Thursday, May 29, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Week 3: Weigh In Results
Welcome to your Memorial Day Weigh In!!
Watch out at those bbq's today:
Hot dog = bad / Grilled chicken = good
Potato salad = bad / Green salad = good
Chips & Dip = bad / Fruit = good
As always - scroll to the bottom and leave your info (weekly % and total %) in a comment...
Watch out at those bbq's today:
Hot dog = bad / Grilled chicken = good
Potato salad = bad / Green salad = good
Chips & Dip = bad / Fruit = good
As always - scroll to the bottom and leave your info (weekly % and total %) in a comment...
| NAME | WEEKLY % LOST | TOTAL % LOST |
|---|---|---|
| Carrie | % | % |
| Claire | -0.59% | -2.08% |
| Esa | % | % |
| Jen | +o.60% | -0.70% |
| Jenny | -1.21% | -1.21% |
| Jessica | +0.85% | -3.53% |
| Joy | -0.52% | -3.09% |
| Julie | % | % |
| Kelly | -0.31% | -0.39% |
| Kirsten | 0% | -.60% |
| Lydia | -1.28% | -4.94% |
| Maite | -1.73% | -5.39% |
| Melodie | +0.90% | +1.57% |
| Natalie | +0.29% | -0.96% |
| Rebecca | -0.60% | -0.24% |
| Robyn | -0.60% | -1.60% |
| Sara Z. | -.27% | -2.13% |
| Sarah A. | +1.00% | -0.80% |
| Shanna | % | % |
| Sheena | -1.50% | -2.40% |
| Tori | % | % |
Formula for calculating weight loss percentage:
Initial weight minus current weight, divided by initial weight multiplied by 100 equals percentage.
((IW-CW)/IW) * 100= weight loss percentage
example:
Initial start weight: 175 pounds
Week 1 weigh in weight:170 pounds
Current (week 2 weigh in) weight: 168
Weekly percentage lost:
170 - 168= 2
2 / 170= 0.011764
0.0117647 x 100= 1.1764%
round up to 1.18
-1.18% weekly percentage lost
Total percentage lost:
175 - 168= 7
7 / 175 = 0.04
4 x 100= 4%
-4% total percentage lost
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Week 2 Results!
They did it again!! What are we going to do with these three!? Our 3 leading ladies this week are (once again):
Jessica at -4.35% weight loss
Maite at -3.72% weight loss
Lydia at -3.70% weight loss
WOW! You gals are smokin' us!! But watch out, because the rest of us are going to band together and eat some lettuce!
For those of you who are feeling discouraged or frustrated by slow progress - don't lose hope. Every little bit is a step closer to a healthier lifestyle. Believe me - I was most certainly discouraged to be up 1/2 pound today after vigorous exercise and meticulous eating habits yesterday. I know, I know - that whole gaining muscle thing. But it's hard not to live by that dang scale!!!
I did feel better when I measured myself: After 2 weeks although I have only lost 2 1/2 pounds, I have lost a total of 7 inches over my whole body. I encourage you gals to be measuring yourselves every 2-4 weeks, it is especially encouraging when the pounds aren't dropping.
I would love to hear from all of you on the blog as far as how you are doing with the whole weight loss thing - what's working for you...what you can encourage the other gals with...frustrations you may have...prayer requests...etc...
I would love to hear all about how all of you are doing!
Natalie
Jessica at -4.35% weight loss
Maite at -3.72% weight loss
Lydia at -3.70% weight loss
WOW! You gals are smokin' us!! But watch out, because the rest of us are going to band together and eat some lettuce!
For those of you who are feeling discouraged or frustrated by slow progress - don't lose hope. Every little bit is a step closer to a healthier lifestyle. Believe me - I was most certainly discouraged to be up 1/2 pound today after vigorous exercise and meticulous eating habits yesterday. I know, I know - that whole gaining muscle thing. But it's hard not to live by that dang scale!!!
I did feel better when I measured myself: After 2 weeks although I have only lost 2 1/2 pounds, I have lost a total of 7 inches over my whole body. I encourage you gals to be measuring yourselves every 2-4 weeks, it is especially encouraging when the pounds aren't dropping.
I would love to hear from all of you on the blog as far as how you are doing with the whole weight loss thing - what's working for you...what you can encourage the other gals with...frustrations you may have...prayer requests...etc...
I would love to hear all about how all of you are doing!
Natalie
Week 2
Oh, I forgot to give my percentage of weight loss.
weekly = - .52%
Total = -1.03%
So slow, but I rejoice that it's not a gain.
Carrie
weekly = - .52%
Total = -1.03%
So slow, but I rejoice that it's not a gain.
Carrie
Well Ladies, Why is it that every time I say I'm going to diet I gain weight?
And what happened to the gym? My car just won't drive there anymore!
I've eaten less, drank more water, but life got the best of me.
I hurt my knee and could hardly walk, had to sit on the couch and do nothing.
Then I got sick yesterday and needed comfort food to keep me awake.
Weigh in was a sad thing to do. Kemma, I'm with you - 6 weeks to fabulous!!
Keep on working it Ladies.
Carrie
And what happened to the gym? My car just won't drive there anymore!
I've eaten less, drank more water, but life got the best of me.
I hurt my knee and could hardly walk, had to sit on the couch and do nothing.
Then I got sick yesterday and needed comfort food to keep me awake.
Weigh in was a sad thing to do. Kemma, I'm with you - 6 weeks to fabulous!!
Keep on working it Ladies.
Carrie
Monday, May 19, 2008
Day 42
HI Ladies, Well after gaining 2.6 pounds last week, I'm happy to report I lost this week but not enough to get me back to my starting weight. My weight loss this week is -0.63%. Overall I'm at +0.75. Let's keep going 42 days left! Esa C.
Week 2: Weigh In Results
Ok, ladies - how'd we do this week?? Remember to post BOTH your weekly percentage and your total percentage thus far (see below on help for figuring this out). Please put them in a comment on THIS post so I can keep track of them.
| NAME | WEEKLY % LOST | TOTAL % LOST |
|---|---|---|
| Carrie | -o.52% | -1.03% |
| Claire | -1.60% | -1.50% |
| Esa | -0.63% | +0.75% |
| Jen | -0.8% | -1.29% |
| Jenny | +1.65% | 0% |
| Jessica | -2.2% | -4.35% |
| Joy | -1.08% | -2.60% |
| Julie | -1.0% | -1.0% |
| Kelly | +0.70% | +0.70% |
| Kirsten | -0.60% | -0.60% |
| Lydia | -1.27% | -3.70% |
| Maite | -.93% | -3.72% |
| Melodie | -0.30% | +0.75% |
| Natalie | 0% | -1.2% |
| Rebecca | +0.01% | +0.36% |
| Robyn | +0.6% | -1.0% |
| Sara Z. | -0.54% | -1.87% |
| Sarah A. | -0.80% | -1.80% |
| Shanna | -0.80% | -.20% |
| Sheena | -0.01% | -1.10% |
| Tori | 0% | 0% |
[We are now down to 21 names on the list as we had a gal that I never received a weigh-in percentage or $ from last week that has decided not to be involved in the contest. This puts our grand total of contest money at $630.]
Formula for calculating weight loss percentage:
Initial weight minus current weight, divided by initial weight multiplied by 100 equals percentage.
((IW-CW)/IW) * 100= weight loss percentage
example:
Initial start weight: 175 pounds
Week 1 weigh in weight:170 pounds
Current (week 2 weigh in) weight: 168
Weekly percentage lost:
170 - 168= 2
2 / 170= 0.011764
0.0117647 x 100= 1.1764%
round up to 1.18
-1.18% weekly percentage lost
Total percentage lost:
175 - 168= 7
7 / 175 = 0.04
4 x 100= 4%
-4% total percentage lost
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Backslider
I was hoping that my "hi, let me introduce myself" post would be some perky-bubbly thing where I gushed about how this is changing my life, and how I drink so much that the local Water Conservation District had to come and see if we had a water-main leak, and how the pounds are just falling off my frame, and how this is going to be Flabulous-to-Fabulous, but instead.
I have a confession to make.
My name is Robyn, and I am a backslider.
(oh yeah, the whole "Kemma Parker" thing? Pseudonym. Secret Identity. Just like Clark Kent. All the superheros have them. But it's on all the blogger documents, and it's just too hard to change it all up for this one thing, so let's keep it our little secret)
While I *know* that I need the impetus of accountability in order to make this work, and I may have started off with an actual weight-LOSS, I also throw myself at your mercy because this whole last week has been one big mine field of temptation.
And I'm sure (cough*cough) that I'm the ONLY person in the Whole Entire World that has been tempted by food this week. Oh, certainly my children were filled with the best of intentions when they got me that giant box of Sees chocolates (the raspberry cremes and Scotch mallows!) for Mother's Day. I'm sure they wanted me to just be happy. Not *fat and happy*.
And why, suddenly, does Fast Food hold such mouth-watering temptation????? Like, in the middle of the day, I'll be out with my bottle of water (see? I sometimes *DO* drink water, too) and I'll be running errands, and I'll drive by a Jack in the Box, and say "wow, that looks like the Best Food Ever!!!!!" Say what????!!??!!! I've never been in one, and suddenly, it's ALL I can think about. Maybe I've gotta cut back on all the commercial TV that I watch.
And it's my own darned fault for hosting a gourmet fund-raiser banquet in my own home last night. I suppose there was no rule that said I *HAD* to serve foie de gras soaked tenderloin and cream-laden desserts. And even if I served them, did I *HAVE* to eat them? Or did I have to go back for SECONDS?
Ladies, I need accountability. I need y'all to give me the evil eye and say "Put *down* that second dessert." Or even "put down that FIRST dessert"!
My hat is off to those of you who started strong. You are an inspiration to me to pick myself up and start again.
Hey, for me it will just be SIX weeks to Fabulous!
Now where did I put that 6-pack of Propel?
I have a confession to make.
My name is Robyn, and I am a backslider.
(oh yeah, the whole "Kemma Parker" thing? Pseudonym. Secret Identity. Just like Clark Kent. All the superheros have them. But it's on all the blogger documents, and it's just too hard to change it all up for this one thing, so let's keep it our little secret)
While I *know* that I need the impetus of accountability in order to make this work, and I may have started off with an actual weight-LOSS, I also throw myself at your mercy because this whole last week has been one big mine field of temptation.
And I'm sure (cough*cough) that I'm the ONLY person in the Whole Entire World that has been tempted by food this week. Oh, certainly my children were filled with the best of intentions when they got me that giant box of Sees chocolates (the raspberry cremes and Scotch mallows!) for Mother's Day. I'm sure they wanted me to just be happy. Not *fat and happy*.
And why, suddenly, does Fast Food hold such mouth-watering temptation????? Like, in the middle of the day, I'll be out with my bottle of water (see? I sometimes *DO* drink water, too) and I'll be running errands, and I'll drive by a Jack in the Box, and say "wow, that looks like the Best Food Ever!!!!!" Say what????!!??!!! I've never been in one, and suddenly, it's ALL I can think about. Maybe I've gotta cut back on all the commercial TV that I watch.
And it's my own darned fault for hosting a gourmet fund-raiser banquet in my own home last night. I suppose there was no rule that said I *HAD* to serve foie de gras soaked tenderloin and cream-laden desserts. And even if I served them, did I *HAVE* to eat them? Or did I have to go back for SECONDS?
Ladies, I need accountability. I need y'all to give me the evil eye and say "Put *down* that second dessert." Or even "put down that FIRST dessert"!
My hat is off to those of you who started strong. You are an inspiration to me to pick myself up and start again.
Hey, for me it will just be SIX weeks to Fabulous!
Now where did I put that 6-pack of Propel?
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Our top three...plus water and workouts!
Well ladies, it looks like we are off to a nice competitive start!! The results are in and here are our three weight loss leaders:
Maite at 2.8% loss
Lydia at 2.5% loss
Jessica at 2.17% loss
After reviewing the results I saw that I was EIGHTH down the list. EIGHTH!!! My I-hate-to-lose attitude kicked right in and I decided, "That's it - I HAVE to work out!!!" [I tend to hate exercise and avoid it at all costs. I believe laziness has a hand in that.] So - in my extreme-all-or-nothing trademark personality: I did a pilates workout...then I did a hip hop abs workout. Because TWO. TWO. TWO workouts are better than one!! Needless to say, after two workouts I became trapped in my basement. It was some time before my legs regained the ability to walk.
I also decided that I had better look into this whole "drink water" thing. *looks both ways and then whispers with embarassment* "I don't drink water." I drink LOTS of coffee (in various forms)and some diet soda but very little water. As in -maybe- a glass a day...on a good day. So, Monday I vowed to change my dehydrated ways (well, at least until the novelty wears off and I miss my coffee). Here are my "healthy" new habit showings thus far this week:
Monday - drank 52 oz of water and worked out...twice *ouch*
Tuesday - drank 58 oz of water and worked out ( a normal "once")
Wednesday - drank 100 oz of water [peed 27 times] and worked out
Today - drank 20 oz of water (so far) anddreading gearing up to workout
**newsflash** My pee is now officially completely clear. As in: clear as water. As in: in-vis-i-ble! *smiles victoriously*
Maite at 2.8% loss
Lydia at 2.5% loss
Jessica at 2.17% loss
After reviewing the results I saw that I was EIGHTH down the list. EIGHTH!!! My I-hate-to-lose attitude kicked right in and I decided, "That's it - I HAVE to work out!!!" [I tend to hate exercise and avoid it at all costs. I believe laziness has a hand in that.] So - in my extreme-all-or-nothing trademark personality: I did a pilates workout...then I did a hip hop abs workout. Because TWO. TWO. TWO workouts are better than one!! Needless to say, after two workouts I became trapped in my basement. It was some time before my legs regained the ability to walk.
I also decided that I had better look into this whole "drink water" thing. *looks both ways and then whispers with embarassment* "I don't drink water." I drink LOTS of coffee (in various forms)and some diet soda but very little water. As in -maybe- a glass a day...on a good day. So, Monday I vowed to change my dehydrated ways (well, at least until the novelty wears off and I miss my coffee). Here are my "healthy" new habit showings thus far this week:
Monday - drank 52 oz of water and worked out...twice *ouch*
Tuesday - drank 58 oz of water and worked out ( a normal "once")
Wednesday - drank 100 oz of water [peed 27 times] and worked out
Today - drank 20 oz of water (so far) and
Wow! I don't believe I have EVER IN MY LIFE drank a substantial amount of water more thatn 1 day in a row --AND-- I don't believe I have EVER IN MY LIFE worked out 3 days in a row! I would caution you not to get excited and rush out to buy season tickets because the novelty is already wearing off - but perhaps I can swing my extremism back to the center and cultivate a healthy "normal" workout schedule and drink an "appropriate" amount of water.
**newsflash** My pee is now officially completely clear. As in: clear as water. As in: in-vis-i-ble! *smiles victoriously*
In other news... I found a GREAT new scale:
"The Celebrity Scales"
Gone are the days of "numbers", just hop right on to see which celebrity you are on par with...
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
All together now: "Hi Jen!"
Ok, so seriously, years ago I walked into an Overeaters Anonymous meeting eating a chocolate mousse. I thought I was going to a "different" 12 step meeting, where chocolate is better than the alternative substance of choice, and I went to my local meeting hall totally oblivious, whereupon I was glared at severely by many militant eyes and informed that I might want to take the mousse outside. I dumped it and stayed for the meeting, because obviously I needed to be there. And now I weigh a whole other Olson twin more than that day. Weighing less will feel a lot better than eating more. It is how we deal with putting off the delayed gratification that counts. My cardiac rehab nurse suggested to find benchmark rewards. Down 5 pounds? Get a new set of hand weights. Down 10? An appointment with a personal trainer and a manicure! Down 25? Get a treadmill. Down to your ideal weight? Go to Hawaii for volcano hiking! Find different rewards that have nothing to do with food and everything to do with perpetuating health. I tend to emotional eat at night and instead, last night I did squats and curls. And today I can feel my butt! OK, not literally, but I sure know the muscles are still there!! Also, find good substitutes for the emotional eating, like a hand full of almonds and one square of organic dark chocolate that is actually good for you!
Another trick I have used successfully in the past is to allow myself one pint of my favorite ice cream once a month (usually that PMS time) so that I don't feel forever deprived, but that I will get to have what I want when my craving is at it's worst, that way my current cravings can be gauged as "not that bad" and I can delay that gratification.
I think the butter at Nat's house may now be that heart healthy plant sterol raw suet tasting stuff that is good for you!! Right Natalie??!
Another trick I have used successfully in the past is to allow myself one pint of my favorite ice cream once a month (usually that PMS time) so that I don't feel forever deprived, but that I will get to have what I want when my craving is at it's worst, that way my current cravings can be gauged as "not that bad" and I can delay that gratification.
I think the butter at Nat's house may now be that heart healthy plant sterol raw suet tasting stuff that is good for you!! Right Natalie??!
Says Hello
My name is Jen. *pauses for everyone to say Hi Jen* I am an emotional over eater. *looks around* Wait this isn't over eaters anonymous?
Okay, all seriousness...
I was going to write out every detail of my weight loss journey, but I decided no. :)
Same story as most of you.
I need motivation. I am so thankful that I have a group of women who will come along side and cheer (though watch out eating at Nat's house.. she will add butter into your food!!)
Okay, all seriousness...
I was going to write out every detail of my weight loss journey, but I decided no. :)
Same story as most of you.
I need motivation. I am so thankful that I have a group of women who will come along side and cheer (though watch out eating at Nat's house.. she will add butter into your food!!)
Monday, May 12, 2008
Week 1: Weigh In Results
Ok, ladies - this is it! Let's see those results!! Post a comment on this entry with your name and percentage lost and I will enter all of the results into the chart by the end of the day. (See below for the percentage formula if you need it)
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!
| NAME | WEEKLY % LOST | TOTAL % LOST |
|---|---|---|
| Carrie | -.5% | -.5% |
| Claire | +.12% | +.12% |
| Esa | +1.4% | +1.4% |
| Jen | -.5% | -.5% |
| Jenny | -1.6% | -1.6% |
| Jessica | -2.17% | -2.17% |
| Joy | -1.3% | -1.3% |
| Julie | 0% | 0% |
| Kelly | 0% | 0% |
| Kirsten | 0% | 0% |
| Lydia | -2.5% | -2.5% |
| Maite | -2.8% | -2.8% |
| Melodie | +1.25% | +1.25% |
| Merry | % | % |
| Natalie | -1.2% | -1.2% |
| Rebecca | -.72% | -.72% |
| Robyn | -1.6% | -1.6% |
| Sara Z. | -1.3% | -1.3% |
| Sarah A. | -1.0% | -1.0% |
| Shanna | +.5% | +.5% |
| Sheena | -2.0% | -2.0% |
| Tori | % | % |
[There are only 22 names on the chart (instead of 23) because unfortunately we had one person drop out of the contest last week before they paid.]
Formula for calculating weight loss percentage:
Initial weight minus current weight, divided by initial weight multiplied by 100 equals percentage.
((IW-CW)/IW) * 100= weight loss percentage
example: Initial weight: 175 pounds Current weight: 163
175 - 163= 12
12 / 175= 0.069
0.069 x 100= 6.9%
6.9% weight lost
Day 49
Can I adjust my start weight? How much does 64 oz of water weigh?
So ladies I am +1.4 % at weigh in this week. Did I sign up for the correct contest?
It is suppose to be weight loss right?! Well I have had a decent (not perfect) week with controlled eating and working out. I think I worked out 5 out of the 7 days. Anyway the scale is what it is and I am being honest. My hope is that there will be a major adjustment down next week. Even with what the scale says, I am feeling good and am not going to beat myself up about this gain, but I am surprised. The good news is that I have been noticing changes in how my clothes fit. Now don't get me wrong, these changes aren't all in this first week, because I have been working on this weight loss thing seriously since the first of the year. Prior to this contest, I felt like my motivation had gone flat and I was just maintaining. That's where Natalie and all of you came in. Inspiration and motivation is what I need. I appreciate all of you sharing your stories. I am inspired just knowing you are out there with me working on the same thing. I am motivated because I have to check in with y'all and tell it like is. Well, let's keep going one day, one bite at a time. Apples are our friend. Esa
So ladies I am +1.4 % at weigh in this week. Did I sign up for the correct contest?
It is suppose to be weight loss right?! Well I have had a decent (not perfect) week with controlled eating and working out. I think I worked out 5 out of the 7 days. Anyway the scale is what it is and I am being honest. My hope is that there will be a major adjustment down next week. Even with what the scale says, I am feeling good and am not going to beat myself up about this gain, but I am surprised. The good news is that I have been noticing changes in how my clothes fit. Now don't get me wrong, these changes aren't all in this first week, because I have been working on this weight loss thing seriously since the first of the year. Prior to this contest, I felt like my motivation had gone flat and I was just maintaining. That's where Natalie and all of you came in. Inspiration and motivation is what I need. I appreciate all of you sharing your stories. I am inspired just knowing you are out there with me working on the same thing. I am motivated because I have to check in with y'all and tell it like is. Well, let's keep going one day, one bite at a time. Apples are our friend. Esa
Hi all!
I'm so excited to be here with you all. I have had a very rough year and unfortunately I am an emotional eater. Night time is the hardest part of the day, when the kids are in bed and I'm lonely, so I eat. Last year I began exercising and lost 18 lbs but when my husband left I couldn't seem to get off the couch and get to the gym. Needless to say I am ready to start over and lose the rest of the weight. I know that I need to trust God in all things and let go of the stress that keeps me from doing what I know I need to do and prevents me from being as healthy as I can be. Thanks Natalie for getting us all moving to healthier bodies and lives.
I lost .5% . Watch out next week ladies. I'm hitting the gym. The kids promised I could go and said they would eat what I eat. (ya right!!) (ever wish you didn't have to cook for the rest of the gang!)
Have a great week, I'm praying for you all. Carrie
I'm so excited to be here with you all. I have had a very rough year and unfortunately I am an emotional eater. Night time is the hardest part of the day, when the kids are in bed and I'm lonely, so I eat. Last year I began exercising and lost 18 lbs but when my husband left I couldn't seem to get off the couch and get to the gym. Needless to say I am ready to start over and lose the rest of the weight. I know that I need to trust God in all things and let go of the stress that keeps me from doing what I know I need to do and prevents me from being as healthy as I can be. Thanks Natalie for getting us all moving to healthier bodies and lives.
I lost .5% . Watch out next week ladies. I'm hitting the gym. The kids promised I could go and said they would eat what I eat. (ya right!!) (ever wish you didn't have to cook for the rest of the gang!)
Have a great week, I'm praying for you all. Carrie
Back-Slidden Former Health Nut
About 16 years ago I was a wanna-be natural health guru. My 1st child had her first taste of sugar on her 1st birthday (it was raw, organic honey). I brought my juicer along on the vacation during which we conceived her. I even taught classes for MOPS, Women's ministries, and adult Sunday School classes on the Christian perspective of natural health and worked for a Christian doctor who ran a natural health clinic.
But I've back-slidden down a long slippery road to 60#'s overweight, low energy, and shoulders that are sore from lifting myself up off of the couch and bed. I know exactly what I need to do to be healthy and trim, I'm just not doing it.
For me, I don't think it's emotional eating, but maybe I'm just too proud to admit it. Granted the last two years has been a very difficult time for our family (too long of a story to post) and confidentially-- my 19 year marriage has been a very lonely one. Ultimately, I think it's just "the flesh" that I'm feeding and my tendency to do things in my own strength that has gotten me here.
My husband has forbidden me to buy another diet pill or diet book....seriously. I have to admit that if a magic diet pill came out that really did work, and wasn't harmful, I'd still want to take it. By nature, I want a quick fix. I've done a ton of diets and fasts. But I've finally learned (intellectually at least) that I need to make healthy living a lifestyle of doing the best I can as often as I can and with God's help (and the help of my friends).
I've gained and lost weight a bunch of times.....not good I know. The last time was two years ago when I did a similar contest to this one with my co-workers (and I won!). When I turned 40 shortly after the contest ended, I enjoyed my chocolate cake for as many days as it lasted and then slid into the holidays and then two difficult years dealing with the loss of a family business, and never recovered.
You could I say I'm a BIG believer in God and in natural/preventive/alternative health, but I want to be a FIRM believer (get it? firm, not big???).
My goal today is to SCHEDULE my exercise into my life in the next week and make it a priority and then JUST DO IT!
But I've back-slidden down a long slippery road to 60#'s overweight, low energy, and shoulders that are sore from lifting myself up off of the couch and bed. I know exactly what I need to do to be healthy and trim, I'm just not doing it.
For me, I don't think it's emotional eating, but maybe I'm just too proud to admit it. Granted the last two years has been a very difficult time for our family (too long of a story to post) and confidentially-- my 19 year marriage has been a very lonely one. Ultimately, I think it's just "the flesh" that I'm feeding and my tendency to do things in my own strength that has gotten me here.
My husband has forbidden me to buy another diet pill or diet book....seriously. I have to admit that if a magic diet pill came out that really did work, and wasn't harmful, I'd still want to take it. By nature, I want a quick fix. I've done a ton of diets and fasts. But I've finally learned (intellectually at least) that I need to make healthy living a lifestyle of doing the best I can as often as I can and with God's help (and the help of my friends).
I've gained and lost weight a bunch of times.....not good I know. The last time was two years ago when I did a similar contest to this one with my co-workers (and I won!). When I turned 40 shortly after the contest ended, I enjoyed my chocolate cake for as many days as it lasted and then slid into the holidays and then two difficult years dealing with the loss of a family business, and never recovered.
You could I say I'm a BIG believer in God and in natural/preventive/alternative health, but I want to be a FIRM believer (get it? firm, not big???).
My goal today is to SCHEDULE my exercise into my life in the next week and make it a priority and then JUST DO IT!
first week results
I weighed this morning on the same scale, same time and I weigh EXACTLY the same-ARGGH!! I guess maintaining is better than a gain, but still. It makes no sense to me because when I weighed in at weight watcher's on Friday a.m. I had lost 2lbs. from the week before. Have you seen the commercial on tv where the lady is walking around with her scale chained to her leg, in the back ground the music plaing" You are always on my mind" ? That is my life! oh well, there we have it for this week. --KellyH.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Hello Ya'll!
I am excited to have some new motivation for losing the weight. It seems like we all have said that already.
My family and I moved to the Seattle area from Virginia Beach, VA about 3 years ago. It was difficult going from a warm, sunny resort city to (rainy, dreary) Seattle. I gained 20 lbs the first year!!! I was depressed and felt so isolated. Gradually I made friends through the homeschool community and got involved in church. I have 2 children- my daughter is 5 and my son is 9.
I joined Weight Watchers in March '07 and lost 25 lbs. Then Christmas hit, and... well... I stalled. Then I began slowly climbing back up the weight ladder as I tried to ignore those good eating habits that I spent 9 months developing.
I have 40 lbs to lose and I am determined to lose them!
I do really good when I feel accountable and have reasonable goals. So this contest is my accountability, and my goals are set. Just knowing that I have to "weigh in" every week is a good motivator for me. That's probably why Weight Watchers worked so well.
Good luck and God Bless you all!
I am excited to have some new motivation for losing the weight. It seems like we all have said that already.
My family and I moved to the Seattle area from Virginia Beach, VA about 3 years ago. It was difficult going from a warm, sunny resort city to (rainy, dreary) Seattle. I gained 20 lbs the first year!!! I was depressed and felt so isolated. Gradually I made friends through the homeschool community and got involved in church. I have 2 children- my daughter is 5 and my son is 9.
I joined Weight Watchers in March '07 and lost 25 lbs. Then Christmas hit, and... well... I stalled. Then I began slowly climbing back up the weight ladder as I tried to ignore those good eating habits that I spent 9 months developing.
I have 40 lbs to lose and I am determined to lose them!
I do really good when I feel accountable and have reasonable goals. So this contest is my accountability, and my goals are set. Just knowing that I have to "weigh in" every week is a good motivator for me. That's probably why Weight Watchers worked so well.
Good luck and God Bless you all!
Hello everyone
My name is Melodie and I have been thin all my life until the kids came. Still look good in clothes but know that I'm not as healthy as I need to be for long term enjoyable life. I am hoping that this contest will motivate me to change eat out habits and lack of water habits. I have lots of clothes in the closet that don't fit and see it as wasted money. I lost a lot of weight going through divorce and have slowly gained it back as I got on with life. I get very lazy about eating healthy and blame it on "too busy". So now that I've layed all my guts on the table, let the games begin.
Hi Everyone!
My name is Rebecca and I'm the drive-around-mother of a 5-year old girl and a boy who'll be two on Monday. :) My husband works long hours as a programmer/database guy for a startup company (www.buddytv.com), so I spend most of my time managing our home and keeping busy with kid stuff.
I have been needing this group so badly! I'm so happy to have a new motivation. I started weight watchers May '07, and in the first 6 months I lost my 10% and so far I've just kinda maintained. (I started out Flex and ended up loving Core, but that's another story! :) ) I'm really glad I haven't gained the weight back, but I still have about 15 pounds to lose ("technically" my goal is supposed to be a bit lower, but I'm going with where I feel the best with myself based on past experience).
So... let's see. It's been what, 3 days? So far so good... all of my food has been Core except for one or two kid snacks (how does that happen? ugh!). I'm working out three days/week while Elise is in preschool.
I contemplated listing what I've been eating... I've found those posts helpful on weight watchers boards before. Is anyone else interested in that? I don't know... that's an awful lot of accountability... not sure I'm ready for that! hehehehe
I'm thankful to God that I was not born one of those "naturally skinny" people... I feel like I am healthier because I've *had* to think about it. Does that make sense?
Christian is about to wake up for his nap, so I'd better wrap this up.
God bless you all in your quest to be healthy! Pray for me, please! ;)
I have been needing this group so badly! I'm so happy to have a new motivation. I started weight watchers May '07, and in the first 6 months I lost my 10% and so far I've just kinda maintained. (I started out Flex and ended up loving Core, but that's another story! :) ) I'm really glad I haven't gained the weight back, but I still have about 15 pounds to lose ("technically" my goal is supposed to be a bit lower, but I'm going with where I feel the best with myself based on past experience).
So... let's see. It's been what, 3 days? So far so good... all of my food has been Core except for one or two kid snacks (how does that happen? ugh!). I'm working out three days/week while Elise is in preschool.
I contemplated listing what I've been eating... I've found those posts helpful on weight watchers boards before. Is anyone else interested in that? I don't know... that's an awful lot of accountability... not sure I'm ready for that! hehehehe
I'm thankful to God that I was not born one of those "naturally skinny" people... I feel like I am healthier because I've *had* to think about it. Does that make sense?
Christian is about to wake up for his nap, so I'd better wrap this up.
God bless you all in your quest to be healthy! Pray for me, please! ;)
Hey ladies. First off I want to thank Natalie for all the time and effort she has put into putting this whole thing together! You rock!
I have to say I am really excited about this new competition, but feeling disconnected at the same time because I do not personally know any of you! Thank you to the few of you who have already posted your stories, and I would like to encourage the rest of you to do the same so as to establish some solidarity in our group. Maybe it's because I have just moved away from my hometown for the first time EVER, but I am really feeling the need to connect with you all in order to really get more exited about the competition, to make the group more tangible!
So I am gonna*try* to give you the abriged version of my story and I hope many of you will do the same! (I'm a chronic oversharer, so feel free to stop reading at any point!) Here goes nothing!
My name is Sara, and I am a 27 year old wife and mother of two CRAZY boys! We have just moved to the Bay Area after living my whole life in small town (far) Northern California. Being in the city is a lot harder than I expected, people aren't as friendly here as in my hometown. Needless to say, making friends has been quite challenging. I am very much the minority, as most of the moms here work and are very career oriented, as well as being -frankly- beautiful and in great shape. I am shocked at the questioning looks, and floored at the looks of disapproval when people I see at stores or the park hear my boys call me "Mom".
All of these changes have been great incentive to lose weight, but I am still finding it hard to deal with the internal struggle it brings about. (Do I really want to be one of them? Why do I want to lose weight, is it sin if my motivation is wrong?) On top of this is the lonliness and depression it brings feeling so all alone. I have made one friend, my husband's co workers wife. The friendship is great, but the influence not so much. They do not eat vegetables (he will even go as far as to take iceburg lettuce off his hamburger!) and mostly eat out.
To make a short story long ;) I am very excited to see what God is gonna do through this time with this group of ladies, our little family, and with me overall. I know that the challenges we all face are by far outweighed by the grace and mercy of God who loves US!
I have to say I am really excited about this new competition, but feeling disconnected at the same time because I do not personally know any of you! Thank you to the few of you who have already posted your stories, and I would like to encourage the rest of you to do the same so as to establish some solidarity in our group. Maybe it's because I have just moved away from my hometown for the first time EVER, but I am really feeling the need to connect with you all in order to really get more exited about the competition, to make the group more tangible!
So I am gonna*try* to give you the abriged version of my story and I hope many of you will do the same! (I'm a chronic oversharer, so feel free to stop reading at any point!) Here goes nothing!
My name is Sara, and I am a 27 year old wife and mother of two CRAZY boys! We have just moved to the Bay Area after living my whole life in small town (far) Northern California. Being in the city is a lot harder than I expected, people aren't as friendly here as in my hometown. Needless to say, making friends has been quite challenging. I am very much the minority, as most of the moms here work and are very career oriented, as well as being -frankly- beautiful and in great shape. I am shocked at the questioning looks, and floored at the looks of disapproval when people I see at stores or the park hear my boys call me "Mom".
All of these changes have been great incentive to lose weight, but I am still finding it hard to deal with the internal struggle it brings about. (Do I really want to be one of them? Why do I want to lose weight, is it sin if my motivation is wrong?) On top of this is the lonliness and depression it brings feeling so all alone. I have made one friend, my husband's co workers wife. The friendship is great, but the influence not so much. They do not eat vegetables (he will even go as far as to take iceburg lettuce off his hamburger!) and mostly eat out.
To make a short story long ;) I am very excited to see what God is gonna do through this time with this group of ladies, our little family, and with me overall. I know that the challenges we all face are by far outweighed by the grace and mercy of God who loves US!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
1st goal-10% weight loss
I joined weight watchers 16&1/2 weeks ago and I feel it has been slow, but all the leaders there say I am losing at the right amount 1-2 lbs. a week. I have hit a couple of plateaus, and have found hormones, stress, and emotions to really have a big hindrance on me. I am about 7 lbs. away from losing my 10% of my weight, which will get me down to where I was about 3 years ago when I joined weight watchers the first time. I have my 20 year high school reunion this summer, I have gained a whole person since 20 years ago, but I try not to concentrate too much on that. My family is trying to save money to go on vacation to Hawaii next spring , and that is the carrot on the string for me. I really want to enjoy my time with my family doing physical things without being too exhausted , and out of breath. I also have the goal, ultimately to be healthier. I watch my mother's health deteriorate, and don't want to be that way for my family, I want to really live. I start to lose motivation, which is why I am here. I do my weight watcher's weigh in tomorrow night, so it will be interesting to see the difference in the 2 weigh ins. Other than portion control, I feel I eat pretty healthy. Exercise is always a struggle unless i am being held accountable by working out with a friend. I am a big time social person, in every aspect of my life , so that tends to be my motivator-- make a party of it!! Good luck to everyone !! I wish everyone well in their endeavors!-- KellyH.
Realistic goals
My goal with this challenge in general is to reprogram my eating and excercise habits, not so much as to lose weight in 8 weeks, but to make permanent changes to my daily habits that let me lose weight for the next year and a half. And hopefully make awesome progress for the first 8 weeks.
Ok, so I'd like to say that I have been eating perfectly since Monday, but that is not the case. But, I have been doing better. My daughter (who is also in this challenge) and I have prepared healthy dinner meals 2 days this week with a plan for good food tonight! Yay for us!
I at first thought I might do the Gastric Bypass diet, meaning what do folks who have undergone Gastric Bypass eat? My sleep Dr. has suggested I get a consult for such surgery and I am currently dead set against it. I would personally prefer to try eating 2-4 OZ of food every 3-4 hours and see how I do, because that is what life would be like after the surgery. (shudder) And who knows, maybe that would help me lose weight. However, I currently live in a body that is not just yet ready for such stringent cutbacks, and losing weight really fast is not healthy and might make parts, ah, droopy!
I am considered pre-diabetic, meaning if I am not careful I will become a type 2 diabetic. So I function best when I pay attention and avoid simple sugars, stuff with lots of corn (like mexican food) and any carbs that are not whole grain.
Something I have said to others and holds very true and I need to remember for myself: "It's what you do every day that counts." So, I confess, I personally currently have a yucky daily habit of eating the hard SUGAR candies that are 3 feet from me in my coworker's cube. She keeps a steady supply for all who graze by and I am always tempted, then my bloodsugar spikes, then my pancreas goes into hyperdrive to make enough insulin to compensate, then my heart races and then my body makes too much insulin, I start to feel better, but then I am crashing and my bloodsugar is so low I feel like I might pass out, so I have to eat SOMETHING and what is there, only candy. YUUK! The cycle begins again until I feel like Sybil. So I must bring almonds and carrots and walnuts, healthy stuff to work to keep my blood sugar steady and not needing a big bad burst of sugar. I need to plan ahead better to prevent the candy monster. That is a goal!!
Below is a link to what sugar really does to us and how yucky it really is. If I just picture my triglycerides going up and my blood getting all sticky and making the insides of my arteries cell lining break down so it allows goopy cholesterol to wedge into my arteries more easily every time I eat sugar, well, then I would be imagining exactly what is happening every time I have a hard candy!!!
Another realistic goal for me is to get back to moving! I used to walk 2-3 miles every morning at about 2.5-3mph for 6 months straight after I graduated from cardiac rehab (treadmill walking with a nurse monitoring). Then I had more health problems and poof, all my walking motivation disappeared and my motivation for sleep took over. As of Wednseday, I know my heart is healthy again so, now, my goal is to never let two days go by without walking in the morning. So, I can take a day off every now and then (like once a week or so) but if I take a day off, I have to move the very next day. So today was my day off, and tomorrow I walk. This past week I walked on Friday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday morning - more consecutive moving than I have done since October!! Wahoo! And boy oh boy is my attitude better. Also I sleep better and I can actually feel my heart beating healthier. When I actually pay attention to what is happening to my body when I eat well and move well, it is much easier to keep doing the thing that is good for me.
Another thing is: What if Jesus were actually watching me (or you!) take every bite of food? That is convicting. Hard to think of eating a Big Mac or Junior Mints in front of Jesus. I know He said not to worry about what we eat or drink, but if you are eating right with Him, there is no reason for worry!!
Keep eating and moving in Jesus!!
Jen
The yuk of sugar:
http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/sugar.htm
Ok, so I'd like to say that I have been eating perfectly since Monday, but that is not the case. But, I have been doing better. My daughter (who is also in this challenge) and I have prepared healthy dinner meals 2 days this week with a plan for good food tonight! Yay for us!
I at first thought I might do the Gastric Bypass diet, meaning what do folks who have undergone Gastric Bypass eat? My sleep Dr. has suggested I get a consult for such surgery and I am currently dead set against it. I would personally prefer to try eating 2-4 OZ of food every 3-4 hours and see how I do, because that is what life would be like after the surgery. (shudder) And who knows, maybe that would help me lose weight. However, I currently live in a body that is not just yet ready for such stringent cutbacks, and losing weight really fast is not healthy and might make parts, ah, droopy!
I am considered pre-diabetic, meaning if I am not careful I will become a type 2 diabetic. So I function best when I pay attention and avoid simple sugars, stuff with lots of corn (like mexican food) and any carbs that are not whole grain.
Something I have said to others and holds very true and I need to remember for myself: "It's what you do every day that counts." So, I confess, I personally currently have a yucky daily habit of eating the hard SUGAR candies that are 3 feet from me in my coworker's cube. She keeps a steady supply for all who graze by and I am always tempted, then my bloodsugar spikes, then my pancreas goes into hyperdrive to make enough insulin to compensate, then my heart races and then my body makes too much insulin, I start to feel better, but then I am crashing and my bloodsugar is so low I feel like I might pass out, so I have to eat SOMETHING and what is there, only candy. YUUK! The cycle begins again until I feel like Sybil. So I must bring almonds and carrots and walnuts, healthy stuff to work to keep my blood sugar steady and not needing a big bad burst of sugar. I need to plan ahead better to prevent the candy monster. That is a goal!!
Below is a link to what sugar really does to us and how yucky it really is. If I just picture my triglycerides going up and my blood getting all sticky and making the insides of my arteries cell lining break down so it allows goopy cholesterol to wedge into my arteries more easily every time I eat sugar, well, then I would be imagining exactly what is happening every time I have a hard candy!!!
Another realistic goal for me is to get back to moving! I used to walk 2-3 miles every morning at about 2.5-3mph for 6 months straight after I graduated from cardiac rehab (treadmill walking with a nurse monitoring). Then I had more health problems and poof, all my walking motivation disappeared and my motivation for sleep took over. As of Wednseday, I know my heart is healthy again so, now, my goal is to never let two days go by without walking in the morning. So, I can take a day off every now and then (like once a week or so) but if I take a day off, I have to move the very next day. So today was my day off, and tomorrow I walk. This past week I walked on Friday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday morning - more consecutive moving than I have done since October!! Wahoo! And boy oh boy is my attitude better. Also I sleep better and I can actually feel my heart beating healthier. When I actually pay attention to what is happening to my body when I eat well and move well, it is much easier to keep doing the thing that is good for me.
Another thing is: What if Jesus were actually watching me (or you!) take every bite of food? That is convicting. Hard to think of eating a Big Mac or Junior Mints in front of Jesus. I know He said not to worry about what we eat or drink, but if you are eating right with Him, there is no reason for worry!!
Keep eating and moving in Jesus!!
Jen
The yuk of sugar:
http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/sugar.htm
How is everybody doing?
I have been thinking about all of you - especially when I was OUT TO DINNER the first night of the contest (previous commitment) and I was ordering salad and diet coke while being surrounded by layered lasagna and tiramisu!! But, I stayed strong and didn't even eat the alluring bread and butter!
I was inspired by Esa's calculations of breaking it down to days instead of weeks. "I CAN be strong for 56 days!" I was VERY overwhelmed last year when I began the arduous task of attempting getting healthy and trying to lose 80-90 pounds. I could ONLY look at it 1 pound at a time!! Or 1 DAY at a time! I encourage everyone not to focus on the end goal if that is too overwhelming. Set small attainable goals and let us all celebrate with you when you reach them!
I was convicted by Esa's goal to drink 8 glasses of water and to workout - both things of which I am terrible at doing! I have not yet had 8 glasses of water in a day, BUT I have been drinking about 3-4 glasses a day this week - which is a BIG improvement for me. ALSO... I actually worked out today! GO ME! This has been the lacking ingredient in my new healthy life. I somehow managed to lose 50 pounds without doing hardly any exercise (which REALLY shows how bad my eating habits were!) I think I worked out a total of 15-20 times over the past year, (sad, I know!) but I am so convicted that my lack of discipline in this area has to be dealt with. So, I climbed on the stair-stepper and did 1,100 steps in 15 minutes this morning --AND-- drank 20 ounces of water. *Feeling proud!*
I have lost 2 pounds so far this week. My first weight loss goal is: for the first number on the scale to be a -->1<--!!! I have had the first number be a --2-- for at least 15 years now and I am READY to cross that threshold.
I'm curious, what is YOUR first goal? A certain amount of pounds? A specific percentage of your body weight? To fit in a particular pair of pants?
~ Natalie
I was inspired by Esa's calculations of breaking it down to days instead of weeks. "I CAN be strong for 56 days!" I was VERY overwhelmed last year when I began the arduous task of attempting getting healthy and trying to lose 80-90 pounds. I could ONLY look at it 1 pound at a time!! Or 1 DAY at a time! I encourage everyone not to focus on the end goal if that is too overwhelming. Set small attainable goals and let us all celebrate with you when you reach them!
I was convicted by Esa's goal to drink 8 glasses of water and to workout - both things of which I am terrible at doing! I have not yet had 8 glasses of water in a day, BUT I have been drinking about 3-4 glasses a day this week - which is a BIG improvement for me. ALSO... I actually worked out today! GO ME! This has been the lacking ingredient in my new healthy life. I somehow managed to lose 50 pounds without doing hardly any exercise (which REALLY shows how bad my eating habits were!) I think I worked out a total of 15-20 times over the past year, (sad, I know!) but I am so convicted that my lack of discipline in this area has to be dealt with. So, I climbed on the stair-stepper and did 1,100 steps in 15 minutes this morning --AND-- drank 20 ounces of water. *Feeling proud!*
I have lost 2 pounds so far this week. My first weight loss goal is: for the first number on the scale to be a -->1<--!!! I have had the first number be a --2-- for at least 15 years now and I am READY to cross that threshold.
I'm curious, what is YOUR first goal? A certain amount of pounds? A specific percentage of your body weight? To fit in a particular pair of pants?
~ Natalie
Monday, May 5, 2008
another great site
I also love to read health articles on RealAge, the site by Dr. Oz from the Oprah show. i took a real age test about a year ago, and recently re-did it. I at least am my age , not older!
Measuring Inches
Happy first contest day everyone!!! I am excited to see that people are already posting on the blog - I think this will turn out to be a great community of encouragement! Make sure you read the entry by Jenny Wiswell entitled "Why I am here". I met Jenny 16 months ago and her story literally changed my life and catapulted me on my journey to heart-healthiness!
Also, I want to encourage you all to take your body measurements in the next day or so (waist, arms, abdomen, hips, thighs etc...) I have found that sometimes when I hit a plateau in pounds - that I am actually still losing in inches. Seeing results in inches helps from getting discouraged when there is lack of movement on the scale. I recommend measuring every month or so to see your progress. There are websites that you can track this stuff with. I have used www.sparkpeople.com before and I found one today called www.fitday.com
If you use an online one - then you don't have to keep track of that scrap of paper that you originally wrote your measurements on!
Here's to a great start...
Also, I want to encourage you all to take your body measurements in the next day or so (waist, arms, abdomen, hips, thighs etc...) I have found that sometimes when I hit a plateau in pounds - that I am actually still losing in inches. Seeing results in inches helps from getting discouraged when there is lack of movement on the scale. I recommend measuring every month or so to see your progress. There are websites that you can track this stuff with. I have used www.sparkpeople.com before and I found one today called www.fitday.com
If you use an online one - then you don't have to keep track of that scrap of paper that you originally wrote your measurements on!
Here's to a great start...
KellyH. checking in
ok this is my 1st check in, making sure this is working. I weighed in this a.m. 7;30 Ugh!
56 Day Count Down-We can do this!
Hi Ladies,
I'm in. I set up my new g-mail account and found my way to back to this blog. This is my first blog adventure and I am so excited to be part of this 8 weeks to Fabulous deal. Thank you Natalie for organizing this. Thank you ladies for joining in.
I'm thinking 8 weeks...according to 4th grade math that is 8 weeks x 7 days for a total of 56 days. We can do this!
I weighed myself this morning to get my starting weight. I'm ready to start! I have 2.5 lbs of spinach in my refrigerator, lots of fruit on hand and a water bottle. I do have some healthy tips I can share along the way. Today is about getting started. My goal today is to drink 8 glasses of water (or 64 oz.) and take a multivitamin. Cheers! Esa
I'm in. I set up my new g-mail account and found my way to back to this blog. This is my first blog adventure and I am so excited to be part of this 8 weeks to Fabulous deal. Thank you Natalie for organizing this. Thank you ladies for joining in.
I'm thinking 8 weeks...according to 4th grade math that is 8 weeks x 7 days for a total of 56 days. We can do this!
I weighed myself this morning to get my starting weight. I'm ready to start! I have 2.5 lbs of spinach in my refrigerator, lots of fruit on hand and a water bottle. I do have some healthy tips I can share along the way. Today is about getting started. My goal today is to drink 8 glasses of water (or 64 oz.) and take a multivitamin. Cheers! Esa
Why I am here!
OK,
Some of you know I am a heart disease survivor, but I wanted to share why it is so very cool to be doing this weight loss / exercise thingie (AKA: swift kick in the rear) with Natalie and her gals. I am convinced that she is where I would have been if I had learned the facts about cruddy food and quit eating McDonald's and started moving even as early as 5 or 6 years ago. Below is what I was asked by the American Heart Association to share which was then sent out to the AHA's list of survivors to inspire them to share their story with others, and then below that is my survivors story for the American Heart association Heartwalk as of a few weeks ago. (Lets all do the 3.5 mile Heartwalk this fall!!!) The only update is that I had my 3rd nuclear stress test last Wednesday and I am delighted to say, this is the first time that it has been a good report for such a test! The first two times I had the test I then went into heart surgery. This time, I am cleared for walking and I do not need another angiogram!! So, I am one motivated mama. That, and I have this idea that I want to learn to ride a motorcycle someday and first my butt has to fit on the seat....(cue Harley noise and Born to Be Wild music...)
Love, Jenny
"Dear Heart Disease Survivor,
As a heart disease survivor personally affected by the work of the American Heart Association, I want to make sure that everyone knows their risks for cardiovascular disease so they can prevent it before a dormant case is fatal. I share my story through the AHA all the time, and my involvement gives me a connection to other survivors and individuals dedicated to the cause of preventing heart disease and stroke.
At an annual women's retreat in March 2007, I spent the whole retreat having meals with one particular woman. She was keenly aware of her own eating while watching me make healthy choices - all weekend long! She is a professional comedian, so these meals were cause for much humor, but the information being exchanged was very real. Looking at me from behind a white bread roll with thick butter slathered on it, she would say, "I'm gonna die right?" I would respond, "Well, you could get a bread spread with plant sterols in it and eat a whole grain roll and you could live!"
I did everything I could to educated her with honesty and grace about the way saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol affect the heart and arteries, and the great benefit of exercise. After that retreat I heard from a mutual friend that this woman made major changes to her eating habits the very next day. I saw her again in March 2008 and she had turned everything around in her life, lost 54 pounds, and her numbers are much improved. She is now my inspiration and proof that education will save a life.
As a fellow survivor I urge you to share your own story. Sharing my story helps keep me on the path of constant heart health improvement because it gives greater meaning to what I have been through. Sharing your story can prevent others from suffering from heart disease, stroke and death. Education is key to survival. To share your story, email the Heart Walk Team at king.walk@heart.org.
-Jenny Wiswell
Read more about Jenny's battle with heart disease:
Welcome to the Heart Walk Survivor Page
Our featured survivor is Jenny Wiswell. Take a minute to read her story and learn more about why she participates in the Puget Sound Heart Walk. Throughout the coming months, survivors and their stories will be featured on this webpage. Please visit frequently to remember those we walk for.
Jenny Wiswell's Story:
In October 2005 I started having premature ventricular contractions. I was put on medication and made some changes to my habits, but not enough. In the process of preparing the for 2006 Puget Sound Heart Walk, I became much more heart aware and I believe this saved my life.
On October 2, 2006 I woke up at 7:00 a.m. with a sharp shooting pain under my left arm that came and went, with a feeling of pressure on my chest. I thought I might have pulled a muscle but I felt weird. Walking across a room made me very tired. I monitored my blood pressure, which was a bit high, and by 4:00 p.m. I drove myself to the ER.
I told every care provider that almost every woman in my family had died of either a stroke or a heart attack by the age of 43. Still, it took nine days to correctly diagnose me because no one thought it was that bad. During the weekend I was supposed to be at the Heart Walk with my Spacelabs Healthcare team, I was instead waiting for my angiogram and eating nitroglycerin for chest pain. My co-workers got me a survivor?s hat at the Heart Walk and walked in my honor.
My angiogram showed I had a 75% blockage at the top of my left main artery, the kind of blockage known as the "widow maker." If the blockage had grown to 100% or if the plaque buildup had ruptured, I would have died immediately of a massive heart attack. That same night I had double bypass surgery. The following summer, with my heart beating strong, I was able to hike to the top of Rattlesnake Ridge in North Bend, a four-mile round trip with a thousand feet of elevation gain!
By October 2007 I started having very mild chest pain again when I walked up a hill. I went to see my cardiologist and learned that part of my heart was not getting enough oxygen. It turned out that one of bypass grafts had failed, and this time I had surgery to implant a stent which open up the original blockage in my heart. Three days later I was at 2007 Puget Sound Heart Walk!
I then developed pneumonia and have since learned that I also have sleep apnea and anemia, both of which put additional stress on my heart. Correcting these conditions is part of my recovery package, and I will never again not be a heart disease patient.
The most important things for me to know were my family history, knowing the warning signs for women, and acting on them. I should have called for help earlier, and I am very blessed to have survived.
Know your numbers! I knew my numbers before surgery, but I did not understand them nor did I understand the importance of making those numbers healthier. I still am not where I want to be, but I am healthier than I have been in over 20 years, and I feel 10 years younger! I did not know that 40-year-olds felt this good!
Please don?t wait to undergo a major heart procedure to make life saving changes to your diet, exercise, and lifestyle. My cardiologist said it probably took 20 years for my plaque blockage to build up. The last thing you want to do is to spend a few hours on a hospital bed, not being allowed to move, knowing that you will soon have your chest opened up and your heart stopped for four hours while it is repaired. Moving from disbelief to acceptance is an excruciating process. Pay attention; your life will depend on it."
Some of you know I am a heart disease survivor, but I wanted to share why it is so very cool to be doing this weight loss / exercise thingie (AKA: swift kick in the rear) with Natalie and her gals. I am convinced that she is where I would have been if I had learned the facts about cruddy food and quit eating McDonald's and started moving even as early as 5 or 6 years ago. Below is what I was asked by the American Heart Association to share which was then sent out to the AHA's list of survivors to inspire them to share their story with others, and then below that is my survivors story for the American Heart association Heartwalk as of a few weeks ago. (Lets all do the 3.5 mile Heartwalk this fall!!!) The only update is that I had my 3rd nuclear stress test last Wednesday and I am delighted to say, this is the first time that it has been a good report for such a test! The first two times I had the test I then went into heart surgery. This time, I am cleared for walking and I do not need another angiogram!! So, I am one motivated mama. That, and I have this idea that I want to learn to ride a motorcycle someday and first my butt has to fit on the seat....(cue Harley noise and Born to Be Wild music...)
Love, Jenny
"Dear Heart Disease Survivor,
As a heart disease survivor personally affected by the work of the American Heart Association, I want to make sure that everyone knows their risks for cardiovascular disease so they can prevent it before a dormant case is fatal. I share my story through the AHA all the time, and my involvement gives me a connection to other survivors and individuals dedicated to the cause of preventing heart disease and stroke.
At an annual women's retreat in March 2007, I spent the whole retreat having meals with one particular woman. She was keenly aware of her own eating while watching me make healthy choices - all weekend long! She is a professional comedian, so these meals were cause for much humor, but the information being exchanged was very real. Looking at me from behind a white bread roll with thick butter slathered on it, she would say, "I'm gonna die right?" I would respond, "Well, you could get a bread spread with plant sterols in it and eat a whole grain roll and you could live!"
I did everything I could to educated her with honesty and grace about the way saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol affect the heart and arteries, and the great benefit of exercise. After that retreat I heard from a mutual friend that this woman made major changes to her eating habits the very next day. I saw her again in March 2008 and she had turned everything around in her life, lost 54 pounds, and her numbers are much improved. She is now my inspiration and proof that education will save a life.
As a fellow survivor I urge you to share your own story. Sharing my story helps keep me on the path of constant heart health improvement because it gives greater meaning to what I have been through. Sharing your story can prevent others from suffering from heart disease, stroke and death. Education is key to survival. To share your story, email the Heart Walk Team at king.walk@heart.org.
-Jenny Wiswell
Read more about Jenny's battle with heart disease:
Welcome to the Heart Walk Survivor Page
Our featured survivor is Jenny Wiswell. Take a minute to read her story and learn more about why she participates in the Puget Sound Heart Walk. Throughout the coming months, survivors and their stories will be featured on this webpage. Please visit frequently to remember those we walk for.
Jenny Wiswell's Story:
In October 2005 I started having premature ventricular contractions. I was put on medication and made some changes to my habits, but not enough. In the process of preparing the for 2006 Puget Sound Heart Walk, I became much more heart aware and I believe this saved my life.
On October 2, 2006 I woke up at 7:00 a.m. with a sharp shooting pain under my left arm that came and went, with a feeling of pressure on my chest. I thought I might have pulled a muscle but I felt weird. Walking across a room made me very tired. I monitored my blood pressure, which was a bit high, and by 4:00 p.m. I drove myself to the ER.
I told every care provider that almost every woman in my family had died of either a stroke or a heart attack by the age of 43. Still, it took nine days to correctly diagnose me because no one thought it was that bad. During the weekend I was supposed to be at the Heart Walk with my Spacelabs Healthcare team, I was instead waiting for my angiogram and eating nitroglycerin for chest pain. My co-workers got me a survivor?s hat at the Heart Walk and walked in my honor.
My angiogram showed I had a 75% blockage at the top of my left main artery, the kind of blockage known as the "widow maker." If the blockage had grown to 100% or if the plaque buildup had ruptured, I would have died immediately of a massive heart attack. That same night I had double bypass surgery. The following summer, with my heart beating strong, I was able to hike to the top of Rattlesnake Ridge in North Bend, a four-mile round trip with a thousand feet of elevation gain!
By October 2007 I started having very mild chest pain again when I walked up a hill. I went to see my cardiologist and learned that part of my heart was not getting enough oxygen. It turned out that one of bypass grafts had failed, and this time I had surgery to implant a stent which open up the original blockage in my heart. Three days later I was at 2007 Puget Sound Heart Walk!
I then developed pneumonia and have since learned that I also have sleep apnea and anemia, both of which put additional stress on my heart. Correcting these conditions is part of my recovery package, and I will never again not be a heart disease patient.
The most important things for me to know were my family history, knowing the warning signs for women, and acting on them. I should have called for help earlier, and I am very blessed to have survived.
Know your numbers! I knew my numbers before surgery, but I did not understand them nor did I understand the importance of making those numbers healthier. I still am not where I want to be, but I am healthier than I have been in over 20 years, and I feel 10 years younger! I did not know that 40-year-olds felt this good!
Please don?t wait to undergo a major heart procedure to make life saving changes to your diet, exercise, and lifestyle. My cardiologist said it probably took 20 years for my plaque blockage to build up. The last thing you want to do is to spend a few hours on a hospital bed, not being allowed to move, knowing that you will soon have your chest opened up and your heart stopped for four hours while it is repaired. Moving from disbelief to acceptance is an excruciating process. Pay attention; your life will depend on it."
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