View the Commit to Be Fit Video from NBC TV-5 Dallas, Texas.
It was exciting to see the ladies again! We talked about our triumphs and challenges and exchanged tips that we have picked up along the way.
Here's our before and after pictures.
Before
After 12 Weeks of Choose To Move
~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
Jun 27 | glenda roberson said …
vernita i was reading and was shocked to find out you are from natchitoches,la. thats where i am from i am overweight and have diabetes can you give me any tips on exercise and meal planning? thanks so much.
Jun 28 | Vernita said …
Hello Glenda,
Welcome to the Choose To Move Community!!! I am so glad that you found this sight and hope that I can offer you realistic tips that can help you bring HEALTHY back into your life.
You have made the 1st step, which is the hardest one, Glenda, by proclaiming that you want a quality life by being proactive about your health. Good for you! Not only will YOU benefit but also your family, friends, community, and great grandchildren for years to come.
YOU ARE WORTH IT!
PLAN TIME FOR EXERCISE
Now for the planning and prioritizing...
Plan at least 30 minutes a day of exercise at least most days of the week. I like to exercise in the mornings. I get up 30 minutes earlier and exercise. You can go for a walk, exercise with a video or exercise program, or engage in some weight training. Another important factor is to plan your meals.
PLAN TIME FOR COOKING HEART HEALTHY MEALS
I spend more time in the fruit and vegetable section of the grocery store than in the meat and can foods section. Also, I frequent farmer's markets to get fresh fruits and veggies. Glenda, it is important that you eat fruits and veggies EVERYDAY!!!! I cannot stress that enough. I have drastically cut back eating meat and have drastically increased eating fruits and veggies. Cutting back does not mean elimination. I had a VERY juicy steak the other day. Moderation is key.
Because my cholesterol was over 300 I knew I was living on borrowed time. A cholesterol level of over 300 SCREAMS heart attack and stroke. I had to step up to the plate and get serious and that is exactly what I did. When salmon was on sale, Vernita was buying. When packages of spinach or bunches of broccoli was on sale, Vernita was buying. On the weekends I steamed/sautéed the veggies, baked/broiled the salmon, divvied up the food, placed the food in microwaveable storage containers, and stored the containers in the freezer. This was my lunch for the week. I usually had some type of meatless salad for dinner and oatmeal with fruit most days for breakfast. I tried to eat an apple a day and always kept fiber bars, fruit, and bottled water with me.
Here are some additional resources:
Top 10 Tips for Starting a Physical Activity Program, http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=528
Staying Motivated,
http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1169749460041gp_week10.pdf
Salmon and Spinach…my new favorite foods
http://choosetomoveblog.com/vernita/2007/03/salmon_and_spinachmy_new_favorite_foods.php
Do you know Carolyn and Mike? Carolyn and I were in the same class and Mike was a year under us.
Keep me posted throughout your journey.
~Vernita
Jun 29 | glenda roberson said …
Thanks so much for answering so fast i got the recipes and i plan on using your suggestion my numbers are elevated so i need to do something about them also i am overweight also. i am going to go home in august i live in dallas it will be hard staying away from the foods like gumbo and meat pies. Mike and carolyn i dont recogonize the names i grew up on the square and have relatives that live in breda town. thanks for your help. Send more suggestions.
Jun 29 | Vernita said …
Hello Glenda,
Remember that you can have meat pies, boudin, and all those other wonderful Louisiana "treasures" in moderation. Check out: http://choosetomoveblog.com/vernita/2007/04/natchitoches_louisiana_home_sw.php
Also, Glenda, check out the suggestions offered by the other Choose To Movers at:
http://choosetomoveblog.com/vernita/2007/05/ahas_aka_lessons_learned_on_th.php
Keep me posted on your progress. The entire C2M Community is cheering you on!
~Vernita
P.S. Carolyn and Mike are also from the Square.
Jun 30 | glenda roberson said …
Thanks so much vernita for all your suggestion. I tell you those pictures bought back memories and a lot of homesickness. I hope to be going home soon. I have started moving more and eating very healthy i took a lot from what you said. I have got to do better than what i have been doing. You are the best and you look very good.
Jun 30 | Vernita said …
Hello Glenda,
Congratulations on moving and eating healthy. YEA! Just like we take care of our exterior (hair, nails, clothes) we need to take care of our interior (heart, health). A good motor can take us a long way.
I will be leaving Natchitoches shortly and am already dreading leaving my family. Enjoy Natchitoches in August.
Thank you for those complimentary words and keep me posted on your journey.
~Vernita
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