Blogs > Lighten Up With Cathy

45-year-old Cathy Bevan, of Concord Township, is a contestant in The News-Herald's Lighten Up in 2013.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

For every negative there is a positive!

Not feeling to hopeful about losing any weight this month. At least I have not gained any. I have reached my first plateau so even though I still eat very healthy and work out, there is no weight loss. On the upside, I know my body fat is finally in the normal range, so that is a plus, and I know I am building muscle, so that is what is important. The fat is still burning off, I am just replacing it with strong muscles. For every negative there is a positive!

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Slow and steady...wins the race!

Well, don't think I will win but the pounds are very slow in coming off, I have changed my eating habits and my exercise routine. It is a fact that those last ten pounds are always the hardest. All I know is that I have dropped 2 sizes and my old clothes float on me, so I must be doing something right!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

It just gets harder!

As the weeks pass and I get closer to my goal weight, I find it increasingly more difficult to shed those last pounds. It seems like I have been at a plateau for a month. I did try increasing my caloric intake and working out more but nothing. It is becoming more and more frustrating. Though many scoff when I tell them I still have another ten pounds they often say where. OK, just need to find the way to step it up a notch.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Home sweet home!

Well, not necessarily for me. The kids are home from college and I am so glad to be spending the summer with them. I would not be considered an empty nester since I still have a five year old at home, but it is nice to have my girls here to spend time with them. I look forward to when my two sons come home from the military. It is so nice to have a full house.

Monday, May 13, 2013

A struggle through life!

       Sometimes life gets in the way....in more ways than one. There is our family, our work and for some  schooling to get ahead in life, but what happens when one is served that extra helping that you just didn't need. A family member looses their job, a separation, divorce, or just having to deal with a family member with substance abuse,  how does one cope? How do you continue to function, keep the family going, pay the bills, and just be happy?
       There are some who cope well, and others not so much, but it is often our family and friends that can make a world of difference in how we handle life.
       What's worse is how does one continue to struggle with weight loss under such adverse conditions? I do not recommend stress as a proper weight loss technique, but it can help for some!  We often need to find the balance in life and persevere. I have always remembered two mantra's; "It's all water rolling off a duck's back and what doesn't kill you will make you stronger!" I know we often get tired of hearing these words that "God never gives you more than you can handle", and for some these words can be reassuring, for others it means nothing.  We can choose to grow and become stronger in our ability to deal with the outside world, or cower and hide. I personally choose to become the poster child for living a life of no matter what you strive for you can accomplish it.
        I have to thank my children for being my biggest supporters and to all my friends who stand by me at such a difficult point in my life. To those who continue to struggle with the demands that bombard us from all sides; Life is a struggle, hold on to those who are your biggest cheerleaders and always remember that you are an important part of the world and everyone has something to contribute.      

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

A tad bit smaller!

For the first time in I have no idea, I actually bought my first pair of size 8 jeans, oh yeah! Talk about exciting. I have had to go down 2 sizes since my 20 pound weight loss and it is so exciting to be able to buy size M shirts and smaller pants. Just need to start toning up!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Lunch at Cabanas!

Had an early meal and the cooks continue to do a marvelous job at preparing the filet. It was perfectly cooked to order and even during the lunch crowd it only took a short time to get it. Thank you to the owner of Cabanas for such a generous gift to the lighten up contestants!
 

Monday, May 6, 2013

Time to kick it up a notch!

If your like me you  have probably hit that plateau. Yes, I have about 10 more pounds to lose and now it's time to change things around. Thank you to Cori for the great ideas of how to get back to losing weight. I have actually added a few more healthy calories and started moving a little more and since the weigh-in have lost another 2 pounds.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

A Walk in the Park!

A warm, sunny Sunday morning stroll...NOT!  The stroll through Girdled Road Park was more of a trek. Down steps to the stream and back up a gravel path and if that wasn't enough another trek down a winding gravel path, only to have to get to the end and turn around and do it all over again. The best part was the great company and conversation. What a great way to start the morning and even added 9,000 steps to the pedometer!