The Year of The Kat

26th Week - ARGHH

2011-08-01T09:27:00.000-06:00

I haven't taken a pic or weighed or measured myself for the last 3 weeks. I am 254 lbs. right now and have only worked out three times in the last three weeks.

We are financially having some issues that requires me to work 12-14 hour days, 7 days a week just to make rent and keep the power from being shut off. My husband's child support is taking 65% of his check because it had been set way too high from the beginning. It was based on a job he had 4 years ago at $26/hr. He has been making $10.50/hr. for the last 3 years, now and his child support takes $6.80/hr from that. So, I have to make up the rest right now. We had some assistance from our church for quite some time, but we wanted to cut that off because we really don't like being "charity" cases.

Things should be leveling out some since I will be getting child support coming in the next week or so for my 13 yr. old son since my 18 yr. old has joined the Air Force.

Life can be chaotic and we are hanging on the best we can. We barely live paycheck to paycheck and do not have any savings to fall back on.

I've been eating compulsively again for comfort and for the caffeine boost in many cases, just to stay awake and alert for my work. Hence, the couple of lbs. weight gain.

I'm still so tired, no days off for some time, now. I need time to recoup once things level out for us.

End of 23rd Week

2011-07-04T13:53:00.000-06:00

It's been almost 6 months and I am 25 lbs. lighter still. My weight is still 251 lbs., measurements are still the same as last week. I have lost motivation to work out because I am getting busier with my work and bringing more income in.

Here are my comparison pics:

Working out right now seems like such a distraction, but I gotta get rid of all my excuses and get back on track. Once I do, I know I will like it!

End of 22nd Week

2011-06-26T15:08:00.004-06:00

I gained 1 lb. this week, so I am at 251 lbs., had a lot of ice cream. I also worked out, however, I get to cut the ice cream out and only eat it on cheat day, which is today. I cheated a lot this week, so no progress. It's understandable, though.

Here are my comparison pics:

My measurements today:

neck: 14 1/2" (no change)
upper arm: 14 1/4" (up 1/4")
chest: 42 1/4" (no change)
waist: 34 1/2" (no change)
hips: 50 1/2" (no change)
thigh: 32" (no change)
calf: 18 1/4" (no change)

So, if I really want this, I get to continue to work for it. I have been lazy since we have moved and since I have been feeling better.

I am way off track from making my 125 lbs. in 52 weeks. It has been 22 weeks and I have shed 24 lbs. It's summer, so accelerating my progress is in line with the mood of this season.

Exercise, exercise, exercise, and stay on track with my eating!

Hokay...take a deep breath...

Back on Track - Woohoo!

2011-06-21T16:57:00.002-06:00

Today was my first day back to the gym since I first got so sick.

AND I FEEL GREAT!

End of 21st Week, This Is Getting To Feel Like a Joke

2011-06-19T10:40:00.001-06:00

It's time to get more serious. I have been floating from week to week, just getting by and not working out and maintaining my weight. I find myself cheating a little more each week and this week I gained 1 lb. I am at 250 lbs. again. Here are my comparison pics:

So, now that I have purged that old sick house out of my system, I have my energy back and I am READY to go to the gym, starting Tuesday. I am going to start back slowly with a 20 minute workout on the elliptical. I know this is going to make me feel good.

My measurements:

neck: 14 1/4" (no change)

upper arm: 14" (no change)

chest: 42 1/4" (up 1/4")

waist: 34 1/2" (no change)

hips: 50 1/2" (no change)

thigh: 32" (no change)

calf: 18 1/4" (no change)

So, the 1 lb. was gained around my chest, not such a bad area to gain if I was gonna gain. So much better than around my waist or hips or thighs, right?

End of 20th Week - Feeling Much Better

2011-06-12T10:28:00.000-06:00

Okay, I found my camera, so I was able to take a pic today to compare to the first pic I took at 275 lbs., here are the comparison pics:

Okay, so the lighting in the new pics isn't the best, the flash didn't work that well. You can see boxes in the background, we are still in disarry and unpacking.

I shed 1 lb. this week, so I am down to 249 lbs. I finally broke the 250 barrier plateau I was on. I was there for so long because I had been so sick for 4 weeks, but now I am basically over that really bad cold.

My measurements this week:

neck: 14 1/4" (down 1/4")

upper arm: 14" (down 1/4")

chest: 42" (no change)

waist: 34 1/2" (no change)

hips: 50 1/2" (no change)

thigh: 32" (no change)

calf: 18 1/4" (no change)

So, I pray and plan to have an even better week this week. I have started to plan out my workouts again in my planner. I look forward to it!

End of 19th Week

2011-06-07T09:10:00.000-06:00

Well, I couldn't find the digital camera to take a pic yesterday, we were finishing up our move. I should be able to locate my camera by next week's check in. I did manage to take my weight and measurements. My weight is now 250 lbs, so down 1 lb. My measurements are:

neck: 14 1/2" (no change)
upper arm: 14 1/4" (no change)
chest: 42" (no change)
waist: 34 1/2" (down 1/4")
hips: 50 1/2" (down 1/4")
thigh: 32" (no change)
calf: 18 1/4" (no change)

I am feeling a lot better. Getting over this cold, got my voice back last week, was able to resume some work. I expect I will be cleansing my body from living in that last house. It may take some time to "purge" the old ick out of me that accumulated from that sick house.

I expect that I will be feeling a lot better and getting my energy back so I can REALLY get back to work!

End of 18th Week, No Progress and Still Sick

2011-05-29T10:08:00.000-06:00

I still weigh the same and my measurements are still the same as last week. Here are my comparison pics:

Wow, this purple top makes me look SO top heavy. I feel miserable. I am so congested and have had NO voice for 4 days, now. I haven't even been able to work. I work on the phones as an international internet trainer, and I have had to cancel my appointments last week because I couldn't talk on the phone!

I am sick of being so sick constantly. I am SO happy we are moving to a new house next week. I have been mustering up as much energy as I can to pack boxes to get the hell out of this sick house.

This house has been making us sick for the last 8 months. It gets in the way of me making money and I am so tired of seeing my sons sick all the time, too.

***done venting***

End of 17th Week, Slow Progress

2011-05-22T14:23:00.001-06:00

It's the end of the 17th week and I have just about given up on the Body For Life Challenge this rotation. We are in the process of looking for a new house and packing and moving.

I have still shed 1.5 lbs., which makes me 251.5 lbs., now.

Here are my comparison pics, the first one at 275 lbs., and then today at 251.5 lbs.:

I also lightened my hair last week...hot stuff! The yellow t-shirt I am wearing today used to be form fitting. Here are my measurements from last week to today:

neck: 14 1/2" (no change)

upper arm: 14 1/4" (no change)
chest: 42" (no change)
waist: 34 3/4" (no change)
hips: 50 3/4" (no change)
thighs: 32" (no change)
calf: 18 1/4" (no change)

So, I shed 1.5 lbs., but nothing showing in measurements. I had still been recovering from being sick, so I did not go to the gym at all this week, but still made a lil progress. I am back to the gym tomorrow. It's gonna feel SO good!

End of 16th Week, Back on Track...Mostly

2011-05-15T21:27:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I was sick this week...this house we believe is a "sick" house, we have been sick more than we have been well since we have lived here. I still shed 2 lbs. this week, so I am now back at 253.

My comparison pics:

My measurements for this week:

neck: 14 1/2" (no change)

upper arm: 14 1/4" (no change)

chest: 42" (no change)

waist: 34 3/4" (up 1/4")

hips: 50 3/4" (no change)

thigh: 32" (no change)

calf: 18 1/4" (no change)

So, I shed 2 lbs., and gained 1/4" around my waist. Not bad since I didn't go to the gym at all this week, because I was pretty sick most of the week. I am feeling much better as of today, so I should be able to get back on track for tomorrow.

End of 15th Week, SETBACK =(

2011-05-08T17:37:00.001-06:00

I was working too hard this week, and not getting to the gym but once. We were low on funds and couldn't buy the whole grain foods and lean proteins, so I gained 2 lbs, plus it's my premenstrual week...argh...

I am 255 lbs., now. Here are my comparison pics:

My measurements this week:

neck: 14 1/2" (no change)

upper arm: 14 1/2" (no change)

chest: 42" (no change)

waist: 34 1/2" (up 1/4")

hips: 50 3/4" (no change)

thigh: 32: (no change)

calf: 18 1/4" (up 1/4")

So, I gained 2 lbs., and 1/4" in two places. I'M GOING THE WRONG WAY!

I get to and deserve to schedule out and GO during those scheduled times, to the gym. That's all there is to it. We get back on track as of Wednesday with our grocery budget, so I get to start eating better again.

I also get to forgive myself this week...

End of 14th Week

2011-05-01T09:48:00.000-06:00

Wow, motivation has lagged this week, but I still made it to the gym 3 times and did some heavy weight workouts.

I gained 1 1/2 lbs., so I am now at 253 lbs. It looks like it may be muscle fiber gain because I still shed some inches.

Here are my comparison pics, the first one at 275 lbs, and today at 253:

My measurements this week compared to last week:

neck: 14 1/2" (no change)

upper arm: 14 1/4" (no change)

chest: 42" (down 1/4")

waist: 34 1/4" (down 1/4")

hips: 50 3/4" (no change)

thigh: 32" (no change)

calf: 18" (down 1/4")

So, as you can see, I shed 1/4" in 3 different measurements and NO, I didn't stretch the measuring tape! LOL

I find that some of my patterns are to work really hard on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and not get to the gym, even though I schedule it out, so I am consistently missing 2 days out of the 5 that I schedule to go to the gym.

We are crunched for the money, so, if I am still making progress, then I am ok with this. I will still plan to go to the gym 5 days a week, though, because I am sure I will make much more progress.

Until next week, if not sooner...catch ya all later!

End of 13th Week, More Progress

2011-04-24T18:10:00.000-06:00

Here are my comparison pictures from the first day to today, I shed another 2 lbs. this wee:

Okay, getting some curving in around my waist! woohoo...look at the difference!

Now, my measurements, last week compared to today:

neck: 14 1/2" (no change)

upper arm: 14 1/4" (down 1/4")

chest: 42 1/4" (no change)
waist: 34 1/2" (no change)

hips: 50 3/4" (no change)

thigh: 32" (no change)

calf: 18 1/4" (no change)

Soooooo, not a lot of change, however, the trainer has said that one week, I may see a difference on the scale but not measurements, and the next week, I may not see a difference on the scale, but yes in the measurements.

I only worked out 3 times this week, I did a very hard upper body and was way too sore to work out for 2 days. I will work on not pushing myself too hard and I should be able to get to the gym 5-6 times this up and coming week. Let's see how it pans out.

End of 12th Week, Getting Over Strep Throat

2011-04-17T09:40:00.001-06:00

So today marks the end of 12 weeks, 3 months into my journey. It's the second week of Body For Life and I have a late start. I am only one more day away from finishing my antibiotics from having a bad case of strep throat. I think I caught it at the gym. I didn't clean off the equipment BEFORE using it and so.....I caught strep and have had a 10 day lay-off to get well. I hit the gym hard tomorrow, though.

Here are my pic comparisons, the first was at 275 lbs. when I started, the next is today at 253 1/2 lbs. Over the week, I shed 2 lbs.

My measurements for the week compared to last week:

neck: 14 1/2" (no change)

upper arm: 14 1/2" (no change)

chest: 42 1/4" (down 1/4")

waist: 34 1/2" (down 1/4")

hips: 50 3/4" (down 1/4")

thigh: 32" (down 1/4")

calf: 18 1/2" (no change)

Now, I like to do this occasionally...compare my very first measurements from Feb. 9, 2011, to now, April 17, 2011:

neck: 15" now: 14 1/2" (down 1/2")

upper arm: 15" now: 14 1/2" (down 1/2")

chest: 45 1/2" now: 42 1/4" (down 3 1/4")

waist: 37" now: 34 1/2" (down 2 1/2")

hips: 53 1/2" now: 50 3/4" (down 2 3/4")

thigh: 34" now: 32" (down 2")

calf: 19 now: 18 1/4" (down 3/4")

So, if you add up all the inches dropped, it equals 12 1/4"...now that's what I call progress.

End of 11th Week, Time To Check In

2011-04-10T13:19:00.001-06:00

As I mentioned earlier this week, I joined the official challenge for Body For Life and worked out hard on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and did SO good, then I contracted Strep Throat on Friday. I am on antibiotics and have a layoff from the gym, mandated by the doctor. What a way to start Body For Life.

I am now 255.5, the day before I'm suppose to start my period! That means I shed 3.5 lbs this week.

Okay, my pic this week compared to the very beginning:

You can tell I don't feel very well here. Ick, my tonsils are all swollen. I should recover and bounce back fairly quickly. My fever has finally broken as of this morning.

I did my measurements:

neck: 14 1/2" (no change)

upper arm: 14 1/2" (no change)

chest: 42 1/2" (down 1/2")

waist: 34 3/4" (down 3/4")

hips: 51" (no change)

thigh: 32 1/4" (down 1/4")

calf: 18 1/4" (down 1/2")

So, I did really well this week, even with coming down with strep. I'm not sure how long I'm suppose to lay off from the gym. I will probably start back by Wednesday. I will make that the plan. If I am not feeling better by then, I will just change my start back date.

Time to Check In for the 10th Week

2011-04-03T19:03:00.001-06:00

Okay, I have been feeling SO sick with diarrhea and upset tummy yesterday and today, but I still managed to get a pic and take measurements. My weight this morning was up a little bit at 259 lbs., a gain of 3.5 lbs. I took a break from the gym this week because I wanted to ramp up mentally for tomorrow, starting Body For Life.

Well, still looking good, I have dark circles under my eyes, though. My measurements weren't the best, either:

neck: 14 1/2" (no change)

upper arm: 14 1/2" (no change)

chest: 43" (no change)

waist: 35 1/2" (up 1/2")

hips: 51" (no change)

thigh: 32 1/2" (no change)

calf: 18 3/4" (up 1/4")

So, I have gone up a little bit this week. Very discouraged. I've eaten really good, stuck to the plan, I just didn't work out this week.

I plan to be feeling better tomorrow so I can begin my workouts. Wish me success.

Starting a New Challenge - Body For Life

2011-03-31T21:26:00.001-06:00

Okay, now that the Biggest Loser challenge is over, I have been a little lackadaisical in getting to the gym to work out.

So, I am joining the Body For Life Challenge officially starting Monday, April 4, 2011. It is a 12-week challenge that I signed up for at http://www.bodyforlife.com for free. I downloaded all the tracking info and printed and I have a pretty pink binder I have put it all in.

I will be taking my before picture in a bikini (yikes!) and in 12 weeks I take an after picture. The challenge ends June 29, 2011.

I will still be taking weekly pics to post here and keeping notes here on my progress.

This whole time I have been following the Body For Life eating plan, just not the workout plan. I have it, though and I am re-committing myself to getting to the gym 6 times a week.

The eating part I have down well, just not the exercise. I have been shedding 1-2 lbs. a week with 1-3 workouts a week, just imagine my progress at 6 workouts/week. I can expect 2-5 lbs. per week consistently, I think. That is what the personal trainer said, anyway.

I am now in a size 17-18, down from the 22-24 I was wearing 9 weeks ago. *Sigh* I have come far, and I still have 106 lbs. to go.

End of 9th Week, End of Biggest Loser Challenge

2011-03-27T15:36:00.001-06:00

Okay, so I weighed in at the gym for the Biggest Loser Challenge and I did OK. Considering what I have contended with over the past weeks, I have done really well. I have shed 18.5 lbs.

Here are my comparison pictures, my first pic compared to today:

I had just got back from church earlier, so I was all done up with a new dress on and makeup on, I look SO different! I was wearing a size 22-24 when I started. That black dress I had on today is a size 17-18, and it's loose!

My measurements today compared to last week:

neck: 14 1/2" (no change)

upper arm: 14 1/2" (down 1/4")

chest: 43" (no change)

waist: 35" (up 3/4") I think I may have measured wrong last week

hips: 51" (down 1")

thigh: 32 1/2" (no change)

calf: 18 1/2" (no change)

So, I worked out on Thursday, that was the ONLY day I could make time, as my Mother is still staying with us and is needing a lot of help and company. It is only draining and bothersome because it interferes with my work and my ability to bring in an income to the home. As it is, I do not know if we will be able to make rent this next month. I am still moving forward and am looking to the more positive side of my Mother being here.

She was not that present for me growing up, so it has it's blessings right now.

End of 8th Week, Still Progressing Slowly

2011-03-20T18:59:00.001-06:00

Okay, after the week I had, I'm surprised I made any progress. I worked out once on Monday and then my Mother got really sick and in the hospital.

So, here is my first pic from 8 weeks ago, then today:

My measurements today compared to last week:

neck: 14 1/2" (no change)

upper arm: 14 3/4" (no change)

chest: 43" (down 1/4")

waist: 34 1/4" (down 1 3/4")

hips: 52" (down 1/4")

thigh: 32 1/2" (down 1/2")

calf: 18 1/2" (down (1/4")

That's it for today!

Setbacks This Week...Argggh!

2011-03-18T14:10:00.000-06:00

I worked out once this week so far, and it's already Friday!

My Mother had become really sick over the weekend and I called an ambulance on Tuesday to take her to the ER and she had pneumonia and a bladder infection. She has finally been released and she is staying with us to recover.

I really haven't been able to get to the gym since. I have had doctors, home health, etc., to deal with. I have lost so much work and pay this week, I am so stressed out I feel like crying every time I turn around.

However, I did take a peek at the scale this morning and I have shed 1 1/2 lbs. this week so far. My cheat day was Wednesday because I was at the hospital most of the time and had to eat what their cafeteria had on hand. So, on Saturday, I will just eat really good, take measurements and weigh in on Sunday.

*Sigh*

Things will get better and I will be able to get back to my regular routine.

I finish my Biggest Loser challenge next week and we find out how much total weight and fat I have shed on the 24th.

I will be starting a new challenge with Body For Life the first week in April.

Check In Time 7th Week

2011-03-13T20:09:00.000-06:00

Time to post my weekly progress pic and compare to the first day I started, 7 weeks ago. I am at 259 1/2 lbs., too. Here they are:

My measurements today compared to last week:

neck: 14 1/2" (no change)
upper arm: 14 3/4" (no change)
chest: 43 1/4" (no change)
waist: 36" (no change)
hips: 52 1/4" (down 1/4")
thigh: 33" (no change)
calf: 18 3/4" (no change)

It might help if I did my measurements today compared to when I first started measuring 5 weeks ago:

neck: down 1/2"
upper arm: down 1/4"
chest: down 2 1/4"
waist: down 1"
hips: down 1 1/4"
thigh: down 1"
calf: down 1/4"

to total 6.5 inches gone! I'm also down 1 dress/pant size! woohoo!

I have had a hell of a day, though. My baby is STILL sick and coughing, crying all the time, teething with 3 molars coming in all at once. My mother fell twice in the last week and I had to take her to the hospital this morning and she is now staying with us until her broken tailbone heals.

I feel torn in so many directions. My husband and my 13 year old son are wanting attention, too. I also started a new job, although I work from home, it's still demanding.

I feel under a lot of stress and the cravings started to come on today and I resisted them. Stress gets me into the funk of impulsive eating. I get to deal with the stress a little bit differently, now.

I'm very tired, very sleepy. My baby is finally sleeping better since we propped his mattress up a little bit so he isn't coughing all night. Tonight should be a much better night's sleep.

End of the 7th Week

2011-03-11T12:13:00.002-07:00

Been watching the scale too much this week. Felt discouraged earlier this week and felt like binging on Wednesday. I drank a chocolate protein shake, but that didn't curb my sweet tooth. Soooo, I ate a small piece of chocolate cheesecake and didn't feel guilty about it at all. It is PMS time, starting my cycle in a couple days.

I had a hard workout on Thursday, burned 53 calories in 5 minutes on the exercise machine that is the hybrid of a stairmaster and elliptical. It kicks my arse! My knees pop each stride, but it's not a painful "pop". I decided to go to the regular elliptical and burned 515 calories in 40 minutes! That was way better than I have ever done since I started.

I had wanted to be under the 260 lb. plateau I had reached all week, and today...YAY, I am 259 1/2. I have also shed 2.5% bodyfat in these first 7 weeks.

Tomorrow is "cheat day"...hmmmm, I wonder if I will feel like cheating. Probably as I'm suppose to start my period and there are usually cravings that come right along with that!

End of 6th Week

2011-03-06T14:31:00.002-07:00

It's the end of the 6th week, here are my pics. The first one is when I started this, and the second one is of today. I shed 2 lbs in the last week, making a total weight shedding of 15 lbs. in 6 weeks, so far. That makes me 260 lbs., still not under 260, which was my goal this week. I just get to be a bit more patient.

I was so tired this morning when I took that picture and I hadn't showered yet, lol. I feel a lot better now that I have showered and washed my hair. Even so, I look like I have thinned out in the face and my complexion looks healthier. It also looks like my chin is no longer "melting" into my neck.

I sure had a big cheat day yesterday. I had pancakes for breakfast with butter and syrup, I had a Twix candybar, I drank coffee with full fat hazelnut creamer and I had taco salad for dinner and chocolate cheesecake for dessert. AND, I'm still shedding the weight.

My measurements from last week Feb 27, 2011:

neck: 14 3/4"

upper arm: 14 3/4"

chest: 44"

waist: 36"

hips: 53"

thigh: 33"

calf: 18 3/4"

Today, Mar. 6, 2011:

neck: 14 1/2" (down 1/4")

upper arm: 14 3/4" (no change)

chest: 43 1/4" (down 3/4")

waist: 36" (no change)

hips: 52 1/2" (down 1/2")

thigh: 33" (no change)

calf: 18 3/4" (no change)

I went to the gym only once this week and had a great workout. So great it injured my right foot and my plantar fasciitis flared up, so I couldn't go to the gym the rest of this last week. The pain has eased up since yesterday, so I will go to the gym tomorrow and see how it goes.

Stuck On A Plateau

2011-03-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

It was my goal last week to get myself under 260 by today. It didn't happen. I am still at 262, only 2 lousy lbs. My favorite pair of snug jeans I just washed and they are NOT snug anymore, they are loose. I may out shrink them in the next couple weeks. I have other jeans I can wear when that happens.

I worked out on Monday and had a great workout. I ended up hurting my foot and have rested it for 2 days now. I am back to the gym tomorrow.

I am working on getting under 260 by Sunday's weigh in and measurement taking.

Back To The Gym Today

2011-02-28T11:53:00.001-07:00

Okay, I made it to the gym today! Woohoo!

I burned almost 600 calories in 50 minutes, I am getting better. I can go longer and at a higher intensity on the elliptical. I am stepping up my workouts, now, so I get the most out of them.

Tomorrow, I do my legs and abs weight workout.

I am still cooling down from my workout. My face is bright red and I am soaked with sweat. Hungry, time to make an eggbeaters omelet with spinach.