Some of the reasons I once used as an excuse to eat (inspired by Ronda)…
Below is just a sampling of reasons I would use to find an excuse to eat:
* when I was happy (this includes celebrations)
* when I was sad (this includes being depressed)
* when I was bored
* when a good TV show came on
* when I returned home from wherever
* because it was "time"
* to keep me company
* to help me study
* because I didn't want to miss out
* because tomorrow I will start my diet
* to help me stay awake while I was driving
* to enhance the viewing of the movie at the theater
* because I was expected to
* to procrastinate so that I wouldn't have to start doing what I should have started a long time ago
We LEARN from our past and CREATE possibilities for our FUTURE.
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 03 | Tami said …
Oh girl, you hit the nail right on the head! I have made every excuse in the world to eat, even when completely stuffed, a cheesecake WILL find a home in my stomach. I wish you all the luck. We must do this for ourselves so we can celebrate our future.
Apr 04 | Vernita said …
And you hammered the nail in right where it fit, Tami.
I've learned to look at food and talk to myself..."I know you will taste good but are you good for me?"..."What have you done for me lately?"..."This temporary fix may cause health problems that last a lifetime."
~Vernita
Apr 04 | Vernetta said …
Vernita,
Our names are also the same, so I knew we would connect. My list of reasons match yours, with the one addtional reason of eating because I am sick and I need food to feel better.
Keep up the good work. I am now in the follower position instead of the leader position..and right now, it is a good thing.
Take care.
Apr 04 | k-k-k-katie said …
Vernita: you hit all the reasons we allow ourselves to eat. We can come up with some excuses, can't we?
Now, we're learning we can still eat, but make better choices. Kind of like men? hahaha (I digress).
Keep up the good journaling -- we're with you!
Apr 04 | Lisa said …
God Bless you Vernita for being so honest with yourself and for the rest of us who make "exuses" to eat but in reality, know we didn't really need that last little bit of pie. You've made me take a really hard look at what excuses I make to eat and I plan to keep this list handy, so when the urge to eat hits next time I'll stop and really think before I chew.
Apr 04 | Vernita said …
Hello Vernetta (what a lovely name),
In order to be a good follower you must have the tools to be a good leader because you will be setting an example by your actions.
We are in this together and will make it through til the end.
~Vernita
Apr 04 | Vernita said …
Hello K-k-k-k-k-katie,
Thanks for the support! You will never know how much the comments that you and others post mean to me and the other Choose To Move Women.
~Vernita
Apr 04 | Vernita said …
Hello Lisa,
Numbers are real. It takes action - whether good or bad - to change them. We need to take advantage of the fact that we DO HAVE CONTROL over certain numbers; the time is nigh to bring Healthy back!
~Vernita
Apr 04 | ann said …
Vernita,
I just stumbled upon this website & your blog.(I most identify with you.) I too am back to graduate school, and I have gain back 40lbs. it took me soooo long to lose along with it. (I was 222, then 182, now back to 222+.)
You're very brave to have all of your info out there, but it is inspiring.
Apr 04 | Vernita said …
Hello Ann,
I truly believe that things happen for a reason. It was no coincidence that you "stumbled upon this website..." and made a connection. Evidently you were in search of a remedy for better health by the fact that you were on the American Heart Association's website.
I invite you to consider joining the C2M Program and continue on this journey with us!
~Vernita
Apr 05 | Monica said …
I just joined today. I am 23 and gravely overweight. I went to the doctor and had a physical done. The blood work came back and it was recommended that I follow an AHA lifestyle. Curious, I looked it up and found this site. I felt I related more to you. I have a 1 year old and I want to be around when he has children. So I'm making a choice. I'm choosing to move. I'm scared but I know this is for the best!
Apr 05 | Vernita said …
Good for you, Monica!!
The hardest part of starting something new is the beginning.
You are making one of the best decisions in your life...choosing to take care of you. Not only that, your son has a wonderful role model in his Mom...the love that you show for yourself will forever be imprinted in your son's memory.
You are you son's Today Angel, Monica, and I salute you!
~Vernita
Apr 05 | Judy said …
I love the last reason (excuse)
I am like others and stumbled onto this
site. I am learning how to use it and
the computer.
I like the positive talk for the next
procrastination. It is time
Apr 05 | Vernita said …
Hello Judy,
Welcome aboard this journey with the rest of us.
Excuses were / Commitment is.
~Vernita
Apr 05 | Denine said …
Vernita,
Like several of the ladies I stumbled upon your story and I was inspired. I am over weight and I was recently diagosed with high blood pressure and was told that if I lower my weight it would make such a difference in my life. I truly want to succeed and I want to thank you for being such an inspiraion.
Apr 05 | Vernita said …
De-nine, De-vine intervention brought you here, i.e. you were meant to be "directed" to this site.
The American Heart Association's ABCs of Preventing Heart Disease, Stroke and Heart Attack is a great place to begin your health educational journey, http://americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3035374#Lowerhighbloodpressure.
Denine, you inspire me, too. Anytime someone comes from behind the curtains and steps into the light they are setting a precedence for the rest of us. Thank YOU.
~Vernita
Apr 08 | Tracy H. said …
I just finished three plates of taco salad. As I ate, I was feeling comfort. Afterwards, I was left with the feeling of guilt. In my heart I want to loose weight, but I am often overwhelmed with the emotions that comes with excuses and being busy everyday is an excuse to forget what I want to acheive. Your description of excuses all described me. Keep up the good work and I pray for your continue success.
Apr 08 | Vernita said …
Hello Tracy H.,
There will be times when we let our defenses down but that doesn't mean that we are defeated. Dust the sand off and get back on the road. We have a long journey ahead of us and need all the able-bodied drivers available.
We will allow you a day to have your “moment” but come Monday it’s time to get back on the program. I’m not trying to be hard on you, Tracy, just being a little matter-of-fact, straight-to-the-point, woman who has your back.
~Vernita
Apr 18 | Janice A said …
Hi, Vernita
I am joining C2M for the second time. I am a mother of 5 and grandmother of 7. I am an emotional eater and have lots of stress in my life. Whatever the reason I eat. The only time is when I am too tired. I look forward to following through the program this time.
-Janice
Apr 18 | Vernita said …
Hello Janice,
Congratulations and Welcome Home. We learn from our past, embrace our present, and are motivated by our future.
You are inviting Healthy back into your life and by doing so you are being a positive example to your children, grandchildren, family, and friends.
"How is that so?" Glad you asked. Because you are indirectly making a statement that you can do anything you want to and learn any thing you set your mind out to learn if you choose to.
That type of modeling behavior, my friend, is one that we all need to sit up straight and pay attention to.
~Vernita
May 02 | Janet said …
The "emotional eating" aspect is where I think the heart of my weight problems lies. I eat for so many different reasons and it's gotten out of control. If only I could quit "cold turkey" like when I quit smoking years ago. But food does not afford us that luxury...
May 02 | Vernita said …
Hello Janet,
I must say that I have been keeping VERY busy and really don't think about food the way I used to. The times that I have scheduled exercise into my daily/weekly routine were once "designated" for excessively eating the wrong foods.
Janet, you can replace "emotional eating" with activity, too. And believe me, you will gain the attitude that I have...”I am not working THIS hard to bring Healthy back into my life to just let it slip away”.
~Vernita
May 03 | Rocki said …
Hey Vernita,
Thank you for your courage. When I was told I had high blood pressure and high cholesterol I thought, you have got to be kidding! But I knew that I had to make some changes. I am very short and very overweight. I am 52 years old, and trying to change my eating habits is going to be a lot of work. I eat for every single one of those reasons you stated above, and some. Thank you for your story. Now I feel like I have some help with this.
May 03 | Vernita said …
Hello Rocki,
Our individual journeys overlap with this collective journey that we call "Choose To Move".
I'm glad that my personal journey can provide you with the support and encouragement you need to begin and maintain your own.
Remember that small changes make a BIG difference!
~Vernita
May 12 | Kymme said …
Wow! To be honest I didn't realize I was an excuse maker until I read this post! Thank you so much for sharing that list, it gives me a new perspective and hopefully a new motivation to eat healthier and control when and what I eat.
God Bless,
Kymme
May 12 | Vernita said …
Hello Kymme,
Thanks for your feedback.
Sometimes we get programmed into the same "responses" that we don't realize we're making excuses.
Glad you SEE the light beyond the tunnel. Keep moving until you can find a GOOD reason NOT to exercise.
~Vernita
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