melanie
lisa
kara
kathleen
mieres
zulema
ruann
vernita

The Sky's the Limit!


happy colours of the sky
Originally uploaded by *Betti*
Here's to a wonderful 12 weeks of learning (even by my own mistakes). I have enjoyed this time. I did not aim too high to maintain consistency. I also did not want the stress and guilt of not reaching a high goal to cause depression. But you know, I have really surprised...ok...SHOCKED myself at how much I have done. I have learned a valuable lesson that if "its" not in the house...you won't eat it. Whatever your "it" is, I've learned that healthy alternatives are key. My goal in the beginning of the twelve weeks were to simply be able to button my pants and I'am proud to announce.........I CAN!

Love you guys! You are the best! Thankyou AHA for everything! And thanks for all the CYBER CHEER!

PS. I think I might stick around for awhile! :-)


Fear of the Unknown

Have you ever left a familiar place to venture out into something totally new? I think we all have at some point in our lives. At that moment there is a mixture of excitement and a little fear. Fear of what? one might ask. Perhaps its the fear of failure, change, the unknown, lack of control, or a combination of them all.



We Made It!


Golden Curve
Originally uploaded by bitefight.
I've missed you all!

A two day trip with 22 hours of road traveling.....I'm happy to say we have made it safe. I used alot of helpful tips from AHA to help me avoid the pitfalls of less healthy eating while on the road. I had my share of a few fastfood places...boohoo... but I did incorporate fruit, veggies, nuts, and water while traveling. I have been hitting the treadmill since we have arrived and I actually like it! WHAT! ME! Wow...that's all I can say is...wow. It feels good to be back in cyberspace. It feels like I've been gone forever. and you know what else???...ONE MORE WEEK TO GO!!!!


Applause


Applause
Originally uploaded by BayerNYC.
Just a little note to thank everyone for their support! For all of the "you can do it's, you go girl, wow, thats great". And for all of the good, sound advice. And for meeting such great women with a shared interest in a healthier lifestyle. I know the program is not over yet but I just feel mushy! It's my last day at work and goodbye's get me like this. I feel so grateful! Everyone in the CTM program offered something unique and I'm truly grateful. This group of ladies certainly offer a variety of laughter, honesty, and support. This may be a premature salute...but in my book...we've already won!
Here's to Kara, Vernita, Melanie, Kathleen, Ruann, Zulema, all the choose to move ladies who have joined us or supported us, and... me!


My Hurdle


Cool Water Bottle
Originally uploaded by ward thompson.
LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO......

What I need. want. But seem to miss the mark.
WATER! or the lack thereof.

I've put everything in it that I possibly could...lemon, sweet powdery substances, glitter, sparkles, blue diamonds, green clovers...ok ok Lisa...but really I just don't drink enough water. I've even had to make it the only thing in the house! Its starting to be one of two choices in the fridge. Either drink it or die of thirst. With the weather warming up and with all this activity, I know it is very important. I think I've been so obsessed with my step monitor that I've neglected this vital key in overall health. I will try to have balance and remember all the things that work together for a balanced, healthy life.


Keep It Movin!


Keep It Movin!
Originally uploaded by lisadhammond.




Every Little Step Counts!


This is a pretty good start....or finish!

It is recommended that we have an average of 10,000 steps a day. I think I may be obsessed with the step monitor!

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Moving Jitters

Relocating to a whole new state can be challenging!

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Expert Advice!

Expert Doctor

Choose To Move: A Community, A Way of Life

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.


Recent Comments

My total chol. is 184
HDL is 46
LDL is 106
Trig. is 184

I have been on a low fat, low carb diet since Sept (NutriSystem). Should I be concerm about my Trig?

Comment by on February 12, 2008 2:54 PM

Dr. Mieres,

I'm very much an internet girl. As soon as I found out I had high blood pressure, I found this site. After going through all the 'choose to move' selectees, I chose Vervita, for the reason that she update often and replied to those that posted comments.

Well here we are, 6 months later, most of those chosen have yet to update.

Considering these are all busy and accomplished women, perhaps some slack should be cut. Ok.

The forums are worse. I have had to hunt and peck to find true posts, some of which should be answered by a professional, not a jr. high social studies teacher.

I'm sorry to be so negative. In truth, AHA diet and recipes have made it possible that I may be coming off meds next week. My diet plan has been based on your cookbooks.

When I called in my numbers today, to get a refill, the office called me back and said the doctor said when I want, to stop meds for 4 days and make an appointment for the 5th. If bp is in the 100-120 range, we'll stop the meds. Woo hoo! Diet and exercise may pay off!

Comment by on June 12, 2008 8:17 PM

Dr. Mieres,

I'm very much an internet girl. As soon as I found out I had high blood pressure, I found this site. After going through all the 'choose to move' selectees, I chose Vervita, for the reason that she update often and replied to those that posted comments.

Well here we are, 6 months later, most of those chosen have yet to update.

Considering these are all busy and accomplished women, perhaps some slack should be cut. Ok.

The forums are worse. I have had to hunt and peck to find true posts, some of which should be answered by a professional, not a jr. high social studies teacher.

I'm sorry to be so negative. In truth, AHA diet and recipes have made it possible that I may be coming off meds next week. My diet plan has been based on your cookbooks.

When I called in my numbers today, to get a refill, the office called me back and said the doctor said when I want, to stop meds for 4 days and make an appointment for the 5th. If bp is in the 100-120 range, we'll stop the meds. Woo hoo! Diet and exercise may pay off!

Comment by on June 12, 2008 8:17 PM