Can anyone relate to this situation?
For years I have battled with this weight issue. Oh, my level of physical activity? Take a look...View image
This was Day 1, yesterday's picture at the gym. JG and I are walking strong.
Anyway, getting back...
I am the coordinator of a communitywide health & wellness fair that will be held on March 31 at which time my family and friends will be coming to Iowa to show their support, so I am pacing my cleaning efforts in my apartment so that they will not have to be among my mess.
I think…better yet…I know that my weight issue is an indirect cause of my disorganization and “pack rat” status. Weird as this is, I actually feel safe behind my mess and inadvertently behind my excess weight.
My Dad is in great health, he can outrun most men that are half of his age, my Mom has been able to maintain the size of the average woman, and my brother, PII, is a mirror image of my Dad with an additional 20 pounds or so. PII’s wife, R, is a petite mom of 3 (by the way, R has joined the Choose to Move Challenge…go R!). I have one nephew, PIII and 2 nieces, Mar and O. In the family photo I STAND out, you know exactly what I mean. Sometimes you have to find a place to hide.
Can anyone relate?
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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.
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 PMDr. 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 PMDr. 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
Comments
Mar 07 | said …
Hi,
I'm Lenora one of Vernita best friend and I just wanted to say that she know that I have been having a hard time with my weight as well but she has really inspired me to join this program with her. I feel that if we frist look at our health issue then all the rest will follow as well to turn out great. So good luck to all that join the choose to move, and I'm proud of you Vee.
Mar 07 | Angela said …
Vernita,
I can definitely identify with having weight issues. Only if you knew me in high school and undergrad. Congratulations on your commitment and I know you will reach all of your goals!
Angela
Mar 07 | ardenia said …
Vernita, You Stand out because you are beautiful, not because of your weight.
Mar 07 | Jennifer said …
Congratulations Vernita! Or maybe I should say congratulations to us all. My name is Jennifer, I live in Indiana and I am getting on the peace/health/nutrition/wellness train too! I have been feeling the change coming inside me for a few weeks now. Since the first of the year, I guess.
I am 36, a professional chef, wife, and mother of 4 children. Sounds pretty normal, right? Here is the kicker; I am also a smoker for 20 yrs (thats more than half my life), my BMI is 35, both of my gfathers died young (51&53 yrs)from heart attacks and my Dad had his first heart attack April 06. Just looking at all of that in one sentence is scary.
So...I Choose To Move.
I am "Choosing To Move" because I don't want my husband to have to choose my casket.
I am "Choosing To Move" so my children don't have to choose where to spend Mother's Day...at the cemetary or at Grammy's house.
I am "Choosing To Move" because I have been HIDING from the fact that the way I live my life will kill me (but not before it brings a whole lot of misery to the people I love the most...ever watch somone die of emphysima?).
There are a million things in this world that I can't control about my life and could end it prematurely, genetic predisposition to heart disease, car accident, crime, natural disaster (it's tornado season here right now). But I CAN control the largest factors that are contributing to my high risk for early cardiac failure.
Soooooooo...So here goes!
I quit smoking 37 hrs ago. (yes, it is hour by hour... I wanted to have a freekin' party when I went 24 hrs. without one.) Big tobacco can go find another slave, 'cuz i'm OUT!!!!
I took myself (and my whole family) off processed/prepared foods. I don't care how easy and convenient they are; they are making my blood pressure insanely high with the tons of sodium and don't forget all the crappy preservatives and stabilizers they put in that junk. I'm a chef for cripe sake! I need to roll up my sleeves and go to work in my own home...and not just when we entertain.
And last but certainly not least, I got my fat butt up today and exercised. It's snowy here still so speed walking outdoors isn't an option yet. I put in an exercise video so old that first off,it was a VHS tape and second, Paula Abdul was the star (when she was in her pop music prime, 1989 I think)It's been a while since I committed to exercise but I blew the dust off the tape and fired up the VCR and did something!! I did about 1/4 of the tape but it was better than just thinking about doing the tape. Tomorrow I will do 1/2.
Go, go, go Vernita! You can do it lady! And I can too, because I choose to live, so I HAVE to choose to MOVE! God Bless ya. God bless us all. Jenn
Mar 11 | Kara said …
THIS ONE IS TO Jenn-
I am so PROUD of you and I don't even know you!!! I hope that 36 hrs has turned into more since you last wrote this. I too, was a smoker for about 6-7yrs when I was young. But my open heart surgery put an end to that! I had congenital heart defects and was smoking what was I thinking. The stupidity of youth! You are making the BEST change for the BEST reasons. I will think of you often and your struggle not to pick up the lighter! _kara
Mar 27 | Christine said …
I need to lose 100 lbs. It overwhelms me because I have never been this big. (250 lbs) I am 34 years old, married for four years with no kids. I picked Vernita because we alot of similarities.
I am going to really try this again because I am tired of feeling tired all the time. Tired of feeling yucky and insecure about my body. Tired of wondering what type of damage I am doing to my body.
I am going to really work hard. Thanks for all your stories, I know I can do this.
Mar 27 | Vernita said …
Hello Christine,
One thing I try not to do is weigh myself. I can tell that I am losing weight or toning muscles by how my clothes fit on me.
Another thing, spring is here so spend some time outdoors-and tell Hubbie to join you. Being inside can be so temping with the refrig and TV at your disposal.
Lastly, buy foods that you like to eat and that you know will enhance your body. Foods that your body will thank you for in the long run.
We do indeed have a lot in common including the fact that WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS THIS TIME!
~Vernita
Mar 28 | Barbara said …
I definitely know about trying to find a place to hide! Whether it be large clothing to disguise my bulges or at home on the couch hiding from life.
I have started to exercise, too! It feels so great. I have a large calendar and each time I exercise I put a label of a circle on each day. It has been a month ... I feel motivated and proud each time I look at the calendar.
Go, Vernita!
Mar 28 | Vernita said …
Barbara, Barbara, Barbara...our "calendar girl." How lovely! A visual indicator is a great way to always reinforce the FACT that you are taking care of business. I salute you and encourage you to continue to make "dates" with yourself.
~Vernita
Mar 30 | Susan said …
Vernita, I'm a 61 year old, African American woman. I've tried to lose weight for many years. I feel like I can do it this time, because of this program and following your progress. I don't feel like I'm alone in this. Susan from Fairfield.
Mar 31 | Vernita said …
Hello Susan,
I salute you, Susan, for taking a "stand." New behaviors can be challenging but the mind is stronger than the physical being. You can do this because of your strength, discipline, and love for yourself! Start a "new" thing in Fairfield.
~Vernita
Apr 03 | Ronda said …
Vernita,
Oh, do I know about hiding! Hiding in Summer session (summer classes) at school so I don't have to go to the family reunion. Hiding in "I have to work," so I don't have to go to my class reunion. Hiding in expensive clothes to cover up what I have done to my body. Hiding, hiding hiding. I don't even think about what I am doing to myself until it is time to come out. Then I look up and find that I have to go somewhere, and I feel bad because I've gained 30 pounds since the last time I saw these people. I am tired of hiding, which is why I am choosing to move. My progress is sometimes slow, but it is sure. I have to do it this time.
One thing that has helped me (with the cleaning and weight loss) is a website called www.flylady.net. This site is wonderful, and is a step by step guide to help you get your home "decluttered" and organized. She even has a section on "Crisis Cleaning"! Flylady also wrote a book called "Body Clutter," which has been a real blessing to me. I also pray, and daily I say "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I have stopped saying "it's too hard" and started saying "just do it." You are truly and inspiration and your words (and all the women who post on this site) help me to understand that I am not alone. Blessings.
Apr 03 | k-k-k-katie said …
Christine: You can do it. We all can. We've all had less than successful ventures before, but now we've learned to take baby steps and not try to do it all at once.
Some days will be better than others, but I find if I journal my eating and workouts and make menus up each week, I won't fall into my usual bad habits.
I just have to get my butt out of bed to exercise -- that's the toughest part of the day. I have to stop making excuses.
You've got the desire and now a role model in Vernita.
Vernita: We're with you!
Apr 03 | Vernita said …
Hello Ronda,
We all have so much in common. In addition to "hiding" can you relate to having used every reason under the sun to eat? In fact, I think this will be the topic of my next BLOG.
I am almost embarrassed to say that I am a subscriber of flylady and have only gotten as far as cleaning the kitchen sink. I think I'll check out the "Body Clutter," though.
All of the 7 women on this sight are really REAL and truly AMAZING women. We all are very supportive of one another and are serious about our role as Spokespersons for the Choose To Move Program. We are as inspired about your stories as you are about ours.
~Vernita
Jul 13 | Sharon said …
Thank you Vernita for stepping out and sharing with us all. I am just starting out and I need all the prayer and support I need.
Sharon ;>)
Jul 13 | Vernita said …
Hello Sharon,
We are all in this battle and together we will win. When you set your mind and heart on something nothing can stop you. Let me know how your journey unfolds.
~Vernita
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