I love summer, vacations, sleeping late, no routine, changing schedules. Time for home repairs, extra projects. Just more time to get things done.
Now its back to work, back to routines and scheduled days. being able to fit exercise in when the schedule is in flux will I hope make it easier to do when I can go back to fitting it into more of a routine again.
This summer was not perfect and not always easy. I think that if I were still looking at this as a diet or temporary fitness project instead of as my lifestyle change I would have to say it was a failure. But thinking of it as part of my journey to change to a healthier lifestyle it was a great success.
We did better at incorporating healthier eating into our vacation this year than we did last year, and I did better about keeping exercise going throughout. Not perfect but definitely better than last summer when there was no exercise involved. I still feel guilty when things aren't perfect and I miss some days but I am always reminding myself "its a journey".
Sometimes I think I may just be kidding myself and I need another way to tell that I'm doing good and not just say "on a journey" as a copout. One way to moniter yourself is with Doctor visits.
Everyone should visit their Doctor at least once a year. Its your wake up call that things need to change or your time to shine and give yourself a pat on the back when things go well, a time to get nagging questions maybe about personnal family history answered.
I use the last few weeks before school starts to be sure everyone has checked in with Doctors and dentists, including myself. One thing I learned somewhere in my nursing career was you must "care for the caregiver". As mothers we often put off our own health. Don't, if you want to live a long and healthy life with those you love.
This year I got to get a little pat on the back. I made my Doctors smile. They love it when patients actually do what they have been telling them to do for years. But I can't be to smug about my success, more work to do, the journey is not done and I'm looking forward to keeeping those Doctors smiling next year.
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
Aug 14 | Vernita said …
Hello Kathleen,
As long as we keep driving and don’t stop or look back for too long, I think that we will be headed in the right direction.
I know the students will love their "new" energetic school nurse.
Hope the health fair goes smoothly...
~Vernita
Sep 03 | Anne said …
Hi
I am newcomer and decided to join "Choose To Move". Being overweight has been my problem most of my life. I am 54. I do not have bad eating habits but I eat way too much of the good food.....most of the time I start out the day with good intention...I would do well until dinner time which would sabotage all the efforts I have made during the day...it is quite frustrating...I do spend lots of time thinking about food....I just love to eat good food...
I did weighed 182 and now I am down to 170 through Jenny Craig diet but I have been on this program for three months and I haven't lost any more pounds....
I started to walk ...at first for 20 minutes, three times a week and now I increase it to 30 minutes, 4-5 times a week.
I am looking for support and this is the place....I'm looking forward to this new journey of mine with you all...Anne
Sep 03 | Kathleen said …
Welcome Anne, you are on the right track. I did the same things with weight watchers and hit a plataeu until I added activity. It really works but one thing is don't get discouraged if you don't see more weight loss when you first start adding activity. The other ladies and I didn't see changes on the scale for at least 6-8 weeks and then it was slow but we did see changes in how we felt and how our clothes fit. Watch for the positive changes however small to keep you motivated. It will definitely be worth it. Keep us posted and keep up the good moving.
Sep 12 | Gerry said …
Kathleen, I am looking for major support to help lose 40-45 lbs. I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and am on medication which I don't enjoy. I will be looking to Choose to Move for support. I have tried WW, and other weight programs but did not last on them. I am, hopefully, committed to CTM and this time lose the weight for good and get off my bp medicine.
Sep 15 | Kathleen said …
Gerry, It can be done and CTM can help you do it but it is not easy or quick. You need to accept up front that patience is a big factor and the hardest. Having started and stopped programs many times myself I understand but you need to know that if you hang in there it does pay off and it keeps on paying off. We are glad you are on board with CTM, and let us know what we can do to help you hang in there through the hard times.
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