Hard to believe I’ve been actually sticking to this weight loss journey. If it weren’t for you, my friends, I probably would have given up.
And if I made it through 4 weeks, I am now determined to go the distance!
So here’s what the journey on this fourth week was like…
We never made it to New York last Saturday because the weather was a bit “meh” so we hung out at home. We ended up hitting a couple of stores to get ideas for the makeover of our home office. Yeah. After Bonaparte saw the photos I posted, he was shocked at how awful the office looked. Looks like the home office is our next project!
Sunday was baking day for me. Katie, one of the girls I work with (and the one who hired me) was returning from a week of Jury Duty. I made cupcakes with two frostings. One frosting was salted caramel and the other cream cheese frosting. Unfortunately I lost my bearings and sampled a ton of the frosting. My comeuppance came in the form of a pound gained when I weighed myself the next day. Proof that you really need to focus on what you are putting into your mouth.
There really wasn’t much to clean because I did more than lick the spoon!
Tuesday was a blast. The office I work in had “Phillies Night” and my boss rented a box at Citizens Bank Park.
Phillies vs. Chicago! Phillies won too! In all the past offices I’ve worked in the only companies that had social activities were the now defunct Morgan Guaranty Trust Company and the small firm that I am now employed at. I love going to work in the morning. Have not felt that way since I worked on Wall Street!
And yes. There was an overabundance of all foods stadium. Hoagies, chicken, brownies, ice cream and the best home-made potato chips I’ve ever eaten. But here’s the sort of good thing. I only ate a handful of chips. And a half bag of peanuts. I felt like an elephant. I ate those peanuts like an elephant!
Peanuts and baseball. Is there anything better?
But the real fun was that it was Bonaparte’s first-ever trip to the ball park. His first MLB game! (I’m working on a post about it so stay tuned). It was also a great time to socialize with some of the people I work with outside the office!
And here’s what I discovered this week. After looking at the scale climb a pound I was angry. At me. I’m putting all this effort into eating healthy and losing weight at a pragmatic rate and then I go stuff my face with frosting! I didn’t even bother with a cupcake. Trust me; the amount of frosting I consumed was worse than eating three cupcakes! But I learned I just can’t do that and think I’ll lose weight.
Oh. I can eat this in two minutes. But I won’t. I’ll eat celery with hummus instead.
Bonaparte has also started to support me as well. He kindly gave some input. He reiterated what I’ve always known. He said that I perhaps should cut down on my portion sizes—regardless if the tomatoes are 0 points.
I’ll have to eat 1/4 of a roast chicken instead of a half of a chicken. A small steak instead of a huge porterhouse. An ounce of cheese instead of the whole mozzarella ball. Okay!
He said he felt bad for me because he understands what it is like to have a huge appetite. (Only he doesn’t gain weight. Those French genes make me so envious). I’m happy to have him in my corner!
And even with the little steps backward like the frosting binge, the peanuts-as-dinner and the pound gained, I managed to lose another pound from last week’s weigh-in.
Tonight, I’m in at 157.6. That’s one pound and two ounces less than last week!
Down one more pound and two ounces! See the boo-boo on my right foot? I was in the supply closet at work and knocked a few heavy items onto my foot. The co-workers are no aware of my clumsiness!
With that, I’ve noticed that my clothing is fitting better. Here’s a sampling of my work week weight wardrobe (Say that three times fast!)!
On Monday I felt so “ugh” because of all the frosting I gluttonously vacuumed into my mouth. I wore pixie pants, an oversized cotton sweater that I got at Old Navy a long time ago. I’m wearing Sam Edelman ballet flats that feel like slippers. A light oversized sweater is actually a good choice while losing weight–especially if you went off-course!
OK. Here’s Tuesday’s outfit. I wanna point something out here. The skirt. It has a great amount of stretch and fits nicely as you can see from the photo on the right. HOWEVER, look at the photo on the left. It isn’t the best choice skirt when wearing a shirt tucked in. It cuts my body in half making me look a bit “squat”. I usually wear skirts like this with a knit pullover or sweater. That look is better worn after a weight loss of quite a few pounds. That shirt is one of my faves though. I got it about seven years ago at J. Crew Factory. It is 100% cotton and is so light that it can be worn all year! The skirt is an oldie from GAP.
There’s a reason for this incredibly out-of-focus photo. I was in a rush because I didn’t want to be late for work. I wore this yesterday. The shirt is 95% cotton and 5% spandex. See how shapely it is? It hugs without being too tight. And I notice my waist is returning–which makes me happy! The pants are from J. Crew I think two years ago. I’m not in love with them because the fit is a bit off–even with the stretch. But hey, I’ll wear them anyway!
Yeah. Another awful photo. Bonaparte’s grandfather, J.H. Lartigue, is probably rolling over in his grave over my lack of photography skill! But anyway, THIS is what I wore today. On the FIRST day of AUTUMN! A light, cotton summer shift from Lilly Pulitzer. Global Warming sucks. I want to wear layers and blazers and boots. Not any time soon because it was so painfully hot today. The good thing–no–the great thing about wearing this dress was that it is becoming lose on me. It was tight as all get-out when I was at Nordstrom and now it actually fits! Weather staying hot, this is a decent dress for losing weight because of the looseness but it ISN’T boxy!
Thank you everyone! I’m so happy that I have support not just from Bonaparte but from you. It’s so much fun to keep sharing our journeys—whether or not we had good weeks!
Maybe next summer I’ll be asked to be on the cover…!!
My musical gift tonight is for obvious reasons. George Harrison (again) singing Dylan “If Not For You”. This IS for you my friends. Thank you! XOXOXOXO!!
Fabulous…Keep It Up! It really is all about the portions. 🙂
Thanks Doodle. Yes it is. And Bonaparte is making sure I stick to those portions! XOXOXOXO!!!
Congratulations on the weight loss!!🎉 Long gone are the days of youth when I could stuff my face with everything I wanted and not gain weight. I, too, have a problem with portion size ( I think once your stomach expands to great proportions it never shrinks 😩) I find if I snack on small amounts of something (fruit, veggies, lots of protein) all day long, it helps me feel full, and, going without eating for long periods of time is a sure fire reason for me to pig out! “Keep on keepin’ on” is my mantra–if I blow it one day, I’ve just got to do better the next! I’ve resigned myself, that at my age (59), it will always be give and take and a struggle with self-control!
Hi Rhonda. You know, It IS a struggle. My 61 year old body wants to say ‘screw it” but then I think of the health issues….and I’m not one who can snack on veg and feel full I would rather snack on cheese and pasta! But..I’m being good this time. We take one day at a time these days. Right??? XOXOXOXO!!!
You are looking fabulous! I am down another pound (2 weeks in – so 3 pounds total – yay! and if you keep going then I have to keep going – so keep going!!!). The husband is away for the week and that leaves me and the 2 grown up offspring who like to fend for themselves – bliss!!! This means I can eat what I want – so I am treating myself to a homebody-spa week – basically at home with any facial goo of an evening, a wee splurge on body lotion and other stuff from Marks and Spencer – some of their tutorials are pretty good by the way (http://www.marksandspencer.com/s/beauty/get-the-look), any tasty and healthy dinner I made just for me of an evening (roast tomato soup last night), the bed to myself and a good book before bedtime. Once you start investing in a process you get more and more out of it so I am sure we can all acheive this – have a great week
Hi Juliet! Hey Girlffriend. I’m glad we are in this together. See how well you are doing?? 3 pounds at 2 weeks is excellent. I’m giving you a pat on the back and a hug! I’m going over to the Marks and Spencer link right now! XOXOXOXO!!!
Well done Catherine! You are looking so much better even if you photos are not. Who cares about a bit of blurr anyway? I admire you for starting a healthy eating regime. As for portion sizes your husband is quite right. Here in the UK a bun (cupcake) in the 1970’s was tiny … now we have Muffins which are actually 4 times the size!
Hi Gillian. Thank you! I’m feeling better too! But you know what? You are sooooo spot on about the size of the muffins. The same thing happened here in the US! Muffins are oversized to the point that one = 3 old school muffins. And don’t forget about the huge area of the muffin tops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hooray for you! You’ve nicely recovered from what for me could have been a week-long pity binge! And having Bonaparte in your corner is the best. (My husband isn’t French, but he eats everything and anything and still always is a stick. Grr!)
I love your outfits! I need to step up my game at work. Sadly, I hate my job so much that I fear my general appearance shows it. Maybe if it ever starts to feel like fall, I can get myself going better.
Hi Bridget. Having Bonaparte in my corner is actually a great thing for me. Plus, he will drink all the wine!
I have to say, I really enjoy going to work in the morning. It’s been a long, long time coming but I’m happy there. Knocks on wood! XOXOXO!!!
Another thing we have IN COMMON!Except I would EAT half the BATTER before eating half the frosting!As a child I would make Cakes just to eat the BATTER!ADD too THE ITALIAN doesNOT gain weight……..NOT one ounce in 30 years of marriage he TOO always said PORTIONS!Then he tells me TO FINISH off the salad or veggies………..I’m starving by the TIME HE GETS HOME!SO,I use to have a snack……….bread dipped in the pasta sauce of the eve……..ETC!Yes, we use to have PASTA EVERY SINGLE NIGHT then the DINNER BEGAN AFTER THAT………..I was 124 on the wedding day.Today my scale says 170 but if I go to the doctors office it says 180!THAT IS OVER 50 POUNDS in 30 years!!!!!!I have exercised MY ENTIRE LIFE………..now THE ITALIAN is telling me I need TO WALK.DO YOU WALK?I hate walking……..I ONLY like it if I AM SHOPPING!SO, Today guess WHAT? THERE IS A SALE GOING ON 70 percent off at one of MY FAVORITE BOUTIQUES!OFF IN A TROT MODE I GO…………………
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK……..and I AM SO HAPPY YOU ARE LOVING YOUR WORK!
XO
Elizabeth. We are more alike than anyone could imagine. Bonaparte tells me to walk too. Where the hell am I going to walk to? Another cookie-cutter development? I LOVED walking when I lived in NYC. It was fun and always something different would happen. Never a dull moment. Here in the suburbs walking is just so boring! And Bonaparte tells me my “snacking” on cheese is bad. This from the man who snacks and never gains an ounce! It is hard for me to come to terms that my weight went down to 117 after Roman was born. I’m 40 pounds heavier 30 years later. I have to go for my lady parts exam next month. I’ll bite my ob/gyn’s hand before I allow him to get me on the scale!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Catherine for Sports Illustrated cover star! You should have your own segment on Jimmy Fallon. Any chance your son can somehow propose this? 😉
Hahahah! Strawberry! I would LOVE to have my own seggie on Fallon. Unfortunately my son does not feel the same way!! XOXOXOXO!
Aw, that’s too bad! He’s probably thinking “oh dear, this is my mother!”
I think your son needs to read your blog, pronto! Catherine, I’d love to watch you share your wisdom on tv. You could do fashion, lifestyle, health and lessons in common sense! 🙂
First, you are HILARIOUS!! I am really enjoying your blog and your weight loss journey because it is very much my own..right down to the French husband (albeit French Canadian)…I will explain my diet strategy to him and get the response “Now how is that working for you?” Uh, not so well..
Too many temptations and I love to eat! We were in Philly last year for my nephew’s wedding and I feel for you sister..it is a foodie heaven! As well we travel a lot through Quebec (la belle Province!) and the food there, even in the tiniest hamlets is awesome..I am back on Weight Watchers (on line as I find the meetings just a little too judge-y) Bought a Vivo fit, like a Fit bit but waterproof. At 61 and 5’1″ I really have to get my act together..lately I have noticed a meno belly developing and that is scary! I do walk a lot at work (hospital) so that helps…a bit. Reading your blog has tempted me to move into more form fitting clothing instead of the loose flow-y tops so beloved of ‘women of a certain age’:) They are not really all that flattering….also you have terrific legs so keep wearing those shorter skirts/dresses.
So glad to have made your acquaintance! Here’s to losing weight and staying healthy well into our 90’s or beyond!
Momcat! We are the same age and given our Frenchie better half’s, we’re practically related!!! I’m dying to get my fat ass up to Quebec, not for the history or anything but for the poutine! Bonaparte want’s to do a long weekend up there—but not in the winter! My meno belly is basically a blob fish–but it is shrinking due to my weight loss. Yeah sista. You gotta go out and get some fitted shirts!!! I’m so happy you have commented and are a part of this wonderful circle of friends!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
This has nothing to do with your current posting.
I found your blog when reading one of my favourite blogs, Une Femme, and have been dipping in and out of your brilliant blog ever since. We’ve just returned from three weeks in the South of France where, like you, we go every year. Was so thrilled to see that you’d been to L’Abbaye du Thoronet, where we’ve been several times, and also Eze where we were planning to re-visit this year – as beautiful as ever.
BUT I have to tell you how excited I was one morning to pick up Nice-Matin and find their Weekend magazine had an article in about a forthcoming exhibition of work by Jacques Henri Latargue. Also we went to Cannes for lunch and found a brilliant restaurant. When we returned to our hotel I remembered you’d been out to dinner in Cannes and wondered where you’d been so looked at your blog – and guess what we’d been to the same wonderful Gaston Gastounett.
Keep blogging, I do enjoy your style, it’s so refreshing.
Susan
Hi Susan!!
Ohhhh. I’m working on a post as we “speak” that was inspired by Susan’s “Red” post from last week or the week before. I read her blog religiously. It’s so funny—I’m sitting here thinking–Damn–I can’t wait to get back to the South of France. It really is a comfortable place for me–but we’ll be in Paris after Thanksgiving and Paris is a really comfy place for me. I love the fact I can blend and don’t have to impress. It’s so cool.
Anywayyyyyy. Bonaparte is beside himself with the fact that Nice-Matin wrote an article about his grandfather. Do you know when the exhibit is? The Barnes Foundation here in Philly is doing a thing on French photographers beginning in October and JH Lartigue is one of the photogs–we’ll be there for sure!
Is Gaston Gastounette not one of the greatest restaurants? And it is so much fun to sit streetside and watch the goings-on!
Honestly–thank you so much for your comment. I will keep blogging. Keeping it real and refreshing is what I aspire to do so I’m glad you get it. Keep reading me!!! I want you to be a part of my circle of friends!! XOXOXOXO
The exhibition is at the Theatre de la Photographie et de l’image in Nice from 25th September. I did photograph the article but realise I can’t attach it.
Susan
Thanks Susan!! I’m sure Bonaparte’s dad will be there!!! XOXOXO!!!
Catherine well done on weight loss and keep it up bearing in mind the premier in Paris very soon. I loved my night at this baseball as I got to talk to lots of total strangers and my husband can’t complain about the referee/umpire because he does not have full understanding of the rules YET. However how do peanuts roasted in the shell manage for the salt to permeate the nut. I ate so many and enjoyed sucking the shells. Salted stuff is my downfall
Yvonne. Salted stuff is my downfall too. My favorite frosting is salted caramel. In fact, anything salted caramel is my friend! That’s why it is a challenge to lose the weight but I’ve gotten this far so I can’t give up. Oh. Just wait till the hubs figures out all the ins and outs of baseball. He will think he is a coach. He will. I have a family full of men to prove it! XOXOXOXO!