I have so much to share with you...
Part Uno: one day I will get back into that size
(Brand New Warm-Up Suit From 2005)
Part Dos: Reunion of 7 and Post Assessment
(This picture was taken following the post assessment.)
Part Tres: Visiting my family in Natchitoches, Louisiana
(Mr. Vernon's Masterpiece)
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
Jun 15 | Kathleen said …
Vernita, your blogs are so fun. It was good to see all the support from your family on your trip home. Cheers to your family.
Jun 15 | Vernita said …
Hello Kathleen,
It was wonderful seeing you at our post assessment Reunion in Dallas and I am really looking forward to our "Big Apple" Reunion in a couple of weeks.
My family really has been my cornerstone.
Guess what? My friend Arlecia, http://choosetomoveblog.com/vernita/2007/05/practice_what_you_preach.php,
called me yesterday to check and make sure that I am eating healthy and exercising while I am in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She also asked about the status of all the C2Mers. Between our family and friends, and the entire C2M Community, we have no option but to stay on the straight and narrow.
~Vernita
Jun 22 | Peg said …
Hi,
I am so ready to get out of the chair and walk. I weigh about 375 and I just can't get started. I always feel like those baby steps just aren't enough. Any suggestions on staying motivated and moving?
Thanks
Jun 23 | Ann said …
Vernita,
I've just signed on and chose to "move like you" because I'm only a year out of grad school (graduated at 45)and I weigh more than 200 lbs. I know how hard it is to take care of yourself while in grad school, so congrats! I love your blog entries. I'm determined to lose some weight and decrease my risk of heart disease and stroke despite my more than 40 hr a week desk job (I'm a historian). Thanks for the inspiration!
Ann
Jun 23 | Vernita said …
Hello Ann,
We defiantly have the 200+ lbs in common and I am working on completing grad school so that we WILL have that in common, also. Congratulations on your achievement AND on Choosing To Move!!
Thank you for your well wishes. My goal is to "transition" over to "one hundred land" in the fall and from reading your comment I think that this is another thing that we have in common.
Here are some Exercises That You Can Do At Your Desk,
http://www.dietbites.com/calories/dieting-exercise-desk-work.html
~Vernita
Jun 23 | Vernita said …
Hello Peg,
With any situation we find ourselves in we must accept the fact that some amount of TIME was involved; and if we want out of that situation we have to equally come to grips with the fact that TIME will be involved, too. Once we accept this fact, we can begin our journey.
From the beginning I knew that I had to surround myself with supportive POSITIVE individuals who would unselfishly cheer me on along my metamorphosis. Share your goals with your support circle and they will help keep you focused.
Try to incorporate 30 minutes of "movement" most days of the week. "Movement" can be dancing while washing dishes and cooking, working out in the garden, and walking around the mall or with a walking video. Be creative. The 30 minutes of exercise can be broken up into 3 intervals of 10 minutes of "movement" throughout the day.
Check out these American Heart Association 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
All of us in the Choose To Move Community are cheering for you and your success. Congratulations on your decision to bring Healthy back into your life.
~Vernita
Jun 23 | Natalie said …
Hi Vernita (and others):
I just signed up. I choose you because I share the dreaded 200 plus pound threshold also. I've never been heavier! I only think of reasons to not exercise. I don't know why I resist so much. When I lost many pounds years ago, because I met a "man," I only thought of reasons "to" exercise. I waste a lot of time procrastinating on the computer. I want my personal rule to be that I can't get on the computer at home until I've done my 30 minutes of exercise. It's the weekend and not too hot. I'm going out to walk with my pedometer on.
Jun 23 | Vernita said …
Hello Natalie,
Welcome to Choose To Move and Congratulations on taking the first step of many (good for you for taking a walk today).
The computer, television, and telephone, among other "gadgets" can sometimes make us forget our priorities. Setting SMART goals (like exercising before using the computer), http://www.goal-setting-guide.com/smart-goals.html,
will help us to make lasting changes in the long run.
SMART Goals:
S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Realistic
T = Timely
~Vernita
Jun 26 | Ann said …
Thanks Vernita!
We do have our starting weight and ambitious goals - both personal and professional- in common. My goal is to be under 200 lbs by the end of the summer. I was at 217 last time I was on the scale, so this is a do-able goal, no matter how much time I spend at my desk. I like Natalie's rule of exercise before the computer, which is also good for the tv. I'm walking to as many errands as possible or home from work, instead of taking the bus. I know that a lot of you live in places where its too hot to do that during the summer, but it works for me here (Seattle).
Ann
Jun 26 | Joan said …
May I put your very fine 'SMART' in my newsletter (Women's Weekly Word) which I prepare for our Women's Fellowship at church? I enjoyed everyone's summary report but your 24.8 lbs blew my mind. I have lost 9 as of this morning and I feel so much better than 12 weeks ago. Way to go, Vernita! Regards. Joan
Jun 27 | k-k-k-katie said …
Vernita: Great use of the word SMART -- I'm sure I'll be using that one.
Look how many people you've inspired! That's fantastic.
Keep up the good work!
Jun 28 | Vernita said …
Hello Ann,
My short term goal for the October/November 2007 is to be under 200 lbs and to have a cholesterol level under 200. We can do it, Ann!! We just keep moving, keep eating heart friendly foods, and keep the faith!
~Vernita
Jun 28 | Vernita said …
Hello Joan,
I am not sure when the SMART acronym originated but I learned about it in one of my undergraduate classes. It is transferable in all areas of life. I hope that the newsletter audience finds inspiration and motivation from its implications.
I am so encouraged by your discipline. Congratulations on your loss!
~Vernita
Jun 28 | Vernita said …
Hello Chef K-k-k-k-katie,
You were one of my MOST TIGHTEST SUPPORTERS throughout the 12 weeks and I must say that my success is in part yours, too, because of your consistent encouragement. You have a talent for coaching others...continue to nurture that talent.
We are still engaged in this journey and can't let up one bit.
~Vernita
Jun 28 | Debora said …
Dear Vernita, I've decided today I'm going to come to the Choose to Move website everyday for encouragement and reinforcement of what I know I have to do. I feel like I'm in a real bad place right now and I have to dig my way out. I'm 46, 5'3", 209 lbs. I have high blood pressure and my dad is a diabetic (so I know my risk is high). I have two fabulous teenagers and I want to be around along time for both them and for me. I get discouraged because I am mostly too exhausted to exercise (or at least that's the excuse I use). But no more excuses I'm going to get moving. Thank you for the encouragement.
Jun 28 | Vernita said …
Good for you, Debora!
This is such a big step at such a pivotal time in your life - when you are raising teens. You will never know how much your decision will weigh heavy on the future of your teens.
Get the whole family involved in health-friendly activities, cooking, and living!
~Vernita
Jun 29 | Kyndra said …
Wow, Vernita!!! I'm sooooo proud of you! I just looked at your pre and post assessments, and you are definitely progressing. Keep up the good work. I'm going to use you as my inspiration as I have been getting a little lazy with the exercising during my travels :-)
Jun 29 | Vernita said …
Hello Kyndra,
Thank your for the words of confidence. I will keep going and hope that my journey will be an encouragement to you and others who have taken a "pit stop" while traveling.
Remember, YOU ARE WORTH IT!
~Vernita
Jun 30 | Arlecia said …
Vernita,
I am so godly proud of you and your success with this program. And now it's time to maintain. I look forward to seeing you in the gym when you return to town.
ADS
Jul 01 | Vernita said …
Hello Arlecia,
Thank you. I am pleased with the start of my journey and am excited about the many posibilities along the way. I'll be in the gym on Tuesday when I return to Iowa, bright and early in the morning.
~Vernita
Jul 11 | Robin said …
I just signed up today!
I am excited about really doing it this time. I've checked out the local pool for an aquacize group and will be attending 2 evenings a week. And I was always told to do an activity that was enjoyable, so I bought a jump rope - although I am worn out after 10 minutes - I just do it atleast 2 times a day. Oh by the way, I am over the 200 hundred pound mark, have issues with carbs and have been sedentary most of my life. But no more! I am 45, work for a local gov't agency have 1 daughter and 2 grandchildren. I couldn't get out with my daughter and romp around because of my continual weight problems, but have every intention of playing with the grandboys.
I will do it this time!
Jul 11 | Vernita said …
Hello Robin,
Congratulations on taking the leap into Health Empowerment!
I just know that you will enjoy not only the physical aspects of water aerobics but also the social fun that comes with the participants.
Wow...two grandsons. You've made a great decision for yourself, and your family will be inspired by your courage. Enjoy the journey and keep me informed.
~Vernita
Jul 31 | Stephanie said …
I just signed up today. Looking at myself in the mirror and feeling the way I do is frustrating. I see so many people around me (both personal and on tv) that have had surgery to lose weight. I don't want to do that, I want to learn to eat and get moving. Weighing over 225lbs is overwhelming because I have so far to go but I need to do this for myself and my future. I am 46 and have two young granddaughters, I want to be around for them. Just reading over your blogs is inspiring.
Thanks,
Stephanie
Aug 05 | Vernita said …
Hello Stephanie,
What’s right for some may not be right for others. You have to do what you feel is right for you.
Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely, http://www.goal-setting-guide.com/smart-goals.html) goals for yourself (i.e. set a goal of losing 5 pounds this month). Losing five pounds per month has been my personal goal for the summer months. And once you’ve accomplished your goal, celebrate your victory (examples of celebratory activities include buying a small item for yourself, renting a movie, going out dancing, or trying a new heart healthy dish).
You’ve turned on the ignition, now put the pedal to the medal and GO!!!
~Vernita
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