Though the Choose To Move 12 Weeks have ended, I still have a journey ahead of me and must continue to be realistic about my goals. I didn't get this way overnight.
While home, I have vowed to eat each of my favorite Louisiana Dishes a maximum of just once per week (don't worry, my favorite dishes do not exceed 7). Moderation is key.
My family has been SO supportive!!!! My parents have been very accommodating by accepting my "new" behaviors. My talk is different. Now that I have brought Healthy back into my life, my new platform is Keeping Healthy In My Life.
Even my cousins are singing a new tune. When I visited my uncle and cousins in Alexandria, Louisiana, they surprised me with the presentation of fish (tilapia), salad, and fruit. My Cousin Linda admitted that the healthy food selection that was prepared was a first for her. Her friend, Mr. Vernon, who is a caterer, prepared the food. And believe it or not, my meal was topped off with bottled water. WOW!
Mr. Vernon's Creation
I bought some salmon yesterday and the checkout person said to me, "I hope that fish is good to you." I replied, "I am more interested in what's good FOR me, not necessarily what's good to me." In a nut shell the salmon was a bit pricey. But I would rather budget my money NOW to spend on the purchase of food that will enhance my health rather than budget my money LATER to purchase prescription medications and pay doctors' bills.
I want an OPTIMUM quality of life - for me, my family, my friends, and you.
~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 18 | Dena said …
"I want an OPTIMUM quality of life - for me, my family, my friends, and you."
Girl, you are AWESOME! I'm so glad to see your success. I know that it's been a goal for you for quite some time.
I'm still holding steady at a 50lb loss. Fell off the exercise wagon for a while, but am kicking back up with Tony now.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Much love to you from Memphis,
Dena
Jun 18 | Stephanie said …
Vernita,
I am so proud of you and your commitment to stick to a healthy lifestyle! It is very hard to stay focused when everyone around you is eating the things you really like and shouldn’t eat (like the donuts in the cube next to me):-) I pray for your continued success and also I’m working on a better me as well. You are a great inspiration!
Jun 18 | Vernita said …
Hello Dena!
You were my inspiration in 2003...WOW four years later and the journey continues. I am still working out on the DVD that you gave me back then. I actually brought it with me from Iowa and worked out with it last week (Believe It Or Not).
Congratulations on the maintenance of your 50 pounds! That is a feat in and of itself.
~Vernita
Jun 18 | Vernita said …
Hello Stephanie,
Staying focused is challenging but in the end VERY rewarding. I went out to a restaurant with a friend yesterday following a movie (movie only, no refreshments). I really wasn't very hungry so I just had some water with lemon and a cup of soup; the total came to $2.72 - that was very rewarding. In my previous period I would have had an appetizer sampler and dessert.
How are you doing with your physical activity and healthy eating habits? I recall from March/April 2007, http://choosetomoveblog.com/vernita/2007/03/we_fall_down_but_we_get_up_1.php#more
that you had just joined C2M and were working toward the goal of getting into a FABULOUS dress by your August birthday.
Stay encouraged. You, too, are a blessing to many.
~Vernita
Jun 19 | Stephanie said …
Wow! That great! I am still working on it. I've only lost 5 pounds because I have not been totally focused on what I've been eating. I've learned that just because I exercise it doesn't matter if I'm eating the foods that I really like (Mexican). I've started watching what I eat and I've put my scale away for a month and see what happens. I'm also going to join Bally's for weight training.
Jun 19 | Vernita said …
Hello Stephanie,
I, too, love Mexican food (we have a lot in common). I went to a Mexican restaurant for lunch the first day I arrived in Louisiana two weeks ago. I had the Mexican salad with salsa.
Sometimes the scale can be our worst enemy but you’ve taken care of business and put it in its place. Congratulations on your 5 lbs lost and your decision to monitor your food intake. I know that you will take full advantage of your membership at the health club.
~Vernita
Jun 23 | beatrice said …
Hi Vernita
I like your attitude about getting healthy. Currently I am getting my right knee strong after surgery 3/07. everything is going great I will be joining a health club to start working out. I love to eat thai and spanish food.
B
Jun 23 | Vernita said …
Hello B,
At this point in my life I only have 1 option - Keep Healthy In My Life.
It is comforting to know that you are taking the necessary steps to prepare yourself for a progression of continuous health. I, too, am partial to Thai and Spanish food, as well as Soul Food, Caribbean, Chinese, Italian, African, and Greek cuisine. Moderation is key.
I pray that you will have a speedy thorough recovery.
~Vernita
Jul 04 | D said …
Congrat!! Great job.............Any suggestions for reducing belly fat?
Thanks,
Jul 04 | Vernita said …
Hello D,
You've asked the $1,000,000 question. I found an interesting article on the web that suggests that by combining weight training and aerobic exercise you can reduce belly fat, http://www.thefactsaboutfitness.com/news/waist.htm
If you come across more suggestions pass them my way!
~Vernita
Jul 10 | Delores P. Ali said …
Vernita,
I am so proud of you. Continue to stay on this journey. I agree you will not change over night. Take your time and you will reach your goal. My thoughts are with you all the time.
Jul 10 | Vernita said …
Hello Delores,
Thank you for your support.
I see my journey as being very similar to yours. Congratulations on your 75+ lbs lost and maintenance over a 5 year period. The Choose To Move Community salutes you for keeping Healthy in your life!
~Vernita
Aug 05 | Renee said …
Hello Vernita!I want to congratulate you on your continual success and your incredibly positive attitude. Way to go, way to be!I started the AHA Choose to Move 12 week program this past February. And I've continued to monitor my physical activity ever since.I've become lax in my commitment to making healthier food choices as of late. Then, I read your personal story and some of your inspiring blog entries, and I'm recommitting to the 12 week program with you as my guide starting today!Thanks for the reminder to be kinder to my heart.Your grateful friend,Renee
Aug 05 | Vernita said …
Hello Renee,
Thanks for the accolades. In times of weakness it really helps to have strong supporters on your side.
Renee, Choosing To Move is an accomplishment in and of itself and you are to be commended for your dedication to physical activity since February. Life has its ups and downs, but still we rise even after a hard fall. Making heart healthy food choices is a challenge and we will slack at times, we’re human. But don’t tarry too long at the Rest Area. The fact that you are aware of your behavior is hopeful. It’s time to get back in the car and get moving along on your journey.
~Vernita
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