Gettin' Gorgeous!!

[Cathlena]

Journaling...I am hoping that coming here to post my thoughts will keep me motivated to reach my goals - of becoming Babe-o-licious, a hottie, too cute, a foxy mamma, etc...you get the drift..

I have always had a few extra pounds to loose, I was always about 15-20 pounds heavier then the other girls in school. After I started dating my husband I gained 10 pounds the first month we were dating... After we were married (9 months later) I continued to gain weight..so did he.

55 pounds later and here I am. I recently found out that I am Hypo-thyroid, along with my PCOS I will be learning more patience as it will most likely take a while to get to goal.

I started a Low Carb Diet on Oct 2nd at 195 and am now down to 186 as of this morning. Not so bad, but wish I was out of the 180's!! Well, out of the 170's, & 160's for that matter.... Did I mention Patience is something I am still learning??

Guess that is all for my first entry, as my computer does not want to work at the moment... More later...

[dantesmom]

Hey there! just wanted to pop in and welcome you to journaling. It has been an invaluable tool for me. Youll be out of those 180's in no time and before you know it, you are gonna be sizzlin hot! Keep up the good work!

[Cathlena]

Oct. 25, 2006

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement Sally!


I have been seeing a Homeopath Dr. and he has me on several types of supplements and also on Armour for my thyroid. He is trying to clean out my system. He has me on a strict diet, a little like Atkins. Here is the lowdown:
1. Eat any type of Meat, Poultry, Fish, etc.
2. Can eat fruit, as long as it is not processed, no added sugars, etc.
3. Can eat most veggies (not the starchy ones).
4. No Grains of anykind.
5. No Milk of anykind – no soy, cow, goat, coconut, Nothing…
6. Some cheeses allowed
7. Can eat nuts & cook with Almound Flour or any Nut Flour.

I seem to be sticking to it pretty well, but I think I must be eating too many calories as I have been at 187 -186 for a couple of weeks now. I am getting pretty frustrated, but I have started and stopped too many times and each time I tell myself, if I had only stuck with it I would probably be at goal by now…. So, I am going to hang in there…I would like to be able to find some clothes that fit!!

Exercise: I HATE it…I do have a gym membership but I don’t know if the swipe card to get in works anymore!! I did really good at the beginning of the year but then DH and I bought a piece of investment property to rehab and that threw me off…I have to get going again now that we have it listed to sell.

Fatigue has been a big issue with me, I am starting to feel a little better now that I am getting some hormones, but I think I still have a ways to go, plus spending most of the day trying to discipline Ryan, my 2 year old, is wearing me out!!

What’s for Dinner?? Can’t decide, I want to eat some fresh bread….oopps…can’t have it…I think I can, I think I can…..I think I can….I’ll keep plugging along…

Mini Goal #1: 175 or lower by Thanksgiving….

[dantesmom]

Cathlena,
I notice when I do excersize, it seems to help my energy level. It is somehting that I have to get back to doing too. Maybe if you gym membership is still good, you try goin even just once a week for the next couple weeks and after that addin a workout a week every few weeks. I truly believe that slow and steady wins the race in this wol. Its good to hear your doc is helping you out wiht the hormones I think that can also play a huge part in having low energy. Congrats on all you have accomplished so far! ohh and btw, wheres some pics of that two yr old! lol

[Cathlena]

Another rainy, cold day here. I have to clean the house for company that is coming in tomorrow, not easy to do since Ryan manages to mess everything up just about as quick as I get it put up. We have light colored carpet – not my choice, installed by builder- and I get to clean all of the stains off today!!

I need to start looking for some new recipes, nothing sounds good to eat and I am losing my appetite. I guess that is good, but it is really strange for me. I get frustrated at not seeing the scale move and I freak out. I can’t believe how many of my old habits are mental…like wanting to eat for other reasons then being hungry…especially boredom , or frustration after weighing and not seeing any results I just CRAVE carbs immediately. I start feeling sorry for myself. Why do I do this?? have come to the conclusion that I am afraid of success. I do the same thing with Real Estate – I am a Realtor, but not as successful as I should be. I know how to be a failure and am familiar with those thoughts and feelings. Why am I so afraid of success?? I think it is because if I become successful I am fearful that I will blow it and make a fool of myself, so somehow I come to the conclusion of “stay where you are at, you are safe.”

Hmm, after writing the last paragraph, the next thought that pops into my head is “What’s to eat today”…do you think there is an emotional subconscious working here?? I better end here and get to work on the house, then off to the grocery store.

[Cathlena]

I would post a picture of Ryan, but I forgot how...maybe later.

[Cathlena]

The weekend was a tough one eating wise. Friday I had 3/4 of a flour tortilla- it was the "bowl" of my salad. Saturday I did great until dinner time...I had some bread...then Sunday was down right terrible...I had 3 pancakes at Breakfast! Yes, with syrup....OMG...I can't believe I did that. I was very hungry in all 3 instances...

I am trying to get back on track again today...Guess I need to make sure I eat every few hours....

On a good note..My clothes are getting looser. My jeans are getting longer and so are my shirts! YEAH!!

[Cathlena]

Halloween...I had a tootsie roll...oh well it is not that big of deal...could have eaten the whole bag...

Goal for November...be 175 before Thanksgiving.

Starting the Gym this week!! Should be nice and sore for the weekend!!!

[Valentine Baby]

Just wanted to stop in and say hello!

[Cathlena]

Hi Valentine...you are doing great...wish I was having the same results...

Well, it appears the one tootsie roll I had yesterday afternoon set me off and I dived into the trick or treat candy bowl...Not sure how many pieces I had but enough to have a carb crash. I was asleep on the couch by 8:00!!

Last night I must have dreamed how bad I was because I woke up and couldn't figure out if my dream was real or not. I was quite confused.

Anyway, back on track today, drinking a lot of water and hiding the rest of the candy!

Keeping my goal for Thanksgiving in mind...I have to loose about 11 pounds to get there....

[Cathlena]

For Goodness sakes, what is wrong with me??? I did great eating wise yesterday then today for lunch I was off the wagon again. Partly because there wasn't really anything to eat..we went to Captain D's...I know I could have ordered the Salad - they didn't look very good, or I could have ordered grilled chicken (I don't like seafood)..but no, I ordered the chicken dinner - ate 3 strips (fried) the fries, some coleslaw and 2 hushpuppies!

Why do I keep doing this to myself?? Discipline...lack of I guess...also just wanting something quick with my 2 year old running around at the same time...

Back on track this afternoon and evening...NO MORE CHEATS!!! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...DRINK MORE WATER....

[kkat55]

Originally Posted by Cathlena

Exercise: I HATE it…I do have a gym membership but I don’t know if the swipe card to get in works anymore!! I did really good at the beginning of the year but then DH and I bought a piece of investment property to rehab and that threw me off…I have to get going again now that we have it listed to sell.

Fatigue has been a big issue with me, I am starting to feel a little better now that I am getting some hormones, but I think I still have a ways to go, plus spending most of the day trying to discipline Ryan, my 2 year old, is wearing me out!!

What’s for Dinner?? Can’t decide, I want to eat some fresh bread….oopps…can’t have it…I think I can, I think I can…..I think I can….I’ll keep plugging along…

Mini Goal #1: 175 or lower by Thanksgiving….

Hey Cathlena!

I was going through the journals and I found your little "home". (I'm your buddy over in that PCOS thread.)

You mentioned being tired and I read that to my husband because I feel like that most of the time. Every now and then I feel energetic, but the fatigue seems to always come back. I've read that it is part of the PCOS. So, low-carbing should clear it up over time. If we stick with it, we'll get there and be healthier for it. I'm waiting to see if our hormones normalize soon...I've been following Atkins for four months now and am really enjoying it since I've moved up the rungs of OWL.

I see you hate exercise and wanted to know if you had any workout DVDs? If so, why not come join me in a video challenge and just do some workout tapes at home? It will save time and you'll probably work out more. It has helped me since I read that exercise increases your insulin sensitivity, which is a bonus for those with PCOS. If you want to join, just click the link in my siggie.

I hope you have a GREAT SUNDAY!

~Kat

[MsTerry]

Good Morning Cathlena,

Im new to journalling here too and am trying to make some rounds to say hello. I can vouch for using tapes to exercise in the comfort & convenience of your own living room. I have walked miles and never left home using my walking tapes.

Take one day ... one meal and sometimes one hour at a time to get thru. Once you have a few days under you belt you will feel so much better and your appetite will diminish again. <hugz>

[kkat55]

Happy Thanksgiving!!

[Cathlena]

Thanks KKat & MsTerry!

I haven't posted in a while...mainly because of feeling like a failure for losing control over halloween, then Thanksgiving...today is Day 1, again! The funny or ironic part is that I am a control freak, but I can't seem to get control of putting junk into my mouth!

The re-start section of my siggie is for those who are new to this woe and are struggling like me. I am going to make this last re-start the final one..eventually I will add more to the siggie stating something like "if I can do it, anyone can", or "dust yourself off and keep going"....etc...

Halloween really did me in...then I got back on track. Then we went out of town for Thanksgiving to my Mother's house for the weekend...she is a great cook and I indulged...felt horrible, got heartburn and ate til I thought I was going to puke! How bad is that, guess I would fall into an eating disorder group..I was bulimic for about 6 months in my early 20's. Then I turned around and now I am on the other end!!

About the exercise...I do hate it, but once I get going I enjoy it. I was doing an hour of cardio and about 45 minutes of weight training. I haven't gotten back yet, I do have a few workout tapes and may try to find them. I have a walking video, a couple of yoga videos, and some other cardio videos. I am thinking of getting the Tae-Bo tapes. Has anyone tried them? Maybe I will ask Santa to bring me one!

I think I am good to go with this re-start...no more traveling over the holidays and no big parties or anything like that. I told my husband when I get to goal I will be getting a tummy tuck & a boob job...and maybe get my nose pierced & a tatoo- LOL...am I having a mid-life crisis???

[Cathlena]

My Son's Christmas show was last night and there were a TON of great looking "treats". I didn't have ANY!!! Although I was really wanting too...I am definitely realizing that I have lost control of my eating...I was looking for my DH to say "Should we eat one"(he is doing Low Carb with me now), but he never did. I am almost positive that if he would have grabbed one, I would have too....I am not sure what is up with that!!

Anyway, I am on Day 3 and doing great so far...just wanted to drop in and tell about the party last night!

[kkat55]

Hey girlie!

Congratulations on making it through a dessert table!! It will get easier the more you do it and eventually it will take effort to want to go off the plan. (hee hee -- that is what I keep telling myself.)

You're like me...if I go off the plan, I get scarce...on the plan, I'm here everyday. I just happened to start again in July 10 on a whim. Someone on another forum wanted to start a cheat-free thread and asked me if I'd join...so I said yes and now it has been five whole months! I didn't think I'd make it through the day...then two days...a week...and a whole month! After two whole months I even shocked myself by staying on the program (two months had been my max) and now I've hit five months. So, before you know it you will hit your week, month and more.

What helped me this time was going up the rungs of ongoing weight loss (Atkins) and my husband even joined in because he said that the food was better this time. I'm trying to experiment with more recipes. For instance, last night we had Sicilian Pumpkin Soup. I tried it at Thanksgiving and Matt loved it. When he got home last night he asked for it again and it is so easy to make.

I also try to keep reminding myself how good exercise is. It helps with the insulin for those who have PCOS, relieves depression and just give you a more overall feeling of good health. It is a major key in not having to give yourself insulin injections further down the road.

We have the December Exercise Video Challenge going...why not come and join us (on a whim) and see how you do? If you want, here's the link: December Exercise Video Challenge

Hope you're having a happy hump day!

Your little PCOS buddy,
~Kat

[Cathlena]

Thanks KKat, I should try one of the cheat free challenges, I don't think I ever lasted more then 3 weeks!


Ketosis strips...I was beginning to think I bought a bad batch, but they turned yesterday for the first time! So that makes me feel better anyway, I know some don't really agree with them, but it works for me!

My neighbor saw me yesterday and said "Wow, you look great, have you been losing weight?" I laughed because I really haven't lost much since she saw me...(maybe inches??) and I said "not much." I think she was trying to "kiss up" from other issues we have had and her DD is having a Birthday party this weekend that she told us about...Anyway, it was nice to hear the coment and I thought just wait a few months from now...

NO more parties to attend for the month..my DH's birthday is the 20th, and mine is the 24th. He was already talking B-Day cake, and I told him I was not going to have any! The in-laws are coming on the 27th-29th. I am certain I will be able to stay on track with their visit.

[kkat55]

Originally Posted by Cathlena

Thanks KKat, I should try one of the cheat free challenges, I don't think I ever lasted more then 3 weeks!


Ketosis strips...I was beginning to think I bought a bad batch, but they turned yesterday for the first time! So that makes me feel better anyway, I know some don't really agree with them, but it works for me!

My neighbor saw me yesterday and said "Wow, you look great, have you been losing weight?" I laughed because I really haven't lost much since she saw me...(maybe inches??) and I said "not much." I think she was trying to "kiss up" from other issues we have had and her DD is having a Birthday party this weekend that she told us about...Anyway, it was nice to hear the coment and I thought just wait a few months from now...

NO more parties to attend for the month..my DH's birthday is the 20th, and mine is the 24th. He was already talking B-Day cake, and I told him I was not going to have any! The in-laws are coming on the 27th-29th. I am certain I will be able to stay on track with their visit.

This was my first challenge so I was a little leary in joining because I've never made it very far before...and I shocked myself. It helped because we had little buttons to change every day and I was excited about getting my new button saying I was cheat free. Somehow it worked this time and stuck. You never know when it is going to be...so no matter how many times we have went off the program at least we're still on. Sometimes just reading through the forum re-motivates me and that keeps me going. So, you know it will be good as long as you're here and being motivated every day.

Wow! Isn't that nice that your neighbor is noticing!! Sometimes other people notice it more than us because we see ourselves constantly and don't see the changes. At work people are telling me that they can see the weight loss, but I don't feel like it shows much...my DH says he can't see it, yet my clothes are looser and I feel that I went down a dress size.

I'm glad that you don't have any more parties to go to. I'm sure it is torture being by all the goodies. (Or should I say badies...hee hee)

Keep up the good work! Everyone will be five or ten pounds heavier by the New Year and you'll be about a size smaller!! Woo Hoo!!

Happy Thursday!

[Cathlena]

Hello! I seem to be "on-again, off-again." I blew it once again over the weekend, did fine on Monday and blew it on Tuesday night...not that bad, but I did eat some carbs for dinner! Then FINALLY, TOM showed up! I swear I am like a beast around this time..I have been really crabby this month, ugg...

Anyway I went round and round in my head this morning on whether to weigh in or not and I decided to do it so that I could get focused again...well, to my surprise I am down 2 pounds...then I thought, damn if I would have stuck it out over the last weekend I might have been down 4 or 5!! I always fall off around TOM....each month I say I will hang in there, but the hormones get the best of me....

Well, I am glad to be down to 183 now...haven't been this low since the first of last year! I would like to break into the 170's before X-mas....I haven't been in the 170's in several years!!

Ultimate Goal is to be in the 130's...hopefully by this time next year!!

[Cathlena]

Gettting closer to Christmas...DH came home and wanted to make cookies last night....the roll out sugar cookie with icing on top....we made some and I ate some of course...

I am trying to do low carb as much as possible but think I won't get back to "normal" until after the holidays.

I am almost finished with my Xmas shopping...I have to get a few more things today for DH...his Birthday is tomorrow!

For everyone who is being sooooo good this season...big HUGS...you are a great inspiration!


New Year's resolution....no sugar for the full year!!

[kkat55]

Hey girlie!

Congratulations on your fantastic two pounds lost!! Woo Hoo!

Yes, it is a bad time of year to be eating healthy, but it helps if you have a buddy. I told Matt (my DH) that he could eat whatever he wanted while we were at his family's Christmas (he already hit goal), but he said that he'd eat whatever I ate -- that made me feel good and helped me want to be better. Is there anyone in your family who could be your buddy too? It might help?

This week I'm trying to plan on what I'm bringing. His family is not making anything that we can eat at all. They are having BBQ for Christmas...so we know the sauce has sugar in it and I'm thinking of cooking the turkey I got from work and just bringing the meat with us, making the low-carb cranberry sauce, maybe Linda's Chicken Stuffing Quiche and some type of cheesecake for dessert.

What are your plans? Is everyone coming to your house or are you going to relatives?

I hope you and your family have a great Christmas and one of the best New Year's!!

[Cathlena]

DH only held out for a week of low carb..to "jump start" his system....needless to say we are pretty much back to square one until after his parents leave (27-29th). So I think I will be restarting Induction on Jan 1.!!

All of our realatives live out of state so it will be just the 3 of us for Christmas. I haven't decided what to cook for Christmas lunch/dinner....

Hope you have a great Christmas and New Years Celebration!!

[Cathlena]

1-2-07!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!! My motto for this year since I will be turning 35 in Dec. is: "Fit & Alive for 35."

Boy oh Boy was I ever bad over the holidays...I gained 5 pounds, but I think most of it is water weight...

I re-started on Jan. 1 - I even walked a mile and realized I am a lot more out of shape then I thought!! Just a slight tenderness in my legs that let me know I did something.

I made DH take pictures of me and we plan to do it every month so we can see our results. I am doing Low-Carb and he said he would cut out all the desserts and junk that he eats. Cutting out the desserts will make a huge difference in itself. Also, we are going to try and eat out only 2 times per week...that will save lots of money and LOTS of calories too.

Can't wait to get a few more pictures to be able to post some results!!

[Cathlena]

TGIF...Ryan, my son, starts school again today!! He has been stir crazy and driving me nuts!!

I am doing great, cheat free since the 1st! My clothes are starting to fit better again. Yippee...

I am a little nervous about the weekend...I always seem to do great during the week, but then when DH is home we fall off the wagon...but NOT this time!! I am doing an Open House on Sunday and we will be out and about on Saturday...I think that is the trick...stay busy!!

I will weigh in again on Monday...I was going to today, but thought if I didn't loose much it would discourage me....

More on Monday!!