This {_______} life

Non-scale victory of the day!

Today’s non-scale victory (NSV) is a happy and sad one. I’ve been going through my clothes and doing something I have never done when I’ve lost a little weight – donate or toss what doesn’t fit. And there is a lot that won’t fit me any more. I’m nervous to get rid of things because I’ve always gained the weight I lost back. I’m determined that this is not going to happen this time. Thank you to the doctor, nutritionist, exercise coach, and glp-1 shots. Your support has been amazing. Thanks, also, must go to my husband. Mike has been on team Healthy Kathy since the beginning! I am happy to be losing. I’m even happy to be removing the clothing that doesn’t fit any more. I am sad about one thing. Losing my favorite pants.

Meet my favorite pants. They are the most comfortable pants I’ve ever owned. I got them on a clearance rack at Bealls Outlet. I have worn them dressily and casually. They have been too big at the waist for a long time but I could put waist reducing pins on them so I could still wear them. However, after losing 25 pounds, I can no longer keep them up, even with the pins. And so, after many years of happily wearing these, I am finally passing them on so someone else can enjoy them. I hope they make you feel pretty and as happy as they made me.

Now to find a pair similar to these but in a smaller size.

Thanks for reading!

Three Pounds and a Small Miracle

I did it.

Not climbed-a-mountain did it. Not ran-a-marathon did it.

But honestly? This might be harder.

After what felt like the longest, most stubborn, most personality-filled plateau in human history, the scale finally moved… down. Three pounds down.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Three pounds? That’s it?”

Oh no, my friend. That’s not “it.” That’s a full-blown celebration.

Because if you’ve ever been stuck in that weird in-between place—doing everything right, drinking your water, walking your steps, saying no to the second cookie while dramatically staring at it like it personally betrayed you—you know those three pounds are basically a standing ovation from your body.

For weeks (okay… let’s be honest… it felt like years), my body was like,
“Hmm. Interesting. We see your effort. We acknowledge it. We will now do… nothing.”

Cool. Thanks.

But here’s the thing I’m starting to understand:
A plateau isn’t failure. It’s your body having a team meeting.

It’s recalibrating. Adjusting. Figuring out this “new normal” you’ve been building. It’s like your body is saying,
“Wait… we’re really doing this? Okay… let me catch up.”

And then one day—out of nowhere—it lets go.

Three pounds. Gone.

Just like that.

Well… not just like that. More like after patience, consistency, and resisting the urge to throw the scale out the window at least twice a week.

But still.

And you better believe I celebrated. Not with anything wild—no dramatic confetti cannon (although I considered it)—but with something even better: pride.

Pride in sticking with it when it felt like nothing was happening.
Pride in trusting the process when the process was being extremely rude.
Pride in myself for not quitting.

Because that’s the real win here.

The weight loss? Amazing. Love that for me.
But the not giving up? That’s the real transformation.

So yes, I lost three pounds.

3-pound bag of granulated sugar with wooden scoop illustration — 3 pounds of disgusting fat

And I gained something even better: proof that if I just keep going—even when it’s slow, even when it’s frustrating, even when it feels like my body is ignoring me—I will break through.

And next time the scale stalls?

Oh, I’ll still complain. Let’s not get crazy.

But I’ll also remember this:
Plateaus don’t mean it’s not working.

They just mean your body is getting ready to surprise you.

And honestly… I love a good plot twist.

What are your plateau buster tips?

Thanks for reading.

Breaking Through the Plateau

When the Scale Stalls but You Don’t

There’s a moment in every weight loss journey that feels especially cruel.

You’re doing the things.
Making better choices.
Showing up for yourself in ways you didn’t before.

And then… the scale stops moving.

If you’re on a GLP-1 journey, this moment can feel even more confusing. After seeing steady progress, the plateau can feel like hitting an invisible wall. You might wonder:

Is it me? Is the medication not working anymore? Am I doing something wrong?

Let me gently tell you something you need to hear:

You are not stuck. You are stabilizing.

The Truth About Plateaus

A plateau isn’t failure—it’s your body recalibrating.

When you lose weight, especially after years of struggling, your body has to adjust to a new normal. Hormones shift. Metabolism adapts. Muscles, water retention, and even stress levels all play a role.

GLP-1 medications help regulate appetite and blood sugar—but they don’t override biology completely. Your body is still doing its job: protecting you, balancing you, figuring things out.

And sometimes… that looks like stillness.

What’s Actually Happening Behind the Scenes

Even if the scale isn’t moving, so much is still changing:

Your habits are becoming consistent
Your relationship with food is improving
Your body is healing internally
Inflammation may be decreasing
You may be losing inches, not pounds

Progress is happening—even if it’s not loud.

The Emotional Side No One Talks About

Plateaus mess with your head.

You start to question your effort.
You compare yourself to others.
You feel tempted to give up… or go back.

But here’s the powerful truth:

This is the exact moment your transformation deepens.

Because now, it’s not just about motivation—it’s about commitment.

How to Break Through (Gently, Not Punishingly)

Breaking a plateau isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing things differently and intentionally.

1. Revisit your basics
Are you eating enough protein? Staying hydrated? Sleeping well? These simple things matter more than you think.

2. Add a small change—not a drastic one
A short walk after meals. Light strength training. A slight shift in your routine can wake your body up.

3. Manage stress (this one is huge)
Stress can stall weight loss. Cortisol matters. Give yourself permission to rest.

4. Stop obsessing over the scale
Try tracking how your clothes fit, your energy, your mood, or your stamina instead.

5. Stay consistent—even when it feels boring
Consistency during a plateau is what separates temporary success from lasting change.

A New Way to See It

Instead of saying:

“I’m stuck.”

Try saying:

“I’m in a strengthening phase.”

Because that’s what this is.

You’re building the version of you who doesn’t just lose weight—but keeps it off.

A Little Reminder for You

You didn’t come this far to quit during the quiet part.

This is where resilience grows.
This is where discipline forms.
This is where your new life is being built—brick by brick.

And the breakthrough?

It’s coming.

Maybe not tomorrow.
Maybe not next week.

But if you keep going… it’s inevitable.

You are not behind. You are not broken. You are in progress.

And that is something to be incredibly proud of.

I should have said no.

How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?

During the past three months, I have been really good at saying no to food and drink that I know I should eat sparingly or not at all. Yesterday I didn’t and boy did I suffer. A coworker brought in some garlic focaccia that his wife made. It looked and smelled delicious. Bread of any kind has always been my favorite weakness. I had a 1.5 x 1.5 inch square of warm, fragrant, delicious focaccia. I thoroughly enjoyed it for about half an hour. Then the stomach issues started. Needless to say, today I am sticking to foods that I know won’t bother me. But boy-oh-boy was that little piece of focaccia DELICIOUS!!!

What a difference (almost) a year makes!

I regret that I didn’t take before photos when I started my healthy journey on December 17, 2025. I decided to try and find a decent face picture from a year ago. The closest I could find is one from May 2025 when I weighted 30 pounds more than today. I’ve lost 25 since December 17, 2025 and I’ve been trying to “see” it when I look at myself. Here is my comparison photo that I just posted to Facebook.

I think I can see it in my face.

I am happy. Still a lot to go but I am very pleased with my progress.

Thanks for reading.

Day 57 – down 13.4

I started my GLP-1 health journey 57 days ago.

This week, my weight loss stalled with me being down 13.4 pounds. I actually gained 5 pounds recently, but when I started being more strict and I re-lost that 5 plus two more – stalling out at 307.5. (That is very stressful for me to admit) I know I’m still losing, but gaining muscle, which is good. I can tell that I’m losing from the body scans I do using the ZOZOfit app. The app lets you create a video showing the changes in your scans. It is very, VERY motivating when the scale hasn’t moved. I’m trying to hit my first “mini goal” of 300 pounds. I know I can do it!

The doctor upped my dose from .25 to .50. After my first new dose shot….NO APPETITE! I have to make myself eat enough. It is so weird to not be hungry — AT ALL.

My body feels 95% better than it had been feeling. Most of my joint pain has gone.

I am so glad that I decided to do this for myself.

Thanks for reading.

GLP-1 progress report

I took my first dose of GLP-1 meds on 1/9/26. I have phone coaching from a nurse, a dietitian, and an exercise coach. I see the doctor every 4 weeks. I have lost 11.2 pounds since my first shot. In total, I have lost 17 pounds since I started eating better and moving more, which was 12/17/25.

Today was the first day that I really just didn’t want to eat – ANYTHING! It was a rough day.

I go to the doctor after work on Thursday. It will be interesting to see what their scale says.

And so, the journey continues….

Microwave Ricotta Egg Mug

I wanted to try something new to enhance my breakfast of eggs in a mug. I read that you can add some ricotta cheese. So….

I sprayed my mug with avocado oil.

Into the mug I added two eggs and two tablespoons of ricotta cheese. I scrambled it up with a fork until the ricotta was incorporated. I added a little salt and freshly ground pepper. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir. Microwave for another 45 seconds to 1 minute.

It turned out pretty tasty. I wish I had taken a picture. Next up, I will try adding chives or fresh tomatoes.

Nutrition according to my food diary app.

2 eggs – 143 calories, 10 g fat, 1 g carbs, 13 g protein

2 Tbsp ricotta cheese – 46 calories, 3 g fat, 2 g carbs, 2 g protein

Avocado oil spray (2 sprays) – 10 calories, 1g fat, 0 g carbs, 0 G protein

Total – 199 calories, 14 g fat, 3 g carbs, 15 g protein

What would you add to this recipe??

Finding the Best Chocolate Protein Shake: My Reviews – Part 3

Today’s protein shake reviews are for two really good ones.

First I tried Super Coffee Protein. I wasn’t sure if this one would count toward a chocolate shake. The flavor was mocha. This one was super creamy and it had a nice coffee and chocolate taste. With 150 calories, 25 grams of protein, 8 carbs, 5 grams of fiber and 1 g sugar, this was delicious. I give it 4 stars. You can find it here – https://amzn.to/3Ou3k8S

The second shake I tried in this batch was Slate Ultra Protein. At 130 calories and 30 grams of protein, this was a tasty choice. With 3 g of carbs, 1 g fiber, and 1 g sugar, it was a good choice with less calories and sugar. I give this one 4.25 stars out of 5. You can find it here – https://amzn.to/4c62ubq

Anything you want me to taste test?

Thanks for reading.

Please note: As an Amazon Affiliate I receive a small commission for any items purchased using my link.

Finding the Best Chocolate Protein Shake: My Reviews – Part 2

Today we are going to taste Fairlife Core Power and Muscle Milk.

First up … Fairlife Core Power. This one has 170 calories, 26 G protein, 8 g carbs, 2 g fiber, and 5 g sugar. It is very creamy and has a nice chocolate flavor. I really liked this one. 4 stars. You can find it here – https://amzn.to/4dGKmpS

Muscle Milk – sounds like something that a body builder would drink, doesn’t it? It has 170 calories, 25 G protein, 11 g carbs, 6 g fiber, and 0 g sugar. I had high hopes for this one. First, the smell is not pleasant. It smells like medicine. While it starts out creamy, it quickly turns chalky. It lacked a chocolaty taste. I had two sips and I was done. This is a pass for me. 0 stars. You can find them here – https://amzn.to/4tzTVLL

Is there a “health” food or healthy recipe you would like me to try or compare? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading.

Please note: I am an Amazon Affiliate and make a small commission on items purchased using my links.