Part 1 of 3.
You clean out your closet of any clothes that are too big for you. Any yo-yo dieter has at least 3 sizes of clothes in her closet. Time to get rid of the larger sizes or have them altered permanently if its something you love or had a financial investment in. Keeping them around and available gives you permission to slip into old habits easily. I finally got rid of my last larger size clothes in June. Not that I wsn't committed in March, I just had to wait for summer vacation to work on that project. Cleaning closets is such a pain but so rewarding when you are done.
You clean out your food pantry of any unhealthy elements. Now I'm not saying throw away food. My mother was raised in the depression and she raised me as if I were also. We don't waste food. However as inappropriate things are used up you don't buy them again. While they are being used up search for healthier alternatives. You may need to go down varying degrees of healthy gradually. For example if you are drinking whole milk go to 2%, when that has been accepted go to 1%. You may eventually make it to Soy milk. I'm not there yet. Go from white bread to multi-grain then to whole wheat. Try other dark breads like rye and pumpernickle. They really perk up a plain old sandwich.
Out with the old in with the new.
Posts
At the end of any journey, it’s always nice to reflect on the experience and enjoy the exhilaration that comes with accomplishment. During the past 12 weeks, seven real women have opened their hearts and minds to women across the country. They’ve revealed struggles, shared empowering messages, offered valuable tips and served as genuine advocates for this program.
During the Choose To Move challenge, these women not only engaged in physical activity, they discovered a community of women who share a common goal – increase physical activity in order to develop a healthier lifestyle. Their success is a direct result of determination, commitment and the support they received from those in the Choose To Move community.
From a mom with three kids to a full-time college student to women in the workplace, our real women take on many important roles. And as women juggling multiple responsibilities, we want to be the best we can be - a common thread among women in America. However, in order to be the best for our families, we must do what’s best for ourselves. Our seven real women did exactly that! Each woman, in her own way, learned how to make time for physical activity and develop better eating habits!
For Ruann, Kara, Lisa, Melanie, Vernita, Kathleen and Zulema, the 12-week challenge has come to an end. However, the ultimate reality is that their life-long journey to maintain a healthy lifestyle has only begun. No matter where you are in this journey, I encourage you to rely on women in the Choose To Move community, as well as those around you. Take advantage of the Choose To Move program and turn this challenge into a way of life.
Dear Dr. Mieres:
About the only time I can find to walk is during my lunch break. Is it better to eat prior to or following a vigerous walk?
Thank you,
Ruth
Dr. Mieres,
I saw you on TV several months ago and while the face has changed some, the name surely was very familiar. I finally found out that you are a native of Trinidad and just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the great job you are doing.
I believe we attended the same high school in Curepe, Trinidad, SAGHS.
Keep up the good work.
Denise Baptiste formerly Charles
(Math Teacher/College Instructor)
Dr. Mieres,
I saw you on TV several months ago and while the face has changed some, the name surely was very familiar. I finally found out that you are a native of Trinidad and just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the great job you are doing.
I believe we attended the same high school in Curepe, Trinidad, SAGHS.
Keep up the good work.
Denise Baptiste formerly Charles
(Math Teacher/College Instructor)
Comments
Jul 17 | Melanie said …
These are great steps - I'm still stuck at 2% milk though. And I decided that my closet wasn't a time capsule, so I get rid of anything I haven't worn in the past year. It felt so good to clean out :D
Jul 17 | Kathleen said …
Hi Melanie, I love a clean closet but getting there is tough. Next I'm working on my daughter's, now there is a black hole. If you're happy with 2% don't go all the way to skim or non fat, try 1% it is hardly different from 2% but as healthy as skim.
Jul 19 | Katie said …
Cleaning out my closet is on my to do list as well. Out with the old so more new stuff can come in!! I like that!
Jul 19 | Kathi said …
I was interested in reading your blog- I am also a "Kathleen", about the same start weight as you, and I work as an assistant nurse at an elementary school. I am 34 with the body of a 50 year old. Ha. I am excited to follow your advice, and that of other ladies on this site. God willing--I will become yet another success story!!!
Jul 19 | Kathleen said …
Hi Katie, Well of course, that's your reward for being a good girl and cleaning your closet, you get to go shopping. Yeah.
Jul 19 | Kathleen said …
Hi Kathi, You are getting smart quicker than I by starting toward a healthy lifestyle at 34. Don't be like me in another way and wait till your 50 to wise up and get motivated. Write back if you need any advice you don't find, I will be glad to comment. Just go slow and steady with your changes so they will last. This is a marathon not a sprint. Good luck and keep us posted.
Jul 21 | Jo said …
HI Kathi,
I'm a little older than most of the women at Choose to Move but our goals are the same.
I've already cleaned out my closet and have some things to be altered.
Need to work on my cupboards now. May be its time to have a lot of company over for dinners to help me get rid of a lot of stuff.
Seems like my cupboards are loaded with all kinds of stuff to advoid.
I'm hoping this time I stay motivated to stay on the program I've had such poor performance in the past.
I had lost 70 pounds and have gained back 50.
All within the past 4 years.
I had promised myself never to gain back that weight but I wasn't able to keep that promise.
Some health problems kept me from exercising but I can now go to the pool so that isn't a problem anymore.
Good luck to you (and me)
Jul 22 | Teresa said …
Sat. July 21, I just signed up for the 2nd time. The first time I did not even try the exercises in the emails. Shame on me. However, I did use a stepper and an exercise band and did try to get in 30 min. a day. I dropped 33 lbs. since Dec. 6. I still need to improve my blood pressure. Hope exercise will do that.
At Mexican food restaurants I take carrot sticks to dip in the salsa. I do not eat the chips and the carrots are really better tasting.
Jul 22 | Silvi said …
Hi, I am 68 years old I have had 5 children they are all raised and out of the house. I have not dieted before in my life, I have always just watched what I have eaten but now wham! In the last 3 or 4 months I have gained a lot of fat around my waste and stomach. I know I don't get enough exercise, exercising has always been a problem for me (not one of my strong points). I need to learn how to make time for physical activity and I am excited to receive some good healthy recipes, I need some new fresh Ida’s in that aria.
Jul 27 | Kathleen said …
Jo, You know you are doing the right thing and you keep coming back to it that's good. I joined weight wathchers three times before I really looked at it as a lifestyle change and not a diet to go on and off of. That is the key. Make changes you can live with that will help you keep the weight off for good. It will be slow but it will be permanent. Have that party and keep me posted.
Jul 27 | Kathleen said …
Teresa, That carrot stick idea is great, I never thought of that, although I do eat carrot sticks at lunch instead of chips. What you do with your 30 min is up to you. The eamils and other suggestions are just an aid. If you have found the exercise that you like and can fit into your lifestyle you don't have to use the suggestions. Sounds like you are doing great, keep up the good work. I'm looking to help my B/P with exercise and it can help just check with your Dr. before trying to go off medication. It needs to be monitored because it can sometimes sneak back up on you.
Jul 27 | Kathleen said …
Silvi, Check out the websites I mention in Part 2, they have some recipe ideas also the AHA cookbooks are a good place to look. In the exercise area why not just start with walking. Start with 10 min a day and work up to 30, bet you'll see a difference. Good luck.
Jul 31 | Sharon said …
Hi, Kathleen
I'm 64 years old and have been trying to lose the same 20 lbs for years! Exercise has always been my problem, but I'm vowing to do better. I had a bout with breast cancer last year; am fine now and want to stay that way. I've started walking 30 minutes a day and am looking forward to some recipes I can make and take with me to work.
Jul 31 | Kathleen said …
Sharon, I know those same 20 pounds. It is never to late to try try again, I'm betting you can make it. The web sites I mention in Part 2 have some good recipes. You know if you just decrease your calories by 100 per day you can lose 10 of those pounds in a year. With exercise you can exceed your goal. Good luck and keep me posted.
Aug 03 | Sue said …
Hi All,
I just joined this group of lovely ladies. I'm 59 years old and I am a professional Calligrapher/lettering artist. That means I spend a lot of time sitting. I do move around, but I really have to push myself to exercise. Once I set a specific time to exercise each day, and stick to it a couple of times, I'm OK. But, then comes something that ruins my time to exercise and I will be in a rut again.
This group looks like they will be encouragers rather than discouragers. Now, I'm back to my work space to do more greeting cards etc..
Thanks, Ladies,
Sue
Aug 05 | Kathleen said …
Sue, I used to have the same problem, as soon as something interfeared with my schedule my good intentions were out the window. Try starting with your best time to exercise but have a backup time that is your next best, maybe even two backups. Sometimes use your backups until they feel comfortable, that way when you have to adjust your time it won't feel so foreign and you will bounce right back. Glad to have you with us and hope we can be of help.
Nov 06 | Liz said …
Hi - My name is Liz and I am just joining you on your journey. I am 74 years old and active but not really exer-
cising on regular basis. I have hard time motivating my-
self. I have already had Angioplasty and a stent placed
about 3 years ago - but even that has not kicked my into
gear! After reading through all of your comments I think
I may have found a support group. Any comments welcome!
Sue's comments of August 3 sounds as if she is writing about me... Thanks to all, Liz
Nov 06 | Kathleen said …
Liz, You are not alone, Sue describes the problem I had also. Get on a program do it till something gets in the way then off the wagon until you talk yourself into trying again. CTM tries to get you to committ to 12 weeks and hopefully by then you will be well on your way to a healthy habit. You will see the beginning of results you are looking for and that will also keep you going. Promise yourself 12 weeks no matter what. It worked for me and it can work for you.
Jan 10 | Ethel said …
Hello Everyone,
I just joined last nite. I am 79 years old.I have diabetes & hbp.Both are under control,but I need to loose weight. I especially want to increase my energy level. I have never liked exercise,However since that is what I must do to achieve my goals, I will give it a try. I need support & a push & this looks like the right place to get the help that I need.
Ethel
Jan 11 | kathleen said …
Ethel, You have come to the right place. This program works if you give yourself the gift of sticking with it for 12 weeks. You sound like me, I hated exercise and am still not fond of it but realize it is a necessary evil and have developed the habit and found a way to keep the routine in my schedule. Good luck and don't give up.
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