (January 18, 2009) of your move more, eat less campaign. It was so interesting to read that first post after following your blog this past year. I don’t have the guts to put my stats and picture up on my blog for all to see, but I did purchase your template and starting last month I began my journey. The picture I took really opened my eyes about what I really look like and how out of shape I am. I am not starting my journey just because I want to look better. I have had some medical and emotional problems and my doctors assure me that if I exercise and lose 50 pounds that I will feel better and most, if not all, of my medical issues will vanish. They have used words like “pre-diabetic”, “major clinical depression”, “agressive weight loss” and “no carbs”. None of those words are ones that I want in my vocabulary. I’ve changed my diet (reluctantly) and I’m trying to exercise more. I’m having a hard time with the exercise. I have a 5 and a 2 1/2 year old at home, and they are very reluctant to let me have time to myself to do it. But it helps with the depression and it makes me a better mother and wife, so I keep trying.
Thanks for showing us that it can be done, and it’s worth it in the end. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone in my struggles.
Have a great holiday season!
cathy says
Never thought of a sweetner. Hmmm.
cathy says
The thing is, back when I was a smoker, I NEVER ate sweets. Never even thought about it. More creedence to the whole sugar hits the same part of the brain as nicotine. Sigh.
cathy says
Ill definitely have more to report in January. WW is not cheap. $17.95 a month for the online program. But there is a part of me that feels very accountable when Im paying money each month just to log what Im eating and how much Im moving. Dan and I arent made of money and so it feels like I have to make this count.
Stay tuned!
cathy says
Michelle, I feel for you sister. First off, I do NOT have little ones anymore, which is bittersweet, but it does give me more time to focus on me and make time to exercise and cook healthier foods etc.
I did deal with some major depression after Cole was born, to the point I went on meds for about 9 months to get through it. I wasnt exercising at all then. I wonder how much that would have helped me? I can tell you that in the past year of working out, my whole high strung former self has changed dramatically. Im not as moody. I dont yell anymore (and I used to, a lot.) I am convinced that sweating has made me mentally more stable.
That alone some days keeps me keeping at it.
The best to you and everyone out there in this same spot! : )
cathy says
Im looking forward to my weigh in next saturday, to see what happens. I started it last week, and there was no change on the weekend, when I normally weigh in.
But then again, I ate WAY too much for the week.
Time will tell!
MarionW says
OK, so here’s my not so scientific theory (although everybody is an individual, and this may not work for you): you can cheat occasionally and get by with it, but when you make it a habit, that’s when you get into trouble. I baked a cake for Thanksgiving and we ate it (one portion per day, no more) over four days. NEVER bake sweets more than once a month (I say this with a Penzeys recipe for oatmeal cinnamon muffins staring me in the face, which I am trying to put off making, and I’m not currently working, so I don’t have to face all the holiday baked goods in the office). If you do cheat, then be really overzealous over the next few days and watch what you eat until the scale shows that you have paid for you indiscretion. The problem is, as you get older, the stuff you were able to get away with eating when you were young no longer works, and the sad truth is that you have to be on your guard all the time. I don’t eat junk, but I had no business having a hamburger dripping with cheese at Cheesecake Factory last week with friends (at least I didn’t have any cheesecake). Unfortunately, the only self control I have is to keep temptation out of the house, which means no chips, no sweets, no ice cream, no cookies, etc., etc., and just treat myself occasionally. Walking through Trader Joe’s is a serious challenge, especially at this time of year. My husband is seriously overweight, which gives me a bit more incentive in keeping unhealthy snack food out of the house. But I hear you – it’s a constant struggle, but you’ve come so far, I’m sure you can keep it up!
Kristyn G says
Michelle: I wanted to jump in here with a possible suggestion for “finding/taking time” for the workouts. My oldest is 3 and he LOVES to exercise with us. It’s funny, in just 6 weeks of my hubby and I moving more, our son has started asking us if we are going to “essercize” today and if I am going for a run, he demands to get in the stroller and go with me. I think the best thing is to let them be involved in your journey and they will give you the time you need and also give you some fun time with your kids. it is hilarious to watch toddler pushups!
Angie U says
I have absolutely loved your monthly “Tales from the Scales” -So motivating to see your progress! I’ve been working with a personal trainer off and on since April – took some time off over the summer months due to traveling, but kept up with workouts on my own. I’m thrilled to say I’ve lost 30 pounds! It really is work and takes diligence to stay committed to a healthier lifestyle. I love having a plan in place to get through the holidays and then back with the trainer again 2x week after the New Year! Keep going Cathy and I will too!!
Billie K says
“It’s like those few times I tried to quit smoking in the 90s, and I’d make these ridiculously transparent rules. Rules like: I’ll only smoke when I’m drinking wine, or, I’ll only smoke after 5 p.m., or, I’ll only smoke when the sun is on the other side of the Earth, and so on and so forth. Every path eventually led to complete immersion. I have an enormously difficult time moderating my addictions.”
Thanks so much for posting the above. It made me feel a little more normal. I haven’t tried the one….when the sun is on the other side of the Earth yet…..grin…that is my favorite.
cathy says
Man, Marion, you have nailed it: you cant get away with it. And once you wean yourself from the sugary stuff, you really DO begin to enjoy the natural sweetness of other foods, like fruits etc, but boy… once you get that refined sugar back in. Yikes.
And yes, Trader Joes does the same to me. I am presently hooked on their bran flakes. I have them every morning for breakfast. Also, their almonds.
:
cathy says
You know, to add in here, even just doing some silly dance party time with the kids will give you a chance to shake your bootie and burn some calories. : )
cathy says
Good for you Angie! love hearing this. And yes, Im using this month to really get inspired to keep it up for 2011!
TracyBzz says
Points Plus is kinda the same but kinda different. Still points – but calculated on a wider range of factors. More fruit = more healthy choices. Free fruit or a 2 point ‘treat’ – makes me choose fruit. Lower more reasonable amount of carbs, since they cost you more – sucks but is realistic.
Good luck being back on WW.
Keri says
You just freakin’ inspire me with my own Me VS. Sugar goals, that’s all!!! Thanks for the rockin’ blog, Cathy…
heidig says
I’ve been following along all year and I just have to say that you look incredible Cathy! What a transformation from before to after. Keep up the good work in 2011!
2hounds says
Cathy –
first let me say – congratulations on knowing yourself! and rejoining the WW program. YEA!
I rejoined myself last week – after being gone for a year – not pretty – so I’m just in week one of the new program –
I have many of the same go/no go issues about food – I can’t eat just one cookie – who is kidding who.
Good luck with your continued journey! And thanks for sharing!
Amy D says
Cathy,
My husband decided back in February that he needed to lose weight and begin exercising. It has been a year of ups and downs for him too. I am amazed when I read your stories and see the progress you have made~my husband has made as well (35 pounds lost). Way to go both of you!!! Hopefully you will be encouraged by everyone’s well wishes and kudos and keep up the amazing work!!! You are an inspiration to many 🙂
Sharon in CA says
In theory sounds like a good idea, but Don’t Do It…its a slippery slope and sweetners – like the ones found in soda or sugar will actually cause you to crave more sweets… its better to go natural with fruit and reduce where you can…Again, its all a theory as I plan on joining you on the WW plunge and Move More please…
Barb says
Cathy, you used to be a yeller? Really? I can’t picture it, but then again, it’s not the kind of thing we tend to blog or scrapbook about, is it?
I am a yeller when I get stressed out, and my poor kids… they sure know it when their mama hasn’t had enough sleep and/or exercise! 😛
And Michelle, good for you for taking action to turn your health issues around. It’ll make a huge difference to your physical and emotional well-being. Good luck on your journey! <3
cathy says
oh, big time yeller. Much more so before i quit smoking. Quitting smoking had an IMMEDIATE calming effect (after the horrific withdrawal period.) I think i yelled a lot because i hid my smoking from the kids, so I was always stressed out about when i could sneak away and get a chance to smoke. Sigh.
But now, I almost never yell. I cant remember the last time I lost my cool on anyone other than Dan, and even then, its been a while. : )
c
dawn says
Cathy first of all, you look SIMPLY AMAZING when you look at your first picture and your present one. All year you’ve done so well and tried new things so please don’t beat yourself up too bad. That’s good for you to change back to WW and know where your promblems are that’s the first step in claiming the power again. I on the other hand am not much of a sweets person, it’s there a little bit during the week of my PMS but otherwise nothing. My promblem is going to the track isn’t happening anymore and it makes me frustrated, lazy, sad for myself. The weather took a very cold change with snow so I haven’t been out in two weeks and tried the gym and like before the gym isn’t for me. So not sure what I will do but have to do something because the walk/jogging was so good and made me happy. Hoping to get a treadmill for xmas. So keep your chin up Cathy, take it one day at a time. Can’t wait to see what you have planned for next year, do we have to wait that long?
Barb says
Cathy, your transformation from stressed-out, yelling smoker to calm, healthy-eating runner-swimmer chick is really quite remarkable. 🙂
I’m thinking that your next stop ought to be the yoga studio. Of course, I say that to you, only because many of my fitness friends tell me that’s what *I* need to help me find my inner peace and dump my stress-bunny pace of life…
Megan says
(hoo boy…that is A LOT of pressure… 😉
cathy says
thanks Dawn! You know, I never thought I could do the gym either. Honestly. But I have found that i can get on the elliptical and work up a serious sweat and its so nice to my knees and feet! but it takes focus to make sure I get there to do it, you know? You wont have to wait until January… Im working on a cool thing that I hope to share either next week or the week after!
Megan says
this I did not know…even diet? Were you a diet soda drinker, or no?
Megan says
I agree about the sweeteners, except for Stevia. It is the only sweetener that has been proven NOT to raise blood sugar levels. It’s a big fat ZERO on the glycolic scale.
Megan says
(sex also hits this same spot in the brain. a plus for Dan AND it burns calories. But staying up all night also leads to tiredness. Use at your own discretion. Just sayin.)
Megan says
I agree wholeheartedly here. Good lucj Michelle! This will pay huge dividends for you! Do you have a blog? let us know and we can all start following and supporting you too!
cathy says
oh, no diet. Couldnt STAND diet. I would drink a full sugared soda when I did imbibe. But I havent been a regular soda drinker for years. Still… even one every now and then is enough to get me craving more.
Alison Shearer says
I love it when you share things and I go – ‘yeah me too’ – it’s nice to know I’m just normal. I have been in a bit of a ‘I’m doing plenty of exercise so I can eat what I like’ phase and have also gained a little bit. I think it’s Ok to lose the plot sometimes as long as we get back on track soon – and don’t let the slide continue. Thanks for sharing. It always helps.
Ingunn says
Thanks for continuing to be an inspiration! I signed up today after reading about the new Points Plus system (on your facebook wall, actually!) – I’m a soda and chocolate junkie and my pants don’t fit anymore.
Now I’m sitting here eating satsumas and hoping they will get me through the worst of the sugar withdrawals.
Susan says
That is so interesting points vs calorie counting. A few years ago I saw a physician who worked with obese people – ok just get it out there. That was hard. Any how she told me that all that mattered was calorie counting but being careful of choices and exercising more. Now I am a sugar addict and like you I will eat all those allowed calories in sugar so I think points works better. I lose a bit of weight everytime. So thanks for the inspiration and perhaps I will start a journal tonight.
Stacy B says
I love the “after” pic on you. You look like you have the bod of a 22 yr old. 🙂
I’ll be keeping an eye on how the WW system goes. I’ve ditched the calorie counting as well – it was moving nowhere for me. But I’ve seemed to conquer my sweets addiction, so that helps. I just wish I knew a little bit more about food science….4 slices of pizza and a burger with fries and a Coke this weekend = 3 lbs lost and now under my goal weight. WTH? I couldn’t get the scale to budge while eating lean meats, fruits and veggies. 🙁
Allie says
Hi Cathy –
Have a peek at this:
http://www.amazon.com/Delicious-Detox-Recipes-Energy-Improve/dp/0986551708/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291675829&sr=8-1
I have been following along with your awesome progress this year and have been trying an eat less move more philosophy myself. I fell off the bandwagon in the summer and by Halloween I was a full fledged sugar addict. Even returning to WW, I was still able to sneak in enough sugar to keep me going. That’s when I found Delicious Detox. I have just completed the recommended three week detox and feel fantastic. The sugar cravings are completely gone and my energy is soaring. The detox program is not a tough one to stick to. The book outlines menus and grocery lists and provides a ton of extra recipes. The recipes are just good for you food, no gimmicks, no supplements.
Just thought I’d throw the idea out there…
All the best for your continued success. You are such an inspiration!
cathy says
thanks for the link. ill go take a peek at the book!
Angi says
Thanks for sharing your story. You’ve helped me on my journey! I’ve lost 105 lbs since 2/1/10 – all by eating less (and better) and gradually moving more. I’ve still got some to go but slowly I just know I’m going to make it this time. I haven’t been brave enough to make any scrapbook pages yet but when I reach my goal I’m going to do one that will tell my story from beginning to end (I’ve been taking notes and taking a few photos along the way). So, thanks for keeping it real and for posting your personal story.
Jett says
Cathy – thank you so much for sharing your journey to lose weight and get healthy with us. You’ve inspired, motivated and helped me stay positive on my own journey, even when my scale went the opposite direction. I’ve been benched from exercising for 6 months due to an injury and have gained 7lbs that have got to go. I will for sure be joining you on the journey of 2011! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
Christine H says
I haven’t read all the other comments but I bet the overall message is take the self-inflicted kick in the butt and then give yourself a hefty pat on the back. You have come a long way baby. Yes, you gained 6, but how much have you lost? A lot! Get back on track and give em hell! I love the elliptical, less screaming from my joints (and bladder).
cathy says
Angi, WOW. That is amazing! : )
Heather H. says
Cathy…I’m a junkie when it comes to sugar. And I’ve resolved to move more and eat less (although keep getting it mixed up and saying eat more, move less). And something that has really helped me is hypnosis. This set of discs in particular. http://www.amazon.com/Self-hypnosis-Diet-Power-Your-Mind/dp/1591794072/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1291691949&sr=8-2 I got them from the library (Hennepin Co.) and loaded them on my iPod. I listen to it mostly before bed, but it seems to have helped me break free of my Diet Coke and M&M diet. I’ve not lost tons of weight but I’m focusing on the moving more and moderation with food since I’m not good with moderation in any form! I just thought I’d share this since it’s helped me.
Dag says
be proud of yourself – you look hot!!
Michelle says
I do have a blog. With 6 kids I don’t get to update as often as I should. You’re welcome to check it out, although it isn’t nearly as entertaining as Cathy’s is. I don’t know, with 6 kids there are always hijinks going on around here. Maybe you’ll find something amusing to keep you interested.
http://mikeandmichelleandclan.blogspot.com/
Kris Lindsay says
Good for you Cathy – re-upping your commitment. Might I suggest a program called Stroller Strides (look for a local group) No, you don’t have to have a child in a stroller to participate. It’s the most fun exercising I’ve ever had and really whips you into shape. I turned 50 this year and joined shortly after my birthday – best present I’ve ever given myself!
Andrea says
Love it!
Lauri Bauer says
Ok Cathy – this post did it. I’ve been following your journey all year long and hearing that you are going back to WW made me make the commitment to join. I haven’t actually joined yet because I’m under the weather but as soon as I’m off this couch (hopefully tomorrow since I got anitbiotics today) I’m heading to WW to join!! I didn’t realize until reading other comments that you didn’t/don’t go to meetings…are you just an online user? I think I need (at least to start) the accountability of meetings/weigh-ins…etc. I have about as much to lose as you did and always that WW was for people with more to lose…but it aint’ coming off on it’s own, now is it?!
THanks for the inspiration!
Marian says
I’M WITH YOU IN 2011, CATHY!!! CAN WE ALL DO IT TOGETHER???
Cathie Perkins says
Cathy, been following your journey all year, I have suffered with weight since birth of first child 18 years ago. A friend recommended “the sweet poision quit plan” by david gillespie, and while I was skeptical at another plan to join the many, the book has opened my eyes to just how much sugar is in everything and how dangerous it can be. I have lost about 5 kilos (12 pounds) just by cutting sugar, no extra exercise, and trust me like you I know the difference when I weaken and let some back in, I don’t eat that much processed food so has been pretty easy, and i found the chocoholics savour – sugar free chocolate that tastes like chocolate so i can have a guilt free treat. The book certainly changed my views on sugar. You are looking great though, so keep up the good work.
Lori Massicot says
You have had an incredible year with your weight loss. Keep it up! I love this post because I can relate soooooo well. I cannot wait to jump back on the Weight Watchers band wagon. Especially the new program. I hated the fact that I had to count points when I ate an apple or a banana. It made me not want to eat fruit:) Good luck! Happy Holidays:) Thanks for your honesty…I love it!
cathy says
thanks for the tip on the book Cathie. Sugar is such a sneaky little thing, isnt it?
cathy says
Good for you! I am an online user right now. In 2000, I did meetings after Cole was born and I wanted to try and slim down from the baby weight. I liked meetings too. But right now, its working for me to track it online and use their online tools as well!
cathy says
Yeah, Im hoping this fruit thing isnt too good to be true! : )
Good luck to you!
Melanie Hughes says
I’ve been a regular reader of your blog and have found your weight loss so impressive. I’ve had 3kids in 3yrs and body is shot. I did WW before I had the children and have found it so successful. Now seeing your first shot compared with your latest, it’s made me determined to go back and get rid of the baby weight. I also want to move more so I can keep up with my kids, esp my daughter as she is in to EVERYTHING! Thanks for the inspiration
cathy says
Go Melanie! : )
katie says
ummm. wow!I ‘ve been away from your blog for a long time (but still stalk you on fb) so I haven’t seen all the weight loss updates and pictures until now. seriously … WOW! I’m convinced… sign me up!
Lydia W. says
Thank you so much for this post Cathy! I have been a WW member for 10 years now. And I’m currently way to far over my goal. I have spent the last 5 months trying desperately to get this weight off. And instead…I’ve put on more. I had just told myself today that I need to not bake every week for my family. I know its as much for me as it is for them and its not helping me. Thank you for these words. I know WW works and I know I can make it back to my goal. And this time, I’m going to document it. Thank you Cathy. You inspire me!
cathy says
Go Lydia!
Brenda in Sunny SoCal says
I guess one of the men in the house had just left the bathroom before that before picture was taken? You are so brave! I could never take a picture of me like that AND SHOW IT TO THE WORLD! Kuddos and thank you for all the inspiration this year.
Carrie S says
I want to be a loser just like you! Seriously, though Cathy, you are such an inspiration. I have been “doing” WW for a few months, and saw some weight loss, but gained it all back. 2011 is going to be THE year! And I’m going to document it just like you’ve done. You ROCK, sister!
cathy says
You can do it! : ) Im starting with a renewed energy for 2011 myself!~ gotta keep the momentum going!