Surrounding myself with a Solid Support System, eating Heart-healthy foods, Choosing To Move, Getting Back Up after I Fall, and maintaining Focus and Consistency have all played key roles in this journey.
October 5, 2007 - 197.6 lbs
March 5, 2007 - 250 lbs
Since the beginning of my journey 7 months ago and not less than 90% of the time, I have been in the company of Genevieve and Albert during my 6:00 A.M. workout at the gym.
Genevieve works at one of the local testing companies and has been incorporating exercise into her busy schedule as long as she can remember. When asked how she would cope if exercise was taken away from her, Genevieve responded that she would be lost and added that exercise was a part of who she is. Genevieve rotates her cardio activity on a daily basis – treadmill on one day, then stair climber the next day, and finally the elliptical glider. In the evenings Genevieve takes Yoga classes at one of the local studios.
Albert is a dental student and because of his busy schedule can only fit in 30 minutes at the gym. Before Choose To Move I would have thought that it’s not worth my time going to the gym for a mere 30 minutes. But now I see the world through different spectacles. 30 minutes is 30 minutes and fitting in 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days a week has a multitude of benefits. Albert began regularly working out during his undergraduate years; he said that exercise is a great stress reliever and has become part of his life balance. Albert rides his bicycle to the gym (cardio) and focuses on weight training and abdominal exercises during his 30 minutes.
197.6 lbs registered on the scale at the doctor’s office today; my BMI was 34.14 and BP was 118/80. I am officially one hundred and something pounds again. It has been about 8 years, give or take a couple, since I have been one hundred and something.
We have been Choosing To Move for 7 months; oh where has the time gone?
~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
Oct 05 | said …
Vee
I'm so proud of you and I want to say that you are giving me the push that I need to get started on losing my weight. I love you and you look wonderful. You keep up the good work.
Lee
Oct 06 | Vernita said …
Thank you, Lee! I am SO happy that you are taking a step toward focusing on your health - be it mind, body, soul, or heart, we need a balance of them all. One day at a time makes a world of difference. Keep me posted. Send my love to everyone in Durham, NC.
~Vernita
Oct 07 | Albert said …
Congrats Vernita! You sure have come a long way- keep it up!
Albert
Oct 07 | Vernita said …
Thanks, Albert!
You'll never know how much our gym chats have contributed to this journey. I'll see you at 6:00am.
~Vernita
Oct 08 | Brenda Benjamin Smith said …
Vernita,
You look fabulous! I'm so proud of you! God Bless!
Love, Brenda
Oct 08 | Vernita said …
Thank you, Brenda,
It has been a long road and will continue to be a challenge, hopefully it will get easier(not there yet). Can't wait to visit the ATL again.
Much love,
~Vernita
Oct 08 | Joyce Ann Bell Williams said …
Vernita,
This is coming from your cousin in Albany, New York wishing you God's health and strength on your journey. You have given me inspiration to continue my work toward becoming a thinner me. Keep up the good work!
jaw
Oct 08 | Vernita said …
Hello Cousin Joyce,
How have you been? How's the family doing? Tell everyone I said hello.
I'm so glad you joined the bandwagon (or vehicle) and are Choosing To continue to Move. Your Cousin Ardenia in Springfield, VA has lost 20lbs and your Cousin Terri in Indiana is seeing positive results as well.
Thank you for that wonderful proclamation! I accept with outstretched arms lifted up!
~Vernita
Oct 08 | Yalaunda Toliver-Taylor said …
Vernita,
I am so very proud of you. I also want to be like you when I grow up. You look GREAT!!! I am sure you feel even better. You have inspired me to make some changes in my eating and exercise habits. Thank you for taking on this venture.
Love ya,
Yalaunda
Oct 08 | Vernita said …
What's up? Yalaunda!
Thank you, I do feel great (and I can even touch my toes).
I am SO proud of you, too - you are taking a BIG step toward empowering yourself through behavior modification. For a person who goes everywhere, knows everybody, and does everything I know you'll get your flow on "auto pilot" pretty soon.
Send my well wishes to everyone in Memphis.
~Vernita
Oct 08 | Regina said …
WOW Vernita,
I just asked my aunt about you the other day we were discussing New York and how much fun we had. So give me some pointers. I've been working out 4 days a week 1 hour a day but I'm not seeing results, or maybe I'm getting discouraged too fast anyway. I have about 18 pounds to lose before I can be in the 100's again. All I can say again is WOW and you inspire me.
Oct 08 | Vernita said …
Hello Regina,
Oh how I recall the fun we had in the Big Apple and seeing ‘The Color Purple’ on Broadway. Let’s all plan on doing that again.
You are doing great by incorporating 1 hour of exercise most days of the week! WOW! That is SOMETHING BIG to SHOUT ABOUT.
Now to answer your question, it took about a month and a half before I started to physically see “noticeable” results. Health- and Fitness- wise, results came a lot quicker for me. After about a week and a half of incorporating a routine workout schedule I noticed that the workouts and weight training became less challenging. So I added more resistance, weight, and/or time to my exercise.
Glenda also asked for some pointers so I will point you to my June 28 and June 29 reply in my Blog titled “Believe It Or Not: Part Dos (Reunion of 7 and Post Assessment)”, http://choosetomoveblog.com/vernita/2007/06/believe_it_or_not_part_dos_reu.php where I list some of the pointers that have worked for me.
Also, in my Blog titled “Aha’s aka Lessons Learned On This Journey”, http://choosetomoveblog.com/vernita/2007/05/ahas_aka_lessons_learned_on_th.php I share lessons that I have learned from the other 6 Choose To Move Real Women that I have incorporated into my “Plan of Action”.
Take it one day at a time, Regina, and you’ll arrive in your scheduled time. Send a big "Howdy" to everyone in Dallas.
~Vernita
Oct 08 | kara said …
You seriously are my hero!
Oct 08 | Vernita said …
Hello Kara,
Your "hero" embraces life and knows that "all is not yet lost" when she has a setback.
Your "hero" has chosen to modify her behavior such that it compliments her body, mind, soul, and heart.
Your "hero" is the countless number of people who are living a positive heart-healthy life, i.e. YOU.
This journey would not have been as enjoyable as it has been without a "Kara" on tow.
~Vernita
Oct 08 | Angela said …
my goodness, my dear....you look absolutely beautiful! :) so happy you are still choosing to move!! i miss that smile at 6am!
Oct 09 | Vernita said …
Auuggh, Angela...I bet you tell all of your trainees that:)
Thanks for those kind words. I hope to continue Choosing To Move with a smile, just like you, "the world class marathon runner".
~Vernita
Oct 09 | Nelson Taylor said …
Hello Cus,keep up the good work I hope that this will be inspiration FOR ME
TO GET THIS FIFTY YEAR OLD Body healthly.
CONGRATS
Nelson
Oct 09 | Pat Francis said …
Keep up the good work Vernita, i am proud of you. God Bless your journey
Pat
Oct 09 | Vernita said …
Hello Cousin Nelson (aka "my FUN cousin"),
Congratulations on hitting that 5-0 mark! WOW! You look SO young.
Thank you for the support. If I can do, you can do too. California is an exercise-friendly state with beautiful weather year round. Take advantage of that blessing and take care of yourself because I want to continue to have BIG FUN hanging out with you at the Demery-Farley-Syas-Taylor Family Reunion. See you at the next one this July in Houston.
~Vernita
Oct 09 | Vernita said …
Hello Pat,
Thank you so much for those kind words and blessing.
I wish I would have been "into" exercise like you and Brenda, but for some it takes more time to “get it” or “get into it”. I “got it” now and I want this journey to ALWAYS travel in one direction...no reversing THIS TIME!
~Vernita
Oct 09 | Ronda said …
Vernita!!!!
Girl, I am so proud of you! I haven't been to the blog in a while, and you look fantastic! I too have been choosing to move, and have lost fifteen pounds. Last night I almost got so discouraged. I ate Chinese food and some apple pie over the weekend for the first time in forever, and when I got on the scale I noticed I'd gained two pounds. I was so angry I wanted to scream. All that work! How could two foods set me back like that? My mom told me to remember the other thirteen pounds that are still off, and to think about the fact that Chinese food is full of salt, and that it was probably water weight. I felt a little better, but girlfriend, when I saw you today on the website, and you look so fabulous, I knew that I couldn't let one set back hold me back. I am going forward. Thank you so much!!! God bless you, sister.
Oct 09 | Vernita said …
Hello Ronda!
How have you been? Well, I guess I can answer part of that question - there's a lot less of you...AWESOME (imagine several sirens sounding off in celebration)!!! Congratulations on your 15 lb weight loss - that's absolutely wonderful.
Not only will YOUR HEALTH benefit from YOUR BEHAVIOR, but also YOUR CHILDREN are directly benefiting by seeing their Mom take care of her body.
We think alike - I recently had Asian cuisine as well. I do not get on the scale following the days that I go out to eat. I try to limit my "scale visits" to no more than twice a week. This helps me stay encouraged. I continue to exercise and eat heart-healthy and when I have my planned visit it's usually mutually enjoyable:) Stay encouraged and keep me posted!
~Vernita
Oct 10 | Anita Thomas said …
Vernita,
I had no idea you were doing this. I am so proud of you and you look great, but you always did. Girl we aren't going to recognize you when you come back to Louisiana. Keep up the good work and remember your family here loves you!!!
Lil Sis Nita
Oct 10 | Vernita said …
Thank you, Sister Nita,
This journey began on March 5, 2007, and it's been equally challenging and rewarding for me. It really doesn't seem like it's been that long.
Trust me, you'll recognize me - I still look the same just carrying a little less load:) I told Sister Jackie that when I come down again I'll be spending a little time in her closet.
Send my love to the family.
~Vernita
Oct 10 | Cuzin Denise said …
Well cuz, here i am in your room on your computer sending congrats! I knew you would do it. You have inspired me so. Uncle Paul says my BMI is 29 and Auntie and I are going walking in the a.m.
Luv U Lots,
Niecy
p.s. I thought I was your fun cuzin?
Oct 11 | Vernita said …
Well Cuzin Denise,
Thanks for the positive feedback and thanks for rubbing it in that you're visiting with my parents and I'm not - really love you for that, Cuz:|
Your exercise and heart-healthy focus is paying off! You are well on your way to obtaining a BMI of less than 25 which the American Heart Association indicates as being a healthy BMI, http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3048134. Keep up the GREAT work!!
I hope that you and Mom enjoy your morning walk; tell Dad, Mom, and Cousin Michael "hello" for me.
~Vernita
P.S. I have 2 cousins who I label as "Fun Cousins" - Cousin Nelson and Cousin Larry. When you go to the DFST Family Reunion in Houston in July this summer and meet them you will understand why. I ALWAYS have a great time when they're around.
Jan 30 | Pearl Gill said …
Hi Vernita, just wanted to say you look great,vibrant, energetic and much younger; keep up the good work; I am so very proud of you.
Sis Pearl
Jan 30 | Vernita said …
Hello Sister "DIVA" Pearl,
Thank you for being a positive role model by your example of living a heart-healthy life and effectively balancing all that life sends your way.
~ Vernita
Feb 19 | lisa said …
Hi, I read in your post that there will be a Demery/Farley/Syas/Taylor reunion in July. Could you send me specific information? My family (Syas) is out of Lake Charles, LA. Myself and some siblings are here in Georgia. We havent been to a reunion yet. We would love to be there. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks and good luck.
Feb 19 | Vernita said …
Hello Cousin Lisa,
You are in for a treat!!! Every two years some 500-600 family members are in attendance at the Demery-Farley-Syas-Taylor (DFST) Family Reunion. Past reunions have been held in Sacramento, CA; Shreveport, LA; Boston, MA; Oakland, CA; Tulsa, OK; Oklahoma City, OK; Atlanta, GA; Los Angeles, CA; Kansas City, MO; and Bakersfield, CA. This year the DFST Family Reunion will be held in Houston, TX.
My friends often ask me to describe my experience as a “Choose To Move” Spokesperson and now I will have an added dimension to the already AMAZING story to share…connecting with new family members.
It is a great feeling to know that your having visited the Choose To Move site indicates that you embrace living a heart-healthy lifestyle. Cousin Lisa, we already have more than one thing in common!!
Hope to see you in Houston.
~ Cousin Vernita
P.S. I will email you the contact information that you requested for the DFST Reunion.
Jun 21 | Mary said …
Hello Cousin, You have help to inspire me. I am determined to get this weight off the healthy way. Thanks. Looking forward to seeing you July 17, 18, 19 in Houston.
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