As not-really-promised, but tried—here’s the beginning of a weekly post covering the weight loss journey. I know. It’s Thursday evening but I’m afraid I’ll oversleep in the morning and will be late for work and I won’t be able to post so………..
Sorry Oprah. But I’m doing this with my friends!!!
Are you in? Anybody? Bueller? Anybody? Let’s do this together! I you are on a similar journey comment and join in so we can support each other.
Anyone? Anyone? Wanna do this with me?
So—how did this week go for you? For me, I thought it would have gone a bit better.
I started out at 165. Just over a week ago. For my 5’6″ frame, I’m carrying some extra weight. Tuesday night when I weighed myself I was 159. I was thrilled. When I arrived home from work, I got on the scale and the number rose a bit. I was so frustrated that I moved the scale into various places of the house and my weight fluctuated from 2 ounces to 8 ounces on that 160.
Seriously. In different spots of the room, my weight fluctuated!
Look. While I realize it is just a number, it is just frustrating because I’ve been having some seriously stellar willpower. And I’m normally a very weak individual.
Last night I made two Nougatines from the Barefoot Contessa’s recipe. Roman is coming over for the weekend because once rehearsals for SNL begin, it’ll be a while until he visits again on the weekend. Bonaparte’s daughter, her husband and their daughter will be joining us for dinner Saturday evening.
Two of these are in the freezer and I haven’t dug into either of them. I’ll serve one with a chocolate sauce and one with a raspberry sauce…
I WILL be making my Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken for everyone. It’s a dish that I can have!
The kids all love this nougatine. In order to make it, though, a pistachio brittle is needed. And under normal circumstances when I make this delectable brittle, I eat half of it. I had NONE of it. Not one nut. Not one piece of brittle. No licking the spoon. NADA!!!
And I think that’s the frustrating part about losing weight. It just seems that you can literally eat five pounds of food on any given weekend and it’ll show on the scale. However, if you eat small portions, and stick to a healthy diet and no carbs or processed foods, and the numbers aren’t budging the way you want—it’s a very daunting event.
But—perseverance is needed because I know that I’m not alone.
I’ll tell you—even though I’ve been brown bagging it every day, my coworkers remain kind enough to ask me if I want anything for lunch. Lunch every day has been a Boca Burger on an Arnold Sandwich thin and lettuce and a slice of tomato.
My daily lunch..with tomato and lettuce!
My “snack” is fruit. And sometimes low-calorie yogurt that is probably 100 percent fake stuff.
I love that this is both natural AND artificial!
Dinners have been carefully monitored and my food choices have been far better. Actually the Boca Burgers and that mysterious yogurt are the only “processed” foods to pass through my intestinal tract.
I had more tomatoes for dinner tonight–with avocado and shrimp!
The big willpower guns will be out in force this weekend. Labor Day Weekend. Saturday night we’ll be having a lot of food at our house but I’m going to really be good.
Some will be counting down the beers and hot dogs they will be chowing on. I’ll be counting points!
Speaking of which, can you believe it’s September? Where did the summer go? The only beaches I sat my fat ass at were in France and we never made it to the Jersey Shore at all—it’s a shocker for me. My skin thanks me.
Here’s where the beginning of MY summer was spent!
In addition, summer is always movie blockbuster season. We saw two movies. “Absolutely Fabulous” and “Bad Moms”. Where were all the great summer hits?
…and “Bad Moms” was more like a biography!!
Come to think of it, Edina and I have a lot in common too. These were the only movies we saw ALL summer. What’s up with the film industry?
We live in a development. The ice cream man never came by. I’m wondering if people don’t like the ice cream man anymore. It’s very disheartening for me. Growing up we had so many choices: Bungalow Bar; Good Humor; Mr. Softee and my personal favorite, Freezer Fresh.
Believe me. Over the years I’ve enjoyed MANY treats from all of these trucks. My thighs, my chins, my upper arms, my gut and my ass can prove it to you!
When we lived in New Jersey a generic ice cream truck hit our development’s pool every afternoon and the neighborhood streets in the evening. When we lived in Manhattan, the ice cream man made a killing when he parked his truck outside the playground! I guess parents have gotten too healthy.
Sometimes I wonder if young kids are missing the fun my own kids had during those summers in the 1990’s.
The boys played summer baseball and going to their games in the evening was a social event. It didn’t matter that we were getting eaten alive by every bug known to man. Mugginess was cut with many glasses of iced tea.
The neighborhood kids would be outdoors till almost midnight playing “Manhunt” and “Capture the Flag”.
No. Nobody keeps calm while playing Capture the Flag. And that’s the beauty of the game!
When they were young, we would catch fireflies.
There’s no greater summer fun than bending down with a jar full of grass (from the LAWN) and capturing those fireflies before capturing that flag!
But I think my favorite summer activity was stargazing. Every now and then Mother Nature would gift us with a crystal clear night. The kind of night where every star in the galaxy decided to come out to socialize. I would get a huge old comforter, throw it on the lawn and the kids and I would just lie down and gaze at the stars. It was a wonderful feeling and is still a great memory.
I can only hope that my own children stargaze with theirs when the time comes. It truly is magical!
When we lived in NYC, the adults would convene on lawn chairs in front of the apartment building we lived in. My neighbor Diana’s husband would make the greatest Pina Coladas on earth and we would enjoy them while the kids played.
And when we left the city for New Jersey, we had a similar situation. The people on the street that I lived on were always out in the evening, lawn chairs in the driveway or in someone’s backyard. Just enjoying each other.
I don’t think people do that anymore.
So let’s pretend that these weekly weight loss posts will be a neighborhood gathering. Get your lawn chairs out! Or pretend that the chair you are sitting on is a lawn chair and we’re having one big party!
I promise to support you! Hey. Do you like my new topper? It blends well with my hair–well, with the hair I have left!
It’ll be fun as we support each other!
And on this September 1st, I pause to give my dad happy birthday wishes. He’s here in spirit and I’m sure he’s enjoying this day!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY! He would have been 87 today and not a day goes by that I don’t miss my dad. He was one in a million. New York’s Finest Cop!! Our Finest Dad!!
Comment on your progress or your frustration or if you need support!!
Today I give you one of my father’s favorite songs of all time. Jambalaya by Hank Williams.
Great post Catherine, but you forgot the dressing for those prawns. You’re not gonna eat them without dressing are you? And the other big mistake of course is weighing yourself. Don’t weigh yourself. That only makes you think you are too heavy. Then you tell yourself you shouldn’t eat. Then you get hungry . . . It’s never ending lol.
You can make a low cal dressing with ketchup and light mayo. It makes all the difference.
I think it would Jenny.
Surprisingly enough, Maddy, I’m not a dressing/condiment person. The only condiments I enjoy are mayo and mustard. That’s it. And I don’t put any on sandwiches. I eat them dry. I do, though, like to add a bit of shiracha to my mayo to give it a bite. I also make an asian dressing that I like but that’s it. I’m so weird that way!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Well Mayo would suit me fine on those prawns but it would definitely add calories!
It’s too damn hot to sit outside here, so we’ll be indoors this weekend! I have to agree with Maddy about not weighing yourself. I think a better measure is if your clothes fit. The weight thing varies so much due to many factors that have nothing to do with your size – or your health, for that matter.
HI Cynthia. Yeah. I need to just weigh myself once a week and forget about it. The weather here has taken on that September mugginess–when summer blends into fall. It’s hot with a tad of cool. I’m looking forward to the reall cool!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hi Catherine. What am I doing here as I don’t want to lose weight! I’m a really stable 130 pounds – I go up a couple I go down a couple of pounds. And yes, the weighing thing is very addictive and Maddy is right, try not to weigh yourself all the time. My problem is I have a flabby tum and I have done nothing about that, AT ALL apart from mentioning it in a recent post! I think my solution is exercise as I don’t want to lose weight. But it really sounds as though your diet is good and you’re being wonderfully strong-minded. That chicken looks divine, btw! Give yourself a pat on the back – you’ve lost a few pounds – you’ve done well. xxxxxxxxx
Penny. You ARE my ideal weight. AT 130, who cares about the flab. I’m being good. I’m being good and am getting ready to cook a feast for the family this evening……XOXOXOXO!!!
I will be joining you Catherine but not for a couple of weeks. We are going canal narrowboat cruising next Monday for a week with my old bruv (76) and his girlfriend so it will be pub lunches and dinners out. I will be more careful than usual (who am I trying to kid?). After that it is a visit to my family and a birthday party. I really need to lose 14 lbs and at 5′ 4″ every pound shows. You will have a head start so good luck girl!
Hi Jenny! That’s fine. I don’t care if you are late to the party. Point is you will be joining! Have a great, great, great time on your cruise and enjoy those meals!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hey there GF…I’ve lost 36 pounds since embarking on my weight loss get healthy journey in January 1. ..When I do my weigh in…I weigh myself at the same time in the morning…putting my scale in the same spot. I’ve been plateauing lately and that does get frustrating, especially since I really only want to lose another 2-3 pounds! . I got a FitBit..and it keeps me moving. My daughter challenges me so I end up pushing myself. I’m averaging 15,000’steps a day…6 miles……..keep up the good work!!!!
Damn Linda! 36 pounds since January. I’m envious–but in a happy way!!! I think it IS better to place the scale in the same spot. And I’m asking Santa for a Fitbit this Christmas! Well done you!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Weighing everyday can really mess with your head. I know some people feel the need to do that…I’ve done it in the past, and find its counter productive to me. I’ve made Wednesday’s my weigh in day…
Be sure to let me know when you get your Fitbit…we can connect!!! 😘😘😘😘
Your Dad was so handsome and had perfect musical taste. Diet – I can figure out the food but I can’t give up my wine.
Thanks Bernadette. My dad was every inch the charmer and his love for Hank Williams proved his stellar taste!!! Yeah. It is HARD to give up the wine for sure!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hey Catherine…6 pounds! Great job! I couldn’t weigh in this week (I go to a physical weigh in), because I had a migraine. But I’m pretty sure I would not have lost. Oh well…it keeps me, if not ON the straight and narrow, at least pointed in that direction! Good luck over the long weekend!
Hi Julie. I think I may have just eliminated another pound. I will not go into detail on this one but my stomach is feeling much better!!! Coffee helps!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hi Catherine – I started my weight loss with Dr. Furhman’s book and am now following Dr. McDougall, Dr. Esselstyne, Dr. Colin Campbell, Dr. Klaper…. And finally the weight is coming off and staying off and I am not hungry! At 75 weight does not budge easily but I am down now to 120# within a year of just following their advice – and my blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, etc. are all great – I am thrilled! Not easy to change food habits but sooo worth it and now it is easy. Google them and see what you think. I experiment with the laboratory of my own body and am loving the results.
Hi Olwyn. I’m definitely in agreement with you on the health topic and weight. I’m off to check out the websites of the doctors later this weekend. Thanks for the info!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
No sh*t Sherlock? I think your scales are off by about 25 lbs. You certainly carry it well. Must be tall?
LOL–Lady Calen. I’m large boned and I DO carry the weight well–but that’s actually part of the problem!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I’ve done pretty well, but may fall off the wagon a bit this weekend. Not as much as usual though, since my husband will be working all three of the days.
In our neighborhood (Center City Philadelphia), the neighbors and kids are outside hanging out in the summer nearly every evening. And lots of kiddos play Little League so those games are exciting, even if for all the wrong reasons. 🙂
Your dad was a handsome guy! My dad would have been 100 years old on August 21 – that is so weird to contemplate, you know?
Have a lovely weekend, and hang in there – any progress is better than none.
Hi Briget. Oy! I think I lost a couple of pounds due to the stress on 422 yesterday on the way to work. My 20 minute commute morphed into an hour and 10 minutes. Bonaparte and I may be heading into Center City tomorrow but I hate the parking sitch and the tow bullshit and the meters…..
I do LOVE hanging out with the neighbors though. Consider yourself lucky for living in the City on that note–it’s more social and lively. I miss that!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Sometime please let me know when you are coming into the city – maybe we could meet in person! 🙂
I’m with you! Today’s my first day of serious! I’m a believer in the scale. Seeing a noticble difference in the way clothes fit takes some time. I need a weekly how am I doing meeting with the scale. So my goal is 17 lbs. off, my gym for workouts 3 days a week, maybe some classes thrown in, put my Fitbit on and log at least 10,000 a day. Cut the bad carbs, eat fruits veggies and protein…oh come on. We all know what and what not to eat, it’s just a matter of doing it. I have a boat load of size 6s with the tags on. I want to actually wear them! Will move to front of closet so they are in my face. Will let you know next week how I’ve done and look forward to seeing how you’ve done. Enjoy your weekend.
Hi Jean. Oh you are so spot on. Yes. We all DO know what is good and what isn’t–it IS a matter of just doing it and sometimes it’s hard. Trust me, I am determined to get my 6’s back on too. Let me know how you do–I can be honest and tell you I’m not expecting much this coming Friday because I had too much fun over the weekend!! XOXOXO!!!
Good post Catherine although I must agree with others about the weighing. Its is better to measure than to weigh as many factors can affect he weight like water loss for instance. If your clothes fit you’re good to go. Congrats so far anyway
Hi Laura. I feel so torn about the weighing. My biggest error when I hit my WW goal the past few times was NOT weighing in and then my weight ballooned quickly. I just have to be pragmatic and weigh once a week!! Thanks for the congrats! Congrats are always appreciated and are points-free! XOXOXOXO!!!
Good for you, Catherine…these results sound very promising…keeping your eye on the prize is always a win/win. Excellent. You are an inspiration…how many times have you heard that in a day?!….but it’s true. 🙂
Awwww..Doodle. You’re so nice to me!! I don’t think I’m an inspiration but I’m trying to do what is good!! Thanks!! XOXOXOXO!!!
So much to say but fear I am getting boring. So dot points.
– Your honesty is amazing. Power to you moving those pesky pounds.
– I actually find getting on the scales everyday works better for me. At home always on the same square but here the floor is dodgy so weight charges constantly and drives me insane.
– Bought a $20 set of scales here which broke – yes putting on 6 kilos does that. Was told at Bed bath and beyond – they’re just college scales.
– Yoghurt – naturally and artificially flavoured – that’s helpful
– I miss the beach desperately here in landlocked Washington and your beach is beautiful!
– Ab Fab was the best film. I loved it. Eddie could just say “I’m thin and gorgeous” for 90 minutes and I wouldn’t care, interwoven with Patsy “Don’t question me”. Also nothing else I want to see on which is a bit disappointing.
– I cannot believe you have fire flies – so magical and I have never seen them. I have seen glow worms but then you have to go into a dark dank cave.
– Never heard of Capture the Flag and assume it is not like Pokemon Go but more like British Bulldog. But will google.
– Your neighbourhood sounds like an amazing place for your children to grow. They are so lucky.
– I miss my Dad everyday and have for 25 years. My hat, I just listened to Hank Williams and the line says My Yvonne, the sweetest one. My name has never been in a song – I am going to send that to my children. Listening gave me goosebumps thinking about my Dad who didn’t listed to country music but had a Wilf Carter (Montana Slim) record that he loved. One of the songs was 32 wonderful years and he died just short of my parents 32nd wedding anniversary.
Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend.
Hi Yvonne! You could NEVER be boring!! EVER!! I’m laughing at the college scale remark. Yeah. College girls keep slim by coffee and booze and no food. I’m headed out for a busy weekend of preparations and such but I’m loving your comment so much. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the song..and the fact that your name is in it!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hey Catherine 5+. Pounds is great ! I have been trying to lose this summer. I am doing it slowly because it comes off slowly. I’d like to
get down 7 more lbs and maintain- which is the hard part. I have been logging in everthing I eat. I have a hard time with giving up
my multi grain bread because it is my luv. I’ve been exercising at least 4 days a week and that helps the motivation because I feel more energetic. Anyway I’m in! And good luck to all u sexy over 60s
Julia
I’m in and great job Catherine. Logging the food in a little notebook works for me. Exercise a min of 3 times per week keeps the motivation going because I feel more positive and more energetic🤓Hang in there all u sexy over 60s👍
Hi Julia. Oh..the logging is incredibly important and does help to make me think twice. What I really need to do is excercise. I need to get up more and walk!! XOOXOXOXO!!!
I don’t want to discourage you, but I´ve been told women can have a harder time loosing weight after menopause. At least I use that for an excuse, and it works! Lost 20 pounds last year when I gave up alcohol (but nothing else, not even my chocolate things after work!) but after that I´ve stayed put, losing 2 gaining 2…
I´ll try and join you, but my willpower is nada:) but I do have a secret weapon: A Diane von Furstenberg dress I got in the sales that needs a slightly (read -another 20) slimmer me to look good (read:to zip up)…
Oh Angelin–NO..You are not discouraging me at all. I know all about the menopausal shit and the weight does come off slower. It stinks but makes me try harder. I am cutting down on the aperitifs and this evening while entertaining the family at dinner, I will be sticking to water. Hopefully it’ll work!! XOXOXOXO!!!
DO NOT GET TOO THIN or YOU will LOOK OLD!!!!!!!!
SOME FAT as YOU AGE is beneficial.
MY scale at HOME is 10 pounds different then the scale at my DOC’s OFFICE!!!!!!!!
XX
Oh Elizabeth. You are definitely correct on that one. I don’t want to be as thin as I was in my 20’s or early 30’s. I have a weight loss alarm in Bonaparte. He thinks women look better with a bit of beef. Consider me a steak that just needs to get to filet mignon!! XOXOXO!!!
Very good content. Check back real soon. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Damien!!!!XOXOXO!
Well said. Congratulations.