To be honest, I was a bit scared to get on the scale. Lately, I’ve been naughty. The special political stress—or rather PTSD, Political Traumatic Stress Disorder, has been hitting hard the past few weeks so the cheese and Herr’s Tortilla have been very comforting to me.
Mommy needs willpower–In the past year, I most likely polished off about a dozen CASES of these little pillows of lead!
Anyway, it was time to face the truth. 160 pounds of me. The scale didn’t lie.
This is a great photo. At 6 pounds over what these women are, it’s interesting to see how the same 154 pounds looks on each of these women of different heights. Every one of them looks healthy! It depends on our comfort level and how toned we are!
The biggest disappointment? Last year at this time, my weight would fluctuate between 142 and 145 pounds but I kept it in check. Well…. I kept it in check until November. Between my brother’s passing, the trip to Paris during last Thanksgiving weekend in which I ate everything that came within mouth distance, Christmas and then—the Pandemic, let’s just say everything but my mouth was on lockdown!
Umm. I really think Patsy was talking to me and not Eddie!
Isn’t it funny how the weight creeps up? You think you’re doing ok and then—bam! You look at yourself sideways in the mirror and you see that huge belly. Your face appears slightly rounder. The clothes are tighter and then like magic—most of your wardrobe doesn’t fit. It’s that sloppy 15 to 25-pound gain. Not a tremendous amount but more than a few pounds.
That’s what I’m talking about! My gut. I can do the same thing as her! Only mine is bigger and flabbier!
In the past Weight Watchers has been a reliable program for me—but when I go off, the weight comes back unless I follow it forever.
And there’s more to life than salad and zero point foods!
Intermittent Fasting? I just don’t think it’ll work at this time. If I had a job that I enjoyed, I could probably do the IF, but every day brings frustration and stress during my 9 to 5 life and when I get home from not eating all day, I’m a hangry bitch –like a hungry canine, I’ll shove any foodstuff into my face and then I feel bad and by the time dinner comes around I’m eating again.
I lose my girly and behave like a hungry dog if I fast! And I would actually walk around with pizza hanging from my mouth!
Truthfully, I’m tired of spending money to lose weight. So, I’m going in a new direction.
I am eating more salad. I’ll be truthful. It’s not my jam but it’s satisfying!
That, my lovelies, is the direction of willpower and being accountable for my actions.
I’ll be writing down what I eat. And throwing away all sugary sweets.
Bottom is a Pain aux Raisin from a batch I made for my husband. I made them on Saturday. I have not eaten any. Instead I’m reaching for the Gala apple!
I’ll be researching healthy recipes and I purchased a book (I honestly didn’t even spend money on it because I used my Discover Cash Back rewards) that was recommended to me by a high school friend and reader of the blog, Cyndy Floor! In fact, when I finish writing the draft of this post, I’m headed upstairs to begin reading.
I’ve started to read the VB6 book by Mark Bittman. I’m a few pages into it and it’s a very good read so far! Thank you Cyndy!!!
And so, I figure if we do this together, we’ll all benefit!
One of the most important things for me is to get rid of trigger foods. Cheese, pasta, bread, and tortilla chips are my triggers—all carbs. It’s also difficult to bake for my husband and family because—and this is going to sound so disgusting to some of you—but I’m being transparent—it’s difficult to bake because I like the cookie dough before it’s cooked. Doesn’t matter what kind either. Same with cake batter—I’ll like the bowl cleaner than Chippy can—and I don’t care that the eggs are raw either. Frosting, luckily doesn’t contain eggs but I’ll make more than called for so I can graze on it. Ohhh I feel so much better releasing this confession! So, what are your trigger foods?
I had to purge all the macaroni in the house because I’ll eat it. And I never cook a little–I cook an entire box! For me!
Exercise is another thing. I’m so mentally drained when I arrive home from work that I cannot even bring myself to take a walk around the block. Instead, I’ve been walking around my office twice a day. I swear I wish I was back in New York City where I walked everywhere! But I shall make the effort to walk more.
And getting dressed for work every day is helping. My current wardrobe (the clothes that fit) is one with a ton of stretch–thank goodness I didn’t need to purchase larger clothing. I just packed away the clothes that didn’t fit. And when the weight comes off, I’ll bring them out of hibernation!
I’m a big fan of the J. Crew Factory Jamie pants–the elastic waistband is very Pandemic Weight Gloss friendly!
Today I wore a “so-old-they-are-almost-vintage” pair of the original J. Crew Pixie pants. The stretch component is incredible! The shirt I’m wearing is from Gretchen Scott Designs…
has a ton of stretch but also sucks the flabby bits in! These are the clothes that will get me through!
Excuses need to be stopped and action needs to be taken. Meals need to be planned.
This template is what I need. How about you?
In fact, Bonaparte is mulling over what I should make for Saturday evening’s dinner. I have decided to make Chicken Breasts with Tomato and Black Olives, topped off with Basil!
Everything you need is right here!
Chicken Breasts with Tomato, Black Olives and Basil
Ingredients: 8 Roma/Plum tomatoes cut into quarters lengthwise
4 Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless and pounded flat. Preferably organic.
One can of Black Olives—pitted. Size doesn’t matter. I like large and I cut them in half
Lengthwise. SAVE the Olive juice!!!!!
Fresh Basil
Olive Oil
White Wine-about ¼ cup.
Garlic—2 large cloves, minced or—mashed through a microplane
Red pepper flakes
Pour a bit of the white wine into a pan, add the tomatoes and garlic. There’s really no need for the olive oil because the tomatoes will sweat. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and a bit of salt. Cook them till just soft because you don’t want them mushy. Set aside.
Drizzle olive oil in another pan. Add the chicken, the remaining wine and some of the olive juice to keep the chicken moist. When the chicken is lightly browned on both sides, add the tomatoes. Add the olives and cook about five minutes more.
Top with julienned basil. This is healthy and you can have leftovers for your next meal!
Any tips you want to add or if you want to add your starting weight—place in the comments! I think we’re going to have a good time! And we’ll be here to support each other! I’m thinking at some point maybe we can have a Zoom meeting!
PS. I’m not giving up my aperitif on the weekends!
I certainly don’t smoke but that aperitif isn’t going anywhere but in my belly! We all need a treat!
After dinner, brush/floss your teeth so you’re done for the night and tell yourself “the kitchen is closed” .With the exception of the weekend, I don’t eat after 7 pm – and feel so much better in the morning than when I do evening snacking!
You’re not alone! I also refuse to bake because I will eat at least half of any cake or cookie batter! Choc chip cookie dough is my favorite! Love your blog!
OMG. It’s so bad. And I really need to get back on track because I feel like a hot air balloon right now1 XOXOXOXO
I Had been going to the gym daily before Covid – 7 years – and when the gym closed i started taking a walk 3 times a day before work, lunch time and before dinner – mile and a quarter – not only did i notice small improvements in my weight – it also impacted my mental health it helped me to walk away from my stressful desk and listen to music and walk for 20 minutes ….The gym has reopened and I have returned to early morning exercise but i kept up walking at noon and dinner time … and 15 lbs later … i am slowly losing the weight. It is slow but i still enjoy my weekend cocktails and i eat less not giving up favorite foods just a bit less. It is slow but steady …..
Ah, the carbs! Lovely, tasty little devils, aren’t they? I have pretzels on hand for that crunch factor. And, I keep telling myself I don’t need it. I want it, but I don’t need it. My husband counts steps, and I go along. I don’t do any counting because I’ve found number games just stress me out. Stress then makes me eat. But, if it isn’t here, I don’t eat it. Good luck! You can do it!
Cathe, you had me at Political Traumatic Stress Disorder! Perfect description of what we’re all experiencing.
My latest strategy to combat the pandemic pounds is to increase my daily cardio, but I need a joyful form of exercise. So I’ve been turning on some classic dance music and I dance like no one’s watching! It’s a good stress reliever (for our PTSD) and it’s fun!!
Play good music that brings you happy memories and “has a good beat and is easy to dance to.”
Good luck with your weight loss plan.
True confession: Sometimes I will stand at the refrigerated section in the supermarket and wonder if this is the week I should buy the raw cookie dough and, yes, eat it raw. Times are stressful!
What I have been doing is telling myself there will always be more sweets; if I can just get through today, they will be there tomorrow when I will decide once again. I have also tried to switch my mindset from weight loss to strength. Building the latter can lead to the former.
So glad for this blog to help me stay focused!
OMG. Maryellen. I’ve done the same exact thing. And yes. Raw cookie is a delight in stressful times! We are in this together! XXXOXOXOXO
You are so not alone! I love baking, and each step of the assembling of the batter demands a taste. Creaming the butter and sugar – stop and taste. Add the vanilla – stop and taste. Add the flour – stop and taste. Each stage is a wonderful delight. And frosting – well, really the cake’s only function is to hold up the frosting! I’ve been eating unbaked dough for over 50 years and not about to stop now.
There’s so much going on to drive us to eat. Be kind to yourself and just do the best you can and know that we’re all going through it with you.
Thank you Marsha! You get me! XOXOXOXOX
I gained 15 lbs since March when lockdown began, but I have managed to lose 9 of the 15 by no longer purchasing any fattening foods (anything with added sugars). If it’s not in your pantry you can’t be tempted late at night when your will power is low. I try to do 10,000 steps as often as possible or walk around my apartment to a playlist of fast rock music. Rx Bars are a wonderful snack or even lunch-there is no added sugar and the sweetness comes from dates (chocolate sea salt is my favorite). My Fitness Pal is a wonderful app that tracking your calories (it’s owned by Under Armour and is free). Good luck to you!
Hi Sandra! I’m so envious of everyone who gets those 10,000 steps in. My job is so sedintary that it’s the cause of my depression. It’s toxic. I miss having a job where I can actually get up from my desk and walk around without being watched! XOXOXOXO
Oh how I miss licking the cake bowl and spoon clean! Developing an egg allergy during pregnancy 20 odd years ago put paid to that:(
Will be following these posts closely as I have gained a similar number of Covid-kilos. I guess having no reason to dress other than in comfy ‘active wear’ (what a misnomer!!) due to lockdown certainly hasn’t helped.
(And best of luck with election results next week – I have everything crossed for you…..I am glad our voting system here in Australia is so much more straightforward )
Hi Sharron! Oh dear lord. I don’t know how I would deal with an egg allergy. It’s my duty to lick the bowl clean! Ugh. I’m so nervous for election day. Honestly, here in the States, the way we vote definitely needs to be restructured. It’s ridiculous. Every municipality has a different procedure. It’s …well, it’s just stupid!!!! XOXOXOXO
A Zoom meeting would be brilliant! Yeah the poundage has snuck up here but we are trying despite the husband and his bacon sandwich obsession, stress eating gets me too as does boredom as does just about every other type of comfort or non comfort eating. I don’t have many tips for success – otherwise Id be a skinny-minny but I do find that a nibble on raw veg before I go shopping or before preparing food takes the edge off. In our house living with 2 human tape worms that need calories (no, I dont understand that either…) means we need some food that is calorific to keep them from disappearing, but that goes where I cant see it – high shelf or a cupboard I don’t go in. My big weakness is always going to be savoury – cheese, good cheese, plain crisps, if I want sweet things then its a sign I am really out of sorts with myself. My big savoury kick is to have a spicy tomato juice (lots of worcester sauce) and then I feel a little better… but basically the more self-maintenance you get under your belt the less likely you are to want to undo it. Good luck to all of us – we can do this
Totally missed the Zoom meeting part…Covid brain…I’m all for that!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Juliet! We CAN do this! XOXOXOXO
Apparently we were twins, separated at birth. I’ve spent the entire pandemic on carb overload. Chips, sweets, frosting, the whole lot. Really need to pump the brakes on this. Keep promising myself tomorrow, then next week, then when I clean out the pantry. I wish you well on your journey. Hopefully I will pull it together soon.
Lou. We are twins in that regard and we can do this together! XOXOXO
Good plan on the food situation. I think it will be a huge success. A Zoom meeting would be great fun!!! I’m stressed about the political situation too. I really hope there isn’t violence during or after the election.
Hi Vava. I look at it this way. After 2016, I am not hopeful. I do not trust anyone anymore. I abhor the polls after what happened last time and if a miracle takes place and that thing is voted out of office, there will be violence. And the violent ones will be his supporters–the ones with the pea-sized brains and little weenies. But it will subside. The worst will be that the thing will be president until January and he and his nazi contingent will bring America down worse than it is now!
A Zoom meeting would be so cool! I started Monday with a weigh-in and have set my goal. I’m going on a “Don’t Be Stupid” diet. Upping the veggies, giving up anything that’s white or could be white (grains, sugars, starches) except for a weekend treat. The stress in my life lately has wrecked my stomach, so until that is resolved, no alcohol.
Also hoping that we don’t get news of violence in connection with your election. Let’s just hope the damage can be undone and lessons are learned and acted upon.
Ooops–weigh in weight was 158.6lbs. Goal is 148lbs.
KB–Excellent! It won’t take long! XOXOXOXO
Yeah. I head to Cincinnati later this week so I’ll be researching the Zoom thing when I get back. As far as violence goes. I anticipate a bit of it if that thing is voted out of office because his contingent is pretty violent! XOXOXO
Keep safe hon – and best wishes to Oona and Sam
I want to lose 10 pounds over the next 5 months. My strategy no added sugars, refined carbs or alcohol. Mostly food in its natural state ie. no over-processed food. Btw, I am a vegetarian for 20 years. Plenty of time so a little lenience sometimes will be okay. All the best Cathe.
Thanks Lise! Oh. I’m definitely not going to be super strict. If I want a cookie, I’ll have one. The key for me is not to over indulge. As I write this, a healthy Saturday evening meal is being prepared! XOXOXO
Oh and forgot to mention will do IF as well. Starting weight 135 pounds
Covid, the election and today my dog was diagnosed with advanced lymphoma. Damn, maybe we should just enjoy life?
I’ll probably change my tune after all this has past so don’t mind me. And a zoom meeting might be the thing we all need right now. Thanks for keeping us motivated.
I’m with you all. I would participate in any group zoom meeting…
Earlier this year my daughter asked if I would do “Whole 30” with her because she wanted to lose some weight. (I think she just wanted me to do the food prep and cooking.)
We each lost 10lbs in 30 days. It just fell off. The most difficult part was getting accustomed to always having ingredients on hand for satisfying meals, but that got easier with time. For me, it was always having some umami flavors included in the meals which helped keep me full and satisfied. Prosciutto, anchovies, vinegars, etc…
We’ve both kept the weight off! BTW, cravings for sweets was sharply diminished.
Zoom meeting sounds great! In the meantime… biting my nails, drinking way too much wine and eating all the carbs until this election is ovuh!! Hoping and praying my “team wins” “ByeDon”. Afterward, I’ll go “all in” on the health an fitness stuff…stay tuned!!
I wake up every day vowing to follow VB6. Most days I ALMOST get through. But my efforts have kept my weight steady, tho’ I really want to lose just five pounds! I need to walk more-but getting motivated is not happening. Good luck with VB 6-you can still bake and eat -just after 6 pm. And -I am with you -the cookie dough is better than the finished product.