I am still in Chicago at the educational research conference and was invited to a reception this evening. The food selection was endless and inviting. I began thinking about the many memorable events/occasions where food assumes a matriarchal role in keeping everyone “connected.”
What do the following have in common?
* a school reunion
* an anniversary
* a family reunion
* a repast following a wake or funeral
* a get together, planned or spontaneous
* a reception
All of these gatherings (associations, if you will) allow people to chat and reunite with family and friends and long time acquaintances. In most cases there will be a vibe of good feelings and a comfort level that one experiences on an irregular basis. But undeniably all of the events will have FOOD in common.
Tonight my food choices may not have been the best, however, I did not over indulge and that, my friend, is an achievement. After all, I did exercise this morning and ate salmon and veggies for lunch.
~Vernita
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.
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
Apr 11 | Arlecia said …
It's good to hear that you are trying to stay on track. Are you carrying snacks with you during the day so you won't get hungry or distracted? Just thinking about Chicago makes me want a slice of deep dish.
Apr 11 | Vernita said …
Hello Arlecia,
I did grab a couple of oranges at breakfast to use for the purpose of snacks but neglected to take them with me; today I will take a banana and orange with me.
Thankfully I haven't had to face the "ides of the deep dish."
~Vernita
Apr 11 | k-k-k-katie said …
I feel your pain! My brother and sister-in-law invited me over for Easter. Not only did she have ham and green beans (which I ate), but fabulous looking non-whole wheat pasta and sauce! To top it off, she had not one, not two, but three cakes!
1- Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting
2- Yellow cake with cream chees frosting
3- An Easter cake from the grocery store
Yipes! She kept passing the rolls my way, and I passed them back, saying I was "pacing myself". I had a cup of tea instead of the desserts and was happy when I left.
BUT, OH, THE TEMPTATION!!!! That's what they should have put on Temptation Island instead of stupid couples!
Apr 12 | Martrece said …
I m trying to get started on the right track. We have the same goals in common. Do you have any tips?
Apr 14 | Vernita said …
Hello Chef K-k-k-k-katie,
I applaud your strength. I know how hard it was to "turn your nose up" at the cake and rolls.
On the Tonight Show Jay Leno mentioned something about scientists having found the gene attributed to fighting obesity - closing your mouth (I'm sure this is not quoted entirely correct). Anywho, you have the gene!!! Wonderful job, Chef K!
~Vernita
Apr 14 | Vernita said …
Hello Martrece,
Welcome on this journey with us! I'm glad you found your way to the C2M Site.
I am happy that you asked me to share some of the tips I have learned along the way.
I hope that they prove helpful to you also:
**Consult your primary care physician before you begin any exercise program.
**The American Heart Association gives some Tips for Exercise Success
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=801. Also on that page on the left column menu are links to additional resources.
**Set short term realistic goals (i.e. start by walking 15 minutes on the treadmill and gradually increase your time each 4-7 days)
**P&P – Plan and Prioritize. Plan ahead. Try to prepare your health/body-friendly meals on your off days and divide your meals into desired storage containers.
**You can eat healthier and save money by eating leftovers for lunch.
**Try to buy fresh vegetables and fruit. If this is not an option, buy frozen.
**Bake, broil, grill, or boil your meat.
**Exercise 30 minutes a day, 3-4 days per week.
**Keep healthy snacks with you ALWAYS. Hunger pains come during the most inappropriate times.
**Drink lots of water. It’s good for the inners and outers.
**Add variety to your workout regime.
**Journal your food intake and physical activity.
~Vernita
Apr 14 | k-k-k-katie said …
I am so proud of you -- look at you working in the gym while at the conference!
One of the keys for me to stay on track is to make sure I have the right food available. So, I have been going to the grocery store more regularly and done less impulse eating.
And, my creative side is coming out in the food preparation. TONIGHT: pork chops in a honey-mustard sauce over whole wheat (egg type) noodles. The honey-mustard sauce over the noodles made them taste less whole-wheaty! hahahaha
Keep up the great work, Vernita - you are inspring all of us!
Apr 15 | Vernita said …
Hello Chef K,
I could actually taste the pork chops and noodles…
What veggies did you eat with the meal? What veggies do you generally like to prepare with your meals? I am on another “journey” trying out different fruits and vegetables.
K-k-k-k-katie, you are making the C2M Program “WORK” for you and I applaud your success. You inspire me, too...planning grocery trips to eliminate impulsive eating, WOW, you rock!!!
When you write your cookbook can I contribute to the Foreword?
~Vernita
Apr 15 | k-k-k-katie said …
Vernita: I am slow to come around to vegetables, but am making progress.
The other night with roasted chicken, I had green beans. With the pork chops, I had a big bowl of salad and some organic applesauce.
I love raw carrots, and so I use those instead of potato chips when I'm having a sandwich. It curbs my need for something crunchy and gives me a vegetable boost.
I like zucchini for stir-fry and red pepper as well. And roasted asparagus is delicious. I have a recipe for a side dish with pasta, asparagus, and hot sauce. It's really good. I prefer fresh vegetables, so when I shop, I usually see what looks good.
TONIGHT: salmon (your favorite) that has been marinating in low salt soy/teriyaki sauce, sesame oil and oyster sauce.
Stay strong! Chicago is a city of great food (Italian beef sandwiches) and Lou Malnotti's deep dish pizza!
And yes, the acknowledgements in my "cookbook" will certainly include you! hahaha
Apr 15 | Vernita said …
Hello Chef K,
You really need to open up a restaurant. Let's see, hmmmmmm, Chef K's House of Freshness, or Fresh Flavors of Home, or The Kookery.
You offer absolutely great suggestions for healthy alternatives. I can tell you have been in this "GAME" for awhile and know the "Play By Play" actions and results.
I've only cooked asparagus once in my life and it didn't come out the way I hoped. I'll have to make it a point and try again soon.
I told Arlecia that this week I will not season with salt but only use Mrs. Dash Seasonings and other herbs. This will be a stretch for me but I know I can do it.
I had my share of Chicago cuisine, trust me (smile), but now I'm back in Iowa - reality.
~Vernita
Apr 19 | Barb Calhoun said …
Could you give the recipe for the marinade for the salmon. How much low sodium soy/teraki sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce.
Thanks
Barb
Apr 20 | Vernita said …
Hello Barb,
I will ask K-k-k-katie AKA Chef K via this Blog what marinade sauce she uses.
I told her that she needs to open up a restaurant because she makes the most fabulous dishes.
Keep checking back as Chef K and I dialogue via the Blog usually daily.
~Vernita
Apr 21 | k-k-k-katie said …
Barb: Thank you for asking about the marinade. I wish I could give you particulars, but normally, I just gauge by taste. I always use low-salt soy sauce, but I prefer the flavor of the sesame oil more. So, I use the soy sauce for color, the sesame oil for taste, and a small amount of oyster sauce and/or hoisin sauce (whichever I have on hand) and may also include some dijon mustard. Although I must admit, I prefer to save the dijon for honey-mustard sauce for pork chops or chicken.
I hope that helps!
Apr 24 | Barbara said …
Hello Venita and everyone. I just joined today. Am excited about the support am going to be getting from you all. I start my 12 week program tomorrow. I will also have some tips and food choices to share - I've read all the books - now it time to get on the move.
Apr 24 | Vernita said …
Hello Barbara,
Welcome onboard!
This journey will be a life changing experience and we’re all behind you 110%!
You’ll do just fine. Remember that small changes make a big difference.
~Vernita
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