Cathrine’s Corner: Reflecting on Lifestyle Changes in June

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: 220

June Goal: 220

Overall Goal: 171

Pounds Lost Since Jan. 1, 2018: 11

In Cathrine’s words...

 

Fad diets aren’t sustainable...

I recently watched a documentary about weight loss and why it is so difficult to maintain. It was suggested that people fail with maintaining weight loss when it is not a sustainable life change. Personally, I have always had success losing weight using different diet systems or fads, but within a few months, my weight loss stopped, and I slowly begin gaining the weight lost.
 

Prepared meals, choice, and consistency...

I have not experienced that with my recent weight loss. While my weight loss has slowed, I have consistently lost weight since January 2017. I have reflected on what is different. I know that having my meals from Diet-to-Go makes a huge difference, but I do have to prepare some meals on my own and certainly have to make choices when out to eat. Incorporating exercise into my life is another significant difference.
 

A focus on health, not the number on the scale...

The biggest difference in my success losing 111 pounds is that this commitment was not about a number or an event or even a goal. From the beginning, my focus was on my health, rather than losing weight to fit into a dress, or before that special event, or visiting my family. I knew I was not healthy physically, and it was having an impact on me mentally.

Now when I make a decision to order something when I am out to eat or meeting a friend for ice cream, I don’t deprive myself to get to a goal. Rather, I find a way to work it into my healthy life.

That decision to have ice cream might mean spending some extra time at the gym, but it does not mean I have failed.
 

Feeling success can come from the most unlikely of places...

My biggest success this month was on a recent flight to see my family. Two years ago, I had to ask for seatbelt extenders when I flew. I felt humiliated asking each time and even flew once without my seatbelt because I was too embarrassed to ask for the extender. I actually missed opportunities for special events because I would avoid flying.

One year ago, after losing almost 50 pounds, I was able just close the seat belt without an extender for the first time in years.

On my most recent flight, I was able to TIGHTEN my seatbelt, and I had at least six inches of extra room! It was a reminder of how much my life has changed by committing to a healthy lifestyle.

*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.