Editor’s note: Cathrine Shinn in 2017 lost 100 pounds using Diet-to-Go*. We’re following her story through 2018 as she continues to lose weight and get healthy. If Cathrine can do it, so can you!*
Current weight: 226
March Goal: 221
Overall Goal: 171
Pounds Lost Since Jan. 1, 2018: 5
In Cathrine’s words...
I did not meet my goal for March, and this was discouraging. March is one of my busiest months at work, and I travel frequently. In addition, my social life is becoming increasingly active. Both made staying on track to hit my goal a challenge, and I was embarrassed and angry with myself for not doing so.
I have made significant changes to my lifestyle over the last 15 months, and I know what it takes to lose 1-2 pounds a week. While I wanted to blame my slow progress on travel and socializing, I realized an old habit started to creep into my thinking.
I have always been able to experience short-term success with weight loss. I could follow any diet plan for several months and lose weight. I would start to look and feel better, and friends and family would notice.
As I received more attention for the way I looked, I would slowly regain the lost weight, and then some. This felt like failure and I was always embarrassed by it. It actually kept me from seeing people or attending events where I knew I would see people I hadn’t seen since I’d regained the weight.
After losing 105 pounds, my appearance is commented on almost daily. Was this getting in my way? While I continued to eat my Diet-to-Go meals this month, I found myself eating more calories in snacks, and making less careful choices about the content of those calories. I truly think this is my subconscious fighting the recognition of my improved physical appearance.
I have started to monitor the quality of the calories I am eating. I am also focusing on increasing strength and endurance in the gym and outdoor activities. When someone tells me I look great, I thank them and respond by telling them how fantastic or strong or healthy I feel. It’s my way of appreciating the attention, but maintaining focus on the main reason I wanted to lose weight- to change my health!
* Weight loss results may vary. Results not guaranteed.
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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager
Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.