Negative seven degrees (-7)...this morning’s temperature when I went to the gym.
My original plan was to workout at home but I needed a serious “pick me up” to get me back on track. You see, I just returned from my 4 week fall semester break visiting my family and friends in Louisiana. This blog is appropriately named “Sliding Scale” because my weight “shifted” from...
195-205 while I was in Louisiana. I did exercise while on vacation; however, the intensity and frequency was nowhere near the level it was prior to going on vacation.
I could have, no I should have made better food choices while I was in Louisiana (I had it all…boudin, meat pies, and fried catfish more than once per week) but that temporary “fix” is my past.
I decided to wear my “CELEBRATE – Change tomorrow. Today.” t-shirt to the gym this morning because I celebrate the fact that I am “back on the road again” on my journey to “Bringing Healthy Back In My Life” by "Choosing To Move"!
This picture was taken in downtown Natchitoches, Louisiana on Sunday, January 13, 2008. The temperature was in the 50's.
~ 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.
Dear Dr. Mieres:
About the only time I can find to walk is during my lunch break. Is it better to eat prior to or following a vigerous walk?
Thank you,
Ruth
Dr. Mieres,
I saw you on TV several months ago and while the face has changed some, the name surely was very familiar. I finally found out that you are a native of Trinidad and just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the great job you are doing.
I believe we attended the same high school in Curepe, Trinidad, SAGHS.
Keep up the good work.
Denise Baptiste formerly Charles
(Math Teacher/College Instructor)
Dr. Mieres,
I saw you on TV several months ago and while the face has changed some, the name surely was very familiar. I finally found out that you are a native of Trinidad and just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the great job you are doing.
I believe we attended the same high school in Curepe, Trinidad, SAGHS.
Keep up the good work.
Denise Baptiste formerly Charles
(Math Teacher/College Instructor)
Comments
Jan 19 | Erica said …
Keep up the good work Vernita, you look fabulous! You're an inspiration.
Jan 19 | Vernita said …
Thank you, Erica. As I was writing the blog I got to thinking about my drive from New Orleans (I was visiting my Aunt Creola) back to my parents home in Natchitoches. It's only a 4.5 hour drive but it took me 12 hours. I shopped, visited, and did some genealogical research along the way which delayed my trip some 7.5 hours.
Similar to that trip, I have made some stops along the way on my journey to "Bringing Healthy Back Into My Life". But eventually I know that I will make it to my destination someday.
~ Vernita
Jan 21 | Nance said …
Hello:
I am a 59 yr. old lady, mother, grandmother that is overweight. I have always been able to eat whatever, whenever and not gain any weight. At 40 developed Hyperthyroidism, surgeries etc. I went from 135 to 205. Don't like the word diet but now have high blood pressure and other medical problems which I know are due to my weight gain. I need a buddy that understands and that I can work with. I want to lose weight but refuse to take pills or drinks etc. I can exercise and walk it is just getting going that I lack. Thanks for listening.
Jan 21 | Vernita said …
Hello Nance,
I applaud your decision to take a natural approach to lose weight. You and I have that commonality. It is economical and you will experience minimal (if any) negative side effects. We are all different and what works for one individual may not necessarily work for another; we are accountable to ourselves and the decisions that we make for ourselves---many factors play a role in the choices that we make for ourselves.
Getting started is always a challenge. Going back to school and changing my daily routine to include exercise were both VERY challenging "starts" for me. And truthfully speaking, getting back into the swing of things following vacation has been difficult as well.
When WE can internalize that our actions drive our quality of life then WE will "start our engines" and GO!! Keep me posted on your progress.
~ Vernita
P.S.
Question: Did you suffer from hyper- or hypo- thyroidism? Hypothyroidism, if I'm not mistaken, slows down the metabolism and causes weight gain.
Jan 24 | Linda said …
Vernita,
Your journey sounds much like mine. I have done it all over my lifetime. I am not where I want to be yet, but by God's grace not where I used to be. I too teach and the break does tend to take you alway from your established routines. But, we must try to at least keep moving during these times. My strategy is to pack those tennis shoes and work out apparel. So even if I overeat the damage is minimal. I even threw the remainder of the homemade cookies in my husband's car on 1/1 to avoid being tempted. So we do what we must and allow God to do the rest. Your determination is encouraging to me, so I will keep checking back in on your progress and sharing mine with you.
Linda
Jan 27 | Vernita said …
Hello Linda,
You are strategically "making the right moves" to ensuring lifelong heart-healthy changes and, similar to you, for me it began with prayer and supplication.
Be consistent and embrace the positive treatment that you so well deserve.
~ Vernita
Jan 29 | Elena said …
I am so proud of you!! I noticed that you were slimming, but I now see the dramatic change. You are my inspiration. I'm going to get out and move!
Jan 30 | Jo Ann said …
I can tell you will be my inspiration. Congratulations on your great spirit and determination.
I am a 60 yr. old grandmother who is caught in a 250# overweight body. I've been held captive for at least 35 yrs, but I've come to the realization I MUST escape! In 2006 my husband survived a cancer diagnosis, and in 2007 I survived cancer. If I can do that, I CAN lose this weight (even though I've tried?? for 35 years).
I hate to admit that I am very sedintary and hate to sweat (my past excuses for not exercising) and I don't do well planning healthy meals at home. My husband needs to gain weight and I need to lose weight, so being at the opposite ends of the weight spectrum is difficult.
I want to have more energy so I can "play" with my younger grandchildren and so I feel better about myself and so I can get healthier. Please pray for me.
As I said at the beginning of this missive, by continuing to read your blog and following your lead, I can do this!!!!
Jan 30 | Vernita said …
Hello Elena,
I have had so MANY coaches, mentors, and well wishers along this journey that have inspired me.
Congratulations on choosing to move!!! Let's go walking sometime.
~ Vernita
Jan 30 | Vernita said …
Jo Ann, you are a survivor. By your very own existence having overcome cancer you are a power to reckon with. I hope that you have an avenue to share your journey with others who are in the cancer battle. What a wonderful platform to be a blessing to others!
Jo Ann, I pray that you will have the motivation and energy to make heart-healthy changes for yourself and your family. AMEN.
Keep repeating Philippians 4:13 and believe it.
~ Vernita
Feb 02 | Ann said …
Congratulations on choosing to get back on track, Vernita. As of yesterday, I am at 197. I don't know when I last weighed less than 200 lbs, since I didn't have a scale for years - great way to stay in denial. However, I'd say that its been at least 5 yrs, and decades since I got under 200 and believed I could stay there. For me, Weight Watchers is helping me learn healthy eating habits. But the end product - better health - is the important thing, isn't it?
Ann
Feb 03 | vicky said …
Hi, I congradulate you on your loss. You look really great! I have about 100 pounds to lose, but you are an inspiration so I know I can do this. Good luck with your journey to your goal as well.
Feb 03 | Vernita said …
Ann, Congratulations on your re-entry into the 100's sphere...that's such a GREAT accomplishment!!
I am in 110% agreement with you that the ultimate end product is better health. Whether we get there by boat, automobile, train, sled, bicycle, airplane, motorcycle, or tom-n-jerry, the key is getting there safely.
I recall from a previous comment that you purchased a treadmill. Has that been your "physical activity" of choice?
~ Vernita
Feb 03 | Vernita said …
Thank you, Vicky.
I am honored to be traveling this road with you and look forward to hearing the positive changes and defeatable challenges that you will experience. Full speed ahead on the gradual...
~ Vernita
Feb 03 | Ann said …
Vernita,
I recently purchased some exercise videos and am just starting to play with those. However, I really enjoy walking, so its my default. Every day that the weather's decent - as its been all weekend - I get outside and walk. The treadmill is here for the awful weather and the days that I haven't gotten a walk in during the day and I'm home during the evening. It doesn't happen every day or I might only get a 10 minute walk in, but I'm a lot more active than I used to be.
Ann
Feb 03 | Vernita said …
Hello Ann,
Isn't walking so energizing & invigorating? I'm taking a fitness walking class three times a week and am thoroughly enjoying it!
I'm glad you were able to get out and walk this weekend. The snow came down "like rain" this weekend in Iowa (or so it seemed to me).
Glad that you are making "more" a descriptor of active!
~ Vernita
Feb 05 | Linda J. said …
Dear Vernita,
I just joined today and I can't wait to get started. I have had a 120 pound weight gain over the last 5 years since my last baby was born & I feel like I have an alien inside me! I was always the skinny kid growing up. Now I have sleep apnea and am pre-diabetic!
All the ladies on the profile are inspirational, but your story really spoke to me. I'm on my way to Target for weight bands and sneakers! I can't walk too far without loosing my breathe, but I gotta go farther then to the fridge!
I am really looking foreward to doing this with a new friend.
Feb 05 | Vernita said …
Hello Linda J.,
Welcome to Choose To Move!! I can feel your energy "moving" through my computer.
Your motivation is contagious. Keep that same attitude and always remember "small steps in moderation." By choosing to move and eating heart-healthy you can beat sleep apnea and pre-diabetic symptoms. Keep me posted on your progress.
~ Vernita
Feb 06 | Ann said …
Okay everybody, my brother needs some love! My mom called Monday and told me that he had a heart attack Sunday night. My mother, step-dad, and brother all live in southeastern PA. My oldest sister and I are in Seattle and our other sister recently moved from Canada to northern NJ.(so recently that they are still in the residential hotel) I'm often glad that my brother lives with my mom and step-dad, as he takes care of them, but now the shoe is on the other foot.
When they started running tests in the hospital, they found that he is diabetic and his blood glucose was over 300. They have tentatively scheduled open heart surgery for Friday, contingent upon having his blood sugar in a normal range. Now that I've got some idea of the timeline, I'm leaving Seattle for Philly tomorrow. He's doing okay for now and feeling much better on the insulin. The prospect of the surgery is frightening, but he's got good doctors. I'm looking forward to some first-hand information on his condition and prognosis, though.
What an example for National Heart Health Month, right? I will keep you posted...
Ann
Feb 06 | Vernita said …
Hello Ann,
My prayers are with you that you have safe travels to Philly, your brother that he has 110% recovery, and your whole family that you all will be comforted and encouraged during this time. Heart disease is an illness that has no regard to gender, ethnicity, preference, religion, size, or color. Though your brother had a heart attack, I am SO happy that his heart condition is operable and treatable.
Keep us posted.
~ Vernita
P.S. Ann, you are such a great advocate for your family - you should share your story on http://www.goredforwomen.org/.
Feb 07 | Ann said …
Vernita,
Thank you! Yes, we're very lucky. Heart disease is very common on my dad's side of the family and type II diabetes shows up on both sides. We are very lucky that he is getting through this. His surgery starts at 7 am tomorrow. After that, there WILL be lifestyle changes, for all of us!
Ann
Feb 07 | Vernita said …
Hello Ann,
"There's no time like the present."
While your brother is in surgery, brainstorm/document ways that you and your family can incorporate heart-healthy habits into your lifestyle. I know that your brother will be encouraged when you share your "secret" with him. Just knowing that you have a strong support system during challenging times helps the healing process.
~ Vernita
Feb 09 | Jennifer said …
Vernita,
I'm a 25-year-old graduate student at 225 lbs with high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease. I can identify with your issues with the "sliding" on your visit to Louisiana. When I'm at school by myself, I can concentrate on my fitness and healthy eating. However, when I recently went home to Tennessee for my winter break, I fell back in the same routines of no exercise, unhealthy food choices, and food-centered family activities. I had way too much BBQ, sweets, and holiday treats and gained all of the weight back that I had lost during school, plus more.
I think it's great that you got back on track on going to the gym when you got home--- I have found that first step to be quite difficult. I look forward to reading more about your fitness journey!
- Jennifer
Feb 09 | Vernita said …
Hello Jennifer,
I have come to realize on this journey that change in behavior takes time. Though I am back on track with my exercise I am still challenged with being consistent with heart-healthy eating.
Initially when I went back to the gym I tried to stay on the treadclimber for an hour (as that is what I was doing before the holidays), but soon realized that I would have to work my way back up to an hour. After a week or so I was back to an hour.
I had to gradually work my way back and you can too, Jennifer!!!
~ Vernita
Feb 09 | Kip said …
Hi Vernita,
I've read many of the comments on your page and I must agree, you are an inspiration. I have been knowledgeable about go red for women for quite some time. My mother has heart disease (with bypass surgery x2) so this is very personal for me. I have needed to lose some weight and become more active for awhile. I have returned to college so you know how that goes full-time job and going to school full-time doesn't leave much time for anything else. With the recent unexpected lose of my husband it has made me look at life a little differently. I must get moving and develop a healthy lifestyle for our children. Thanks for the inspiration!
Feb 09 | Vernita said …
Hello Kip,
I was sad to hear about the passing of your husband. May God give you strength, guidance, and perception as you continue the responsibility of parenting and assisting with the care of your Mother.
While watching and reading some of the stories on http://www.goredforwomen.org/ I am reminded of how heart disease finds its way, directly or indirectly, into everyone’s life. My paternal grandfather died in 1974 from heart disease and 10 years later both of my grandmothers succumbed to the disease. I Choose To Go Red for myself, my grandparents, and everyone (including you, Kip). But to put action behind my affirmation I HAVE TO GET UP AND CHOOSE TO MOVE. Therefore, I have set a goal for myself to walk a half marathon this year and I am committed to this goal for myself, my grandparents, and everyone (including you, Kip).
Redirect your family health history and lead by example, Kip. Plan fun family physical fitness outings. Walk and talk around the block. Play games in the swimming pool or on the basketball court at your college facility or the local recreation center (several recreation centers have weekly free scheduled times). This time spent with the family will allow all of you to bond closer together as you go through the grieving and healing process and watch how Grandma reacts as she witnesses her descendents make positive heart-health changes.
Now is the time for a heart-health intervention.
~ Vernita
Feb 14 | Katie said …
Hi there Vernita and all others who come here. I just found my way here and know that this place was here for me to find. I am on my own weight loss journey and have reached a plateau I cannot seem to get under. I know some of this is because I know I need to eat so very little to get there. Now that I have said that I want to share a bit of how far I have come. When my oldest grandson was born 4 years ago, I got down on the floor to change his diaper as that is the easiest way to do it, or so I thought. Well he was about 4 months old and I changed him and went to get up. I could not do it. I had to crawl over to the footstool and use it to climb back upright. That was when I knew that I needed to make major changes if I was to see my grandson grow up. I had always said I would lose weight if it ever affected my health. Well, bingo. Since then I have lost over 60 pounds. I still weigh 212 and that is still obese. now with newly diagnosed sleep apnea, further weight loss is the only option. I also am doctoring for Arythmia and am facing Ablation surgery soon. That is why I am here and Venita you inspire me! I treadmill now that it is winter in Iowa. I was walking outside about 1 to 3 miles about 6 times per week and still the weight did not go. Now I am further cutting what I eat which is very difficult especially in winter. Anyway I look forward to hearing from you all. Katie
I live in Iowa, not the uk.
Hugs to all and keep moving!
Feb 14 | Katie said …
Hey again Vernita.
Just wanted to say how well you are doing. Don't ever give up on you. We sometimes make wrong choices but that does not make us bad people. I used to get that confused and beat myself up waaay too much. Now if I boo boo, I just start over right away. Hope you will help me get this pleateau busted and we can continue this road together. Is it still bitter where you are? It is in my part of Iowa. Snow most the day today and brutal winds. Tomorrow is supposed to be better.
Katie
Feb 14 | Vernita said …
SPRING CAN'T COME SOON ENOUGH, KATIE! By the way, Happy Valentine's Day!
I have NEVER experienced a colder winter in my life. Had I known how cold it gets in Iowa...well, I dare not ponder on that one, let's look to the future:)
60 pounds gone (and who knows how many obesity related diseases you avoided by losing weight) is a success whichever way you look at it. We are both in plateau phase (I've been treading here since Octoberish). I think my next "plan of attack" will be to increase my cardio and try some circuit training maybe even a little lap swimming.
There's a lot of information out there on weight plateaus:
http://www.oprah.com/health/omag/health_omag_200308_plateau.jhtml
http://www.drphil.com/articles/article/461
http://www.dukemednews.org/news/healthtip.php?id=2682
http://ifitandhealthy.com/diet-and-weight-loss-plateau
...basically it is recommended that we change up our exercise routine and what we eat, and also stay motivated. Wouldn't it be nice to have Bob Greene (Oprah's trainer), Harvey Walden IV (Celebrity Fit Club), Michael Thurmond (Extreme Makeover), or Bob, Kim & Jillian (The Biggest Losers) at our disposal???? Hmmm.....okay, let me wake up from dreaming.
Thank you for sharing with the Choose To Move Community. It does get challenging at times to "stay up" and not fall asleep while traveling on this journey.
My prayers are with you as you have the different medical procedures.
~ Vernita
Feb 19 | Linda J. said …
Hi Vernita,
I wrote to you on Feb 5th and told you about becoming a fat Mom after being a skinny kid.
I've switched to Hot Pockets Lite Breakfast Pockets & Lean Cuisine and a salad for lunch and a desent dinner and I've lost 6 lobs in 14 days! A lot of that is because I've also gone back to work so I'm not munching out of boredom. I work at a regional insurance office, so the vending machines are filled with "Smart Choices" And we have an on-site fitness center. God is Good!
Feb 19 | Vernita said …
Hello Linda J.,
I guess those "weight bands and sneakers" are getting some action! I am so happy for you and am elated that you are also celebrating your accomplishments. What a HUGE jump start on your way to bringing healthy back into your life.
I have a feeling that your 5 year old will soon be "running after you" to keep up:)
Here's a CHEERS TO YOU for utilizing the health friendly perks that are offered by your employer! What a win-win for both you and your family!
~ Vernita
Apr 15 | Linda J. said …
Dear Vernita,
Well, it's been a little over 2 months and I'm down 18 1/2 pounds! I'm ALMOST to the point where I need to buy smaller pants, cuz the ones I have now are falling off me! I know, I know...why ain't I shopping? I guess I like the idea of pants falling off instead of barely zipping up!
The weather is just about to be on my side, the pool opens in 3 weeks!
Apr 15 | Vernita said …
Hello Linda J.,
You are doing an absolutely AMAZING JOB!! Are you still working with the exercise bands? Your focus to stay on point is commendable.
Keep it up (the pants, too)!:)
~ Vernita
Post a Comment
Comment Policy
We welcome your comments, however all comments are moderated. Offensive or off-topic comments will be deleted and not displayed. Also, please note that comments are owned by the commenter and do not necessarily reflect the views of Vernita or its affiliates.