Last Saturday I climbed back onto the Eat Less Wagon, which really should just be called the No Cupcakes or Goldfish Express. I wrote about falling off the wagon last week, and I fessed up not just to blogland, but to myself for not being honest about what was going on.
And what was going on? A rolicking sugar and carb fest, people, in all its intoxicating glory.
Falling off a wagon and getting right back on is a whole new thing for me. In the past, I'd go like diet gang busters for months and then, buh-bye wagon.
But in the past six months, I keep managing to climb back on. I keep managing to not throw out that baby with the bathwater.
Here's what I've learned: it kind of sucks.
To have to go back to Square One with ditching food crap is no easy feat. The headaches I had on Saturday, Sunday and even on Monday weren't pleasant. My body was screaming for sugar. My kingdom for a Pop Tart and a glass of grape juice!
I wish I could tell you that when you fall off, you just have to back on, simple as that. But my experience is that you truly have to white knuckle a few days until the sugar headaches go away. Carb and sugar cravings are a beyotch.
I don't believe that healthy living should be about deprivation, but I do believe you have to kick a few things to the curb to get a handle on it. You can be a little black and white for a few days to let those healthy habits kick back in, or simply start up from scratch.
I still love this blog post about having a craving to go overboard on something and asking yourself what you would do if your child came to you and he or she was tired, or crabby, or scared, or lonely, or bored. Would you make them feel better by shoveling food into their mouths? Or would you try to understand what was really going on and give them emotional support and love?
That visualization helped me a few times last week, when the cravings were kicking my ass. I tried to be with myself and understand what I was really feeling and to not let food be the BandAid to make it all better.
The other thing I'm doing is continuing to research nutrition and try to discover different ideas and approaches that might work well for me and my body. I mentioned I'm reading "Why We Get Fat" by Gary Taubes, and I'm now also reading, "The Secrets to a Healthy Metabolism" by Maria Emmerich.
Again, I'm not even halfway through either book (I'm a pokey reader, plus I'm spending too much free time playing Plants vs. Zombies on my iPad) but I'm starting to explore the idea of better balanced nutrition, including more protein and healthy fats as part of every meal.
I look at this phase of the journey as a scientific study. What will happen when I start consciously adapting a different approach to nutrition, not just one based on how many 100-calorie snack packs can I squeeze in on my 29 Weight Watchers Points every day.
I'm searching for a lifestyle that fits.
So far, the Moving More is going strong and steady, albeit a little slow on the paces. But as long as I'm drenched in sweat or chlorine at the end of a workout, I'm golden.
Here's to another week on the wagon.
Petra from NL says
YAY! Good for you Cathy! Look forward to hearing more about your ups and down. Very educational for all of us who have similar thoughts/hickups/struggles. Thanks for putting it all out there…
dawn says
So happy for you Cathy. I know you can do it one little step at a time and it will get easier. Thanks for sharing with us and keeping us motivated too.
katie squires says
You inspire me with your strength and determination to keep on trucking, you are fierce in your determination to figure out what works for you and to live the best life possible.
May 19th marks one year of moving more for me, and that is so HUGELY do to your inspiration! Thank-you.
Movement for thought…I took a personal training course this weekend and my take home message was the importance of Resistance Training in your workout. I have been doing mostly cardio (running, spinning) for a year with very little resistance training. When I run I loose a little lean muscle. By adding lean muscle through resistance training I protect against the loss of LM and also increase the number of calories I burn in day to day life and my run. You can use the weight machines at the gym (they have easy pictures on how to use them) or even use body weight exercises. My other take home message was the importance of changing it up. So with running you can change up the pace slower long run, fast short run, intervals (walk 1min, run hard for 1 min) , incline, distance, small increases in weight, changing reps etc. Variety keeps your body from becoming too efficient.
Those were the messages that stuck with me…I am no expert that’s for sure but its Movement For Thought 🙂 I added the resistance training in a month ago, twice a week…and have lost 6 pounds, and 3% body fat (according to that stupid scale). More importantly I can fit into ‘regular’ size clothes now 🙂 Prior to the resistance training my body had really plateaued for months.
You work so hard, and have so much discipline and passion for your health Cathy that the one thing I know for sure is you WILL figure out what works for you and KICK ASS DOING IT 🙂
Thanks for letting me ramble 🙂
Dana says
Good for you! I’m glad to hear you’re back on track. I never thought of getting back on track as “white-knuckling” it for a few days but you’re so right. I haven’t been making myself white-knuckle it and I need to. Thanks for the motivation.
helena says
For me recognising that I crave carbs was a big step – and that keeping my bloodsugar levels stady over the day was the way to stop mood lows.
Interesting the post you mention about how would you react to an unhappy child – cos part of my situation is a family culture where food is the response to any emotional issue – my Mum does it, her Mum and siblings do it. A good reminder that I need to be aware that I am fighting choldhood conditioning
Karen F from New Zealand says
WOO HOO go girl, I’ll get there to when I’ve finished this sugar craving! I know I will…
kathleen.summers says
Good for you, Cathy, that is fantastic! Keep it up, you can do it!
Maureen says
Arrgh. Those sugar cravings are killers. Your description reminds me of the headaches I got when I tried to stop a serious caffeine habit (great teas but way too much of them). The getting through it is helped by knowing it does end.
I also find that a heavy dose of salt is usually followed by a strong desire for sugar. Boy doesn’t the food industry know that with stuff like salted caramels!
I’m back to the gym today after 2 weeks with a heavier than usual carb diet in England. Stodge is way too easy there I fear with the resultant ‘loggy’ feeling as dh calls it. To the Wagon!
Stephanie says
Huzza to you for climbing back on the wagon! I, too, in the past would not only fall OFF the wagon, I would flip it over, rip the wheels off, put it up on cinderblocks, spraying “Screw all you people” on it in graffiti for good measure.
As one who historically has been an emotional eater (any old emotion would do), I keep the voice of my WW leader in the back of my mind. “If hunger isn’t the problem, then food isn’t the answer.” It’s a mantra she repeats, thank goodness, because it is one I need to hear. I don’t want to jinx myself and say I’m “cured” but it has helped me to stop, before I shove that Little Debbie Nutty Bar in my mouth, and ask why I’m REALLY eating.
Keep fighting the good fight. And honestly, holy cow, look at the incredible changes you’ve already made from just a little over a year ago! Woot!
AmyMpls says
While playing Plants vs Zombies, listen to Dishing Up Nutrition on iTunes. It’s a podcast of a radio program based right in the Twin Cities. Sometimes I feel if I listen instead of read, it sticks and I get fired up easier.
Leora says
Go Cathy go! Hope you have a great week!
KathyinMN says
Stick with it Cathy. Your body needs fuel, not junk (sugar). Ask yourself in a week if you feel healthier-I bet the answer will be yes. Hurrah to you for falling back onto the wagon. And I like that you are taking a look at why you have been eating that stuff. Triggers are important and knowing what they are (identifying and stopping) can be a large piece of the eating bad puzzle. Stick with it girl!
mary says
I know I mentioned going low carb a few weeks ago, Cathy, and honestly, it’s changed my lifestyle and eating habits more than any other thing I’ve done for my health, including running!. I was SO skeptical, because as a recovering anorexic, putting food in your mouth and equating it to weight loss, or at this point, weight stabilization, seems ludicrous.
It’s working for me.
I’ve given up running for a few weeks, based on an article I read in JAMA about letting my body reset itself. So, as terrifying as it was, I stopped last week. Stopping the running habit is like being on withdrawal. But, unbelievably, incredibly, it is working.
I am not NO carb. I just have realized that, especially as Americans, we are carb-addicted. I am eating healthy, low carb foods, rich in fiber and protien, and I am not feeling deprived. I am also allowing myself a SMALL treat each day, (piece of dark chocolate, etc.) and am not tracking my carbs on the weekends.
It’s working for me.
I check in with you each day – keep on keepin’ on, Cathy!
Kendra B says
You go girl!! I’ll be getting back on the wagon with you TODAY! I too have to face the fact that I’m not someone who can just have one or two of something. A package equals a serving . . . at least that’s how I’ve been acting LOL Thanks again for another good dose of inspiration . . . bring on the headache!! LOL
Maureen says
I finished the Gary T. book because I don’t have Plants vs. Zombies on the iPad, very interesting analysis. I am going to give it a try, and see if it helps with my slow metabolism. Thanks for sharing the info.
Dar says
I’m finding my way, though I sometimes feel like I’m hanging off the back end of the wagon,with a slippery grip. Thank you for sharing and motivating, and for the great photos of healthy foods! It makes the junk food seem more … junky.
madeline St onge says
YAY Cathy, hang in, you have the right attitude girl
tamara says
Cathy I can totally relate to every post you do about your journey. I have recently begun a modified program (as I am not a vegetarian) to Brendan Brazier’s Thrive Fitness. He talks a lot about the science of nutrition and how stimulants such as sugar and caffeine hijack our adrenals causing hormonal injury. A very interesting read if you get the opportunity with lots of good information.
Annet Maurer says
Hi Cathy, I think it’s my first time commenting, I’ve been enjoying your blog though since I found my way here from RLAM…
I just finished reading Sweet Poison by David Gillespie. It was super interesting (though a bit stodgy in the middle bit due to the science), but his synopsis (covered much quicker in his follow-up Sweet Poison Quit Plan is that sugar is the part of carbs that is the problem. He reasons that cutting out just carbs is too hard (I love bread, I do!) to maintain long term but there is too much sugar (spec fructose) in everything processed, so we really do crave it and need it and it turns to fat straight away. Anyways, i;m not explaining it well, but it might be another book to add to your list! I am really cutting back on my sugar intake (other than natural fructose in whole fruit), way less fruit juice, never was big on soda, less choc and yup, when I eat a bit, then I can taste it on my tongue and I already want more, its so instant that craving.
My big thing is to get motivated again on the move more part – now that i am stuffing my face less, I feel like I can gear that up again, haven’t done a run in over 2 months or much exercise at all for that matter, so i totally get what you mean about needing to get back on that wagon!!
Lee Currie says
Good for you, Cathy. I’m doing really well with the “eat better” it’s the “move more” that has me stumped. Working on finding a routine that works 🙂 Thanks so much for your honesty, encouragement and example!
cathy says
I laughed out loud at your comment. : )
cathy says
I am familiar with the podcast, thanks to my neighbor who is a fan and who has taken classes from those people. I do need to check in with that program! Maybe when I clean the house this week, i can download it to my iPod, or I can do a walk in the afternoon around the lake by my house. Never tried that with a podcast!
cathy says
Katie, I know I have to get back into the strength. I was doing it a year ago with Jillian and the 30 minute shred, then at the Y last fall. Then I just stopped. Why do I like to run but not to press heavy things? Ay yi yi!
cathy says
Maureen, you should treat yourself to Plants v. Zombies! LOL!
cathy says
Tamara, thanks for the tip. I love posting about this stuff because I get SO many good tips on stuff to read and learn about. Seriously. Thanks!
cathy says
Ill add that to my list of things to check out, Annet. Youll get back to the groove of running. Remember, just get out for a little bit and it will come back before you know it. But I know that its so hard when you have been off for a while!
Debbie S. says
Good on ya! Trying to do that myself this week…
Loydene says
In your search for nutritional information, I will suggest to you Metabolic Effect, http://blog.metaboliceffect.com/
In addition to the blog, they have a Facebook page
margaret in AZ says
Cathy, it’s so GOOD to hear more cheer in your “voice”!!!
You do realize of course that you’re substituting one addictive behavior for another, no? Plants vs Zombies is a deadly addiction and one of these days when you get into free play you’ll find yourself screaming: NONONONONONONONONONNONOO at the top of your lungs at 10:30 pm and your family members will be quite distressed, until you explain that: Yes, I passed the level with ONE LAWN MOWER!!!
Be well. 🙂
Elizabeth J. says
I also have a sugar problem. I’m grateful to know I’m not alone in climbing back on the wagon more times than I’d to remember. I won’t give up because I am actually decreasing the amount of sugar I eat. It’s just taking a long time getting to the point of eating the amount a “normal” person would.
Jenna says
Inspiring as always. I tried to get through Why We Get Fat – I skimmed a lot of chapters towards the end. It’s good stuff though.
Ldmaxwell says
Cathy, I just want to thank you for your posts on this journey. I, too, am going through some of the very same struggles as you, and I find it comforting to know I am not the only one. It is more motivating to see someone else go through the struggle and overcome it. In the past two years I lost 50 lbs, but since last fall, have gained 10 of them back due to carelessness with my diet and slipping more and more on my workouts. It has been frightening me because I swore I would NEVER let myself get fat again, yet here I am allowing it to creep back up on me little by little. Already I’m back to having only certain clothes I can wear because they aren’t too tight and don’t show my fat too much….it’s terrible and is depressing to know that I’ve already gone through this once and now am going to have to do it all over again. It’s very discouraging at times. Reading your post today has really helped me, though. I need to get “back on the wagon” and fix this problem before I have to take all 50 off again! I seriously don’t know if I could do it. Thanks for being such a good example of strength and motivation, yet also showing us that you are “human” and do slip up from time to time as well. You are a GREAT example to me!
katie squires says
I like to run better to…its feels better…I get ‘high’ from it…I feel like I accomplished something…I hear you 🙂
Sarah says
I just found your blog and after reading your post I want to say thank you. I needed to hear (read) what you wrote. I go off and then I have a free for all, so I just ate three chocolate brownies but I won’t continue the day that way. No peanut butter and fluff sandwhich for me for lunch, no way man, a nice turkey sandwhich is on the menu, hold the mayo. 🙂 I can do this and so can you. Thanks again, Sarah
Mark says
Gary Taubes In-boxed me me and wants to know if you’ve tried the new Meat Lover’s Pop Tarts.
Holly Denghel says
Oh, do I understand the “how many 100 calorie packs can I fit into 29 points” dilemma. This is my fourth (fifth?) time of trying to lose weight. The last couple times, I did WW and did exactly what you said … ate lower calorie versions of the same foods I had always been eating, which wasn’t so healthy.
This time around, I’m not looking at it as a diet; it’s a food plan. It’s my life plan for food. I’m not doing WW, I’m logging calories, fat, carbs, protein, cholesterol, etc. I’m paying attention to whole grains, healthy fats, getting a variety of fruits and vegetables each week. And you know what? This time, it doesn’t feel like a diet. I don’t feel hungry every day. I get enough to eat because I’m balancing my food, and not eating low-calorie crap. For the first time in my life, I feel like I actually have a shot at getting to a normal weight.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, for baring your soul. It helps me with my own food issues.
Luv2talk says
Ok, I’ll be the odd man out and say I have NO INTENTION of giving up neither my sugar (chocolate) habit nor my carb (love them all) habit; you see, silly, that’s why I RUN! I run so I CAN eat that stuff.
I’m all for healthy eating. I start every morning with a bowl of fruit sweetened oatmeal topped with ALMOND MILK; I add WW pasta to regular pasta and brown rice to the white rice; I substitute PLAIN YOGURT for MAYO; etc.etc.etc., but there’s NO WAY I’m handing over the chocolate. And there’s NO WAY I’m limiting myself to one treat a day. So I run approx. 100 miles a month. And use portion control when I do eat.
IMO, it’s all about figuring out what it’s worth to you. I’d rather brave the elements- NO MATTER WHAT- and put my miles in than give up the food I love.
So often when I read stories like these, I know I could never stick to the eating plans you all set out for yourselves. I feel like you are giving up something that brings you so much enjoyment. Food tastes good. I like eating it. I’d rather run more than eat less.
Anyway, that’s another perspective. Food for thought. LOL.
Peppermint says
Sounds like a good plan. I went cold turkey on sugar almost two weeks ago and had NO idea how bad the headaches were going to be. I was fighting the urge to mainline some Karo syrup just to make the pain go away. Sugar is a merciless bitch.
Jennifer says
great timing for this post; as I clicked thru to your page, I was eating a piece of chocolate cake that had been left in our office fridge from a potluck last Friday… hah! I’ve been on a sugar/carbs binge, basically, for about a month now, and am on my way to undoing all the good I’ve done since starting back on WW in January.
I keep thinking “it’s just this one piece of whatever-it-is” but for me, there is no such thing as just one piece; it spirals downward from there. I need to face that fact and go thru the “white-knuckle” part of it (again), because for me, eating better is directly linked to feeling better, both physically and mentally.
thanks for the kick in the you-know-where!
cathy says
thanks for the link! Both the books Im reading explain metabolism in grueling detail. : ) But its making a lot of sense!
cathy says
thank YOU for the comment, and carry on the hard work of taking care of you!
cathy says
Mmmm. Meat Tarts.
cathy says
Yep. I dont want to discredit what WW has done for me in getting a bunch of weight off, (and im still tracking my food with WW) but I just want to find a better way to eat so I dont feel so compelled to go off the deep end with sugar.
cathy says
But I really LIKE this game! LOL!
cathy says
Yes, you actually can. I mean, its really possible for anyone.
cathy says
Oh, I dont want to give up foods that I love, but at 45, and running 75 miles-ish a month/cross training on the other days I dont run, its not enough for me. I thought running would let me eat whatever I want to eat. Finding out it doesnt. And I am happy with my pace etc and the amount I run. I just need to be able to break away from the cravings. Thats what doesnt do good for my particular bod. : )
cathy says
mainlining syrup. Thats funny. : )
tara pollard pakosta says
I used to do exactly what you did. Every Jan. I would start out strong and lose 17-18lbs and be halfway to goal and then around april or may I would just QUIT like that and be done for the whole year , gain it all back and a few more and then start over again the following jan. This time I am trying to just move all year round, never quit and eat healthy 90% of the time. I am right at that 15-17lb weight loss mark and I felt like quitting, in fact for 2 weeks I did quit! but now back and and feeling good!
never give up Cathy!
tara
Jamie Danford says
Girl I FEEL YOUR PAIN. After killing myself in the gym for the last three months, and losing just a couple of pounds, I finally had to have a little come to Jesus with myself about the GOZILLIONS of calories I put into my body every night when it’s ‘wine time.’
Talk about getting back on the wagon… I stopped my nightly wine splurges eight days ago and have dropped an immediate and glorifying FIVE pounds. And seein’ as how I only wanted to drop fifteen, I am feeling VERY optimistic. Unfortunately my wine glass collection will be gathering dust for the foreseeable future. ~sigh~
But to see that magical 149 on my scale is TOTALLY worth it. And now I’m feeling much more optimistic about my daily gym torture sessions. lol 😉
cathy says
149 IS magical, isnt it?
AngMomof3 says
Way to persevere! You’re incredible.
Rita says
Just curious – when you say you went cold turkey with the sugar thing – what exactly ARE you eating? Besides the obvious of no cupcakes, dark chocolate (sigh) & red wine (bigger sigh) – what else would one have to give up?
Are you eating any fruit at all? I know that some have higher glycemic levels than others (ie- no bananas).
cathy says
Oh, Im still eating apples and an occasional mango (high glycemic, unfortunately), and strawberries. I mean giving up the immediate obvious stuff. Natural sugars, and fructose, well… I have to learn more about that. But I think that WW free fruit thing is a little crazy. So, Im dialing it back until I learn more!
Im buying sprouted grain bread to have a breakfast with an egg. Steamed veggies, cheeses, avacados. A big batch of chili with lots of fresh organic ingredients will get me through a few dinners this week. Just cutting out the obvious crap and heavily sugared stuff (processed). But I am fully aware there is sugar in everything. Im going to learn about the best ways to go about it, you know?
Marilyn says
I’m right there with you Cathy…climbing out of a weekend of eating WW icecream sandwiches and back on the wagon!
Rita says
Thanks for the specifics. Trying to get rid of the belly fat thing – pls don’t hate me but it’s only 3-5 lbs I’m looking for-‘prime race weight’ – I need to be lean & mean. Only 8 wks to go. The only thing I haven’t done is cut out all sugars (& well … the dark choco & red wine thing). Will try your way.
Not sure if you’re a coffee drinker at all anymore but I found a coconut palm ‘sugar’ that’s a lower glycemic level (my replacement for ‘natural sugar’) but maybe I’m fooling myself.
Heidi says
Hey Miss Cathy!
I so enjoy reading your blog…including the ups and downs. Let’s me know that you are human.
I like you have fallen off the wagon, mine just lasted longer than yours. I was so proud of my 100 lb weightloss. Managed to keep if off for a few months…then you (ok, me) eat something that I missed, soft serve vanilla ice cream to be exact. Once you eat it, and the scale seems to handle it, you do it again…then again. So the once a week treat turns into daily.
A few weeks go by, and the scale starts to creep up. First just one pound, you work extra hard to get it off, boom, it’s gone. You go back to just once a week, then the holidays come around…that’s bad!!! My mother makes the best home made Italian cookies…oh yeah, and she stays with me for 2 weeks at holiday time, and bakes them right in my very own kitchen!!!
After that, the clothes start to get tight, so you start wearing stretchy stuff again. (after you swore to yourself that you’d never wear that stuff again). By now you’re at 15 pounds, and just can’t believe it, but you really can, because again, you’ve done it to yourself. First it’s poor me, then I’m made at myself for letting it happen, all the while still eating crap food…but it really does taste good!
Next time you get around to weighing yourself, you’ve hit 30 pounds, and keep telling yourself, I’ll start tomorrow. Bad thing is, tomorrow never comes until you get so discusted with yourself you just have to pick yourself up and do it again!!!
This time, however, it’s much more difficult,you’re (ok, again it’s I’m ) 3 1/2 years older, and menopause has set in…it really stinks!!
But I’m here everyday. I set a new goal, 30 pounds need to go away…so, I signed up for my first triathlon! Everyday while training, I keep saying to myself, “what was I thinking!!!”
I started training in January, but just here and there. Now with 12 weeks until the tri, I’m training full on. In 3 weeks, I’ve dropped 10 of the 30 pounds. I can run again, and I’m hoping that my speed will increase as a few more ponds drop off.
After this long big ass post I guess what I’m trying to say is that you are human like the rest of us, and we will make mistakes, but we need to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and move forward.
So Miss Cathy, never regret, only look up and forward! Please keep us posted on your progress, I enjoy reading what’s going on with you!!!
Big hugs!
Heidi
cathy says
Rita, no need to apologize for your natural build! I take my coffee black. Its the only thing without sugar that I adore. ; )
cathy says
Heidi, good for you for signing up for a tri! That takes some dedication. Loved reading this. Thanks.
Mark says
Lamb & Rice Tarts and-or Ground Chuck Tarts are best right out of the toaster.
Sam F says
I have loved your recent blog posts and your willingness to be honest makes it so real. I have been really inspired by you. I have definitely been there. I started WW this weekend and so, here’s to bringing “Move More/Eat Less” into my life. Thank you!
Linda says
Hi Cathy-I heard a professor speak about high fructose corn syrup and how that affects the American diet.
Even though we are eating “natural” they can still place that in the food.
http://youtu.be/dBnniua6-oM
It is really science heavy so watching it the whole time might get boring, just have it playing in the background and then pause and rewind when you hear something that makes you go “OMG”
Lisa Kisch says
Wait– no goldfish? Oh man… no wonder I haven’t been losing like I’d like!
Christina says
OK I really need to say this. I was going to send you an email but thought I probably should just add my comment here. Cathy, have you changed your blog format? it seems that most of your posts are now about getting healthy and running. Although these are very informative, I really miss your posts about scrapping which seems to be very minimal now. Is this intentional? Are you moving away from scrapping and into weight management/excercise? Just a gently reminder that all of the scrappers miss you!!!!
cathy says
Oh, no… good question. I guess my blog has always been reflective of what is going on in my life, you know? Im not a weight management guru of any sort, but I think its good for me to write about what is going on in my life. It makes for more authentic content, which is at the core of my scrapbooking philosophy, if that makes sense. Its not that its intentional. Its just the ebb and flow of where Im at. Still documenting, just not as prolifically in the scrapbooking sense.
: )
kerry.shumway@gmail.com says
Care to tell us what is in that bowl o’ green stuff? It looks pretty yummy! Congratulations on getting back on the health thing. I’m always inspired by your posts about it.
cathy says
Its steamed kale, brown rice, steamed broccoli and a tahini dressing, a dragon bowl i made that I found on someones website, and I cannot remember where I saw it! If i remember, Ill post!
Laura says
Go Cathy! I am finishing my first day back on the wagon and just came upon your post. I, like you, will try again tomorrow to stay on the wagon. May the force be with you.
margaret in AZ says
Just remember: you were warned!!! 🙂
Christa Trafford says
Cathy, I have to say I love reading your posts. I enjoy every word you write and it encourages me in many ways. Although my path is leading me in a different direction right now, I take alot away from your wisdom and am hoping to put it towards my new lifestyle. Thanks and keep up the good work, happy, sad or indifferent you rock!
cathy says
Thanks, Christa.
: )
Maribeth says
Hi Cathy! Way to go on picking up and chugging along. It’s not easy, is it? I am, for probably the first time in my life, sticking to a workout/healthy eating regimen, and I am really proud of myself (having to be in a bathing suit with my entire extended family in July has turned out to be a whopping motivator). Last month, I started a program called Women’s CrossFit at a local facility. I am doing stuff in this class that I never in a million years would have thought myself capable of. (Deadlifting weights, pushups and pullups, burpies…truly crazy stuff for a lifelong couch potato). The trainer who runs the class told me that I have an inner athlete, and that made my month. A ton of people who attend the CrossFit classes adhere to the Paleo lifestyle (essentially meat/protein and veggies). Like you, I am doing WW, but a hybrid version in which I’m trying to incorporate a ton more protein and I think it’s making a difference. A friend recommended the cookbook, “Everday Paleo” by Sarah Fragoso, which I am going to get from Amazon. It’s supposed to be great and very simple. Good luck on your journey and thank you for your posts! Somehow, it helps to know that my struggles are not unique.
cathy says
I have considered CrossFit. I know its supposed to be great for you. Hmmm. Hadnt heard of that cookbook, but I will bookmark it! : )
Deb V in Manitoba says
way to go for sticking with it. I abolutely LOVE “Clean Eating” Magazine, website and cookbooks. Not a diet plan, just healthy, good for you, clean food.
http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/ (I am NOT affiliated with them in any way…just a big fan).
Maribeth says
At the place I go to, it’s a crossfit class that is comprised of all women, led by a woman. It is an amazingly supportive environment, filled with all shapes and sizes. I bought a t-shirt from the place that reads, “Your workout is our warm-up.” That pretty much sums it up. It kicks your butt in a very empowering way.
anna says
i’m glad you mentioned the sugar headaches. i wasn’t sure if those had been my imagination and therefore ‘this isn’t good for me, so i can have sugar’ stuff.
🙂
trying to make my eating habits something i can live with daily and keep it real.
love your whinning and reality checks. 🙂
a
Canay says
I’m so proud of you to get back on the wagon. I can’t get back on because I haven’t even been on yet. After I decided to join you in eating more and moving less (oh see the Freudian slip there!!) well that my friend is the problem. I am up 14 pounds, my clothes don’t fit and I am on the verge of a hysterical breakdown. I love your happy, matter of fact attitude. No hysterical breakdown for you. You got off the wagon and ya just get right back on. You are an inspiration to us all.
cathy says
Dont get hysterical. Trust me. I know how that goes and it never works very well. ; ) Just take a deep breath, start over, and make sure youre getting enough balanced nutrition. Thats the angle Im trying to work now. Well see how it works out!
Tracy Moniz says
I just wanted to say – Plants vs. Zombies rocks! 🙂 I am about halfway through the second level, I think. 🙂
I know what you mean about kicking stuff to the curb – for me, it is eating out… if I can just eat at home, I do pretty well, but the restaurants call like a siren… 😉
Char Lee says
I loved the post (from the same lady that talks about the child crying…) that talked about how it’s not her body that has made her fat, it’s her brain. So now when I see something that I LOVE I immediately start thinking “I don’t even want it, I don’t even want it.” (Knowing all along that deep down inside I really do, but hey fake it til you make it right?)
Christina says
thanks Cathy, good to hear you haven’t given up scrapping.
Courtney Walsh says
I am like, one foot off and one leg on the wagon right now… meaning, I do great one day and horribly the next. Tomorrow is gluten free cupcake day. Lemon. My favorite. I don’t know if I can resist, so I plan to not eat anything else the entire day just so I can have that cupcake.
I think this is a problem.
Love that you’re so honest about it though. I can so relate.
LeAnne S. says
I’m back on with you girl!!
Love that you’re keeping it real and making choices for the long run and not just the moment on your lips, forever on your hips! 😉
Danielle says
I like to second the recommendation for the Clean Eating magazine. There is also a series of books called “Eat Clean” (recipe books and lifestyle books)which provide the reader with a method of eating protein, complex carbs, veggies and fruit and combining cardio with weight training to lose weight. They recommend eating more often to keep your blood sugar levels stable so you don’t crave the sweets. I find I feel lousy if I eat too much “junk” now! It has worked for me, a 50+ year old, pre-menopausal woman who needed to lose some pounds!
Melissa says
So many comments – but I want to chime in. I rarely comment, but I’m a loyal follower. I have been on weight watchers for about 13 months, my total loss is somewhere between 5-10lbs. I lost 15, then had to deal with some autoimmune crap I was diagnosed with, went on Prednisone, and that was the end of that. Sugar all the way. I’ve been off the Pred and I’m losing, successfully. I’m committed now because the autoimmune, hoping my weight will get rid of it! I have 70lbs to go. I’ve lost weight before – losing it is the easy part (and we all know how NOT easy losing is). Keeping it off is much harder. You are on the right track, off again, on again, off again, on again. On again is the key. I’m dying to hear your insights from the books you are reading – pass those little nuggets along.
cathy says
thanks for the comment Melissa. Im halfway through this book, and it is really interesting and really dense. LOL! Lots to take in, to be honest with you, but Im really looking at this as a different way to approach how I eat! Ill be filling you in when the book is done.
Kristi says
Hey Cathy – I did not read all the comments, but I went and read the post you referenced. I tried to post this there, too, but it would not work…
I came across this book tonight on Amazon then read your post and her post and felt like if you had not seen this, you might like it:
http://www.amazon.com/Ways-Soothe-Yourself-Without-Food/dp/1572246766/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I17OXM5P5KKTZR&colid=2PZH50W45RBQ0
I think your post and the other post have prompted me to move this book from my amazon wish list into my cart.
I love your blog and hope you find a peaceful path towards health. You are incredible for sharing it all and I cannot imagine how many people you inspire.
Kristi (used to work at Cropper Hopper)
cathy says
Hey Kristi, thanks for the link, I will check it out. And im so proud of you! Seeing your posts on facebook, how well you are doing with workouts and mmmm baked oatmeal! : )
Maria Emmerich says
Hi Cathy!
I’m SO happy you are reading my book! Let me know if you have any questions!
I LOVE your blog!
Maria Emmerich
cathy says
Wow. Maria, how cool are you? Thanks for commenting. Im going back through the book to really look at the supplements. Im sticking with my eggs for breakfast, and my TJ Sprouted Wheat Bread and organic butter. That, and starting BodyPump. Love, love your book!