I need the energy and momentum that propels those January diets, now.
Even though my family and I have been working to eat healthier for several years and have made great progress it is still a strugle to maintain consistancy.
In previous years I could gain at least 5 lbs.over the winter holidays and start the new year resolved to do better. OK, truth, 5-10 lbs. This resolve would generally take me through to the new school year. Most of that time being spent in re-losing previously lost lbs. As the new school year would start, snacks at meetings, lunches with in-services and parties at school would wear away at my resolve. By Thanksgiving and Christmas it was practically non existant, hence the repetative 5-10lb weight gain.
School has been going on for a month and I feel history repeating itself yet again. I am out to break the cycle. I am determined to start my New Years renewal in September. I am re-reading all my diet information, healthy eating literature I have collected. Looking for new recipes, looking for inspiration. I have quite a collection of information not to mention new information from computer links I get. One of the best sources I have found which really has most all the information packed into one nice book is AHA's No-Fad Diet, I am re-reading it and becoming enthused again.
My goal is to lose those extra 5lbs before the holidays, maintain through the holidays and start the new year ahead of the game. Then next year when January comes I can start losing weight that I haven't lost before, over and over...and you get the picture. Wish me luck and Happy New 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
Sep 15 | Vernita said …
Hello Kathleen,
What a way to start off the New Year!!! I love the way you always THINK through your challenges.
~Vernita
Sep 15 | Kathleen said …
Thanks Vernita, takes alot of thinking to try to keep healthy. I know you keep it in the forefront of your mind and its working. Happy New Year to you.
Sep 18 | Melanie said …
Happpy new year! I admire your resolve to do it differently this year ... maybe we "old dogs" can learn new tricks!
I've started my "new year" again too with the fall semester - commutuing each week and working a hectic schedule. It really takes planning and commitment for me to keep up my exercise and eat right, but so far so good. I have been taking my food with me - high fiber cereal, blueberries, apples, almonds, etc. so no fast food so far. Except I did eat a bag of cheetos one day - yuk!
We can do this! Let's keep supporring each other :D
Melanie
Sep 18 | said …
Support, support, support. That's what we need. Funny how some of those things we used to eat aren't as satisfying as before. You are doing great. Next to support planning ahead is the best. Have a great year Mel.
Oct 01 | Anne said …
Hi
One of the hardest thing to do is to stick to your diet or shall I say stick to making healthier choices and resisting the temptation of eating the not so healthy food. The last couple of months has been so difficult...I have gained from 169 to 174 ...I used to weighed 182 so the positive side is that I lost 8 pounds so far....
What I find so difficult is making choices at parties, going out to dinner with friends. After having a full hectic day... I tend to not cook and end up having to send out for fast food...I've tried setting up the mantra for emergency....will this help you to be closer to your goal? to be healthy and to lose weight? the funny part when my stomach start to grumble...is that I don't remember the mantra I've set up for myself ....it's more like mindless eating with me...
I am so frustrated with myself...Anne
Oct 01 | kathleen said …
Anne, Boy do I understand the feeling, I have gone up and down so many times I'm dizzy. It is only slightly comforting that I am still under my original weight. One thing I would suggest that helps is fill the house with plenty of low calorie snacks. Fresh fruit and vegetables but also low fat yougurt, sugar free pudding, hi fiber bars, low calorie frozen juice bars.Also have quick fix stuff like healthy low calorie TV dinners, also look for frozen pasta cassorles that come 2 servings to a bag that are fairly low calorie, better than fast food and faster, just pop them in the microwave. Don't let yourself get really hungry. The mantra is easier to remember when the stomach is not growling.
Keep trying new things don't give up, it's worth all the frustration.
Oct 09 | Joan H Weigle said …
Update: Life gets busy in the Fall even when you are a retired Senior I warn you!
My healthy eating tip is buying at a Farmer's Market, which for me means a special trip to downtown but it's only 2 miles. The beautiful fresh green beans, heirloome tomatoes, fresh corn (love silver queen!), aromatic basil in large bunches, kale, and flowers are so wonderful to pick from and the farmers are so proud of their wares. I usually load up the back of the car with my treasures. Not this week though - my husband & I are staying away from crowds because we have just had chicken pox vaccine shots (poor son-in-law came down with a horrible case!). I have for various reasons been less fathful about long walks but I try to get out there some and my weight is 155.4 from the 170 in March.:) Snacks for me are almost always 12 almonds or 24 peanuts which I love counting out! I try to sit when I eat too. I don't even enjoy the stuff wolfed down as I stand. I read the blogs on you guys from time to time because I don't want to lose touch and today it's been great to catch up. Way to go Vernita!! And those 5K folk are to be congratulated too. I'm with you all in spirit still, especially pal Kathleen who carried me through to a much healthier place in my life. Happy New Year to You too.Love, Joan
Oct 09 | kathleen said …
Hi Joan, Nice to hear from you. My husband and I shop at the Farmers Market also. I can't believe we went so many years just eating canned or frozen vegetables. Fresh is the only way to go. Sorry to hear about your Chicken Pox experience. Another diease to watch out for that is making a comeback is whooping cough. They have a new vaccine for adults and are recommending it to any families that will be having new babies. I always love hearing from you Joan, I think of you often when I am doing my cardio workout. When I get tired and feel like stopping I think of you keeping your healthy life going and keep on pushing. Thanks for your spirit. Love Kathleen
Oct 09 | Trish H. said …
Hi-Thanks to all for the helpful encouraging notes. This is my first time on any blog, but when I saw your story, Kathleen, I had to jump in. I, too am a school nurse, and have recently gone through some family struggles. I had a 40 lb wt gain 4 years ago that put me at 176. It has been tough to budge with a sedentary lifestyle. I tend to stuff emotions and eat, but I'm ready to get things turned around. There will always be plenty of reasons to not exercise: It's too hot, it's too cold, it's too early, it's too late, etc. etc. I start well but fizzle after a few weeks. I'm hoping this will keep me motivated to continue. thanks. Trish
Oct 09 | kathleen said …
Trish, Glad to hear from you. Your last few lines were like readings parts of my history. Believe me it can be done, it is not easy but it is so worth it. I started as a school nurse ten years ago probably pushing past 200lbs. Over time and especially with the help of CTM I have lost 40 and am still losing. The best thing I did was stitcking with CTM for 12 weeks. Now I have a healthy habit. Give yourself at least the 12 weeks even though it will be painful and you will be giving yourself the best gift. Keep me posted and keep moving.
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