TEAM TOESEEKERS is the MUSC TEAM in the HEALTHY CHARLESTON CHALLENGE
TOESEEKERS TALLIES: AS OF 03/26/2009
Total Pounds Lost: 171.0 Percent Body Fat Loss: 7.91%
The following blogs are from members of the team. Each week you will hear from several members of TOE SEEKERS as they make this journey.
Members of this team are: Trainer- Katie Blaylock Team Captain- Robert Watson Racheal Ahring Kimberly Coakley Contreina Haynes Kelly Hedges Joan Herbert Janet Jenkins-Mitchell Katy Kuder Christine Murray
Mentors: Michelle Chavez Linda McDonald
Katy's Korner
WEIGH-IN EVE 03/04/09 Well - tomorrow is the day and I am excited! This morning I got on the scales and I was 5 pounds down from last week, and tonight I weighed again and I was only up .4! YEA - No four pound difference. I hope it stays the same or goes lower tomorrow. It really is nerve racking to work so hard and see no difference. Writing in a diary and keeping track of all food in the diary -GOOD OR BAD food is the key to keeping the scales in your favor. It must be "IN YOUR FACE" everyday. You must have tunnel vision in a weight loss program or you can go off track. You don't even have to be weak to eat "bad" food. The world around us has been processed beyond what we realize.
Bad food. Yes - there are BAD FOODS. If it has more than 4 ingredients, it's probably bad for you. In this program I have heard on more than one occasion, "Ask yourself this before you put that in your mouth...does it do something good for your body?" If not, it's probably not a good choice. I didn't want to hear that, so I paid little attention to it. Then I started to see results from those around me, and I starting sticking to the rule (or at least giving it a good try). Not only do I feel better when I pay attention, but I get stronger. After all, isn't that the point of this? I want to be healthy and strong. I already feel good about the person I am. I don't need to look a certain way to feel confident. Those that know me ...know that I am a confident person. I always see the "pretty girl" and not the fat chick. So now it's time for others to see her too! Until tomorrow.... everyone think GOOD thoughts and I'm taking you’re "WELL WISHES" in advance! Love you and me! - Katy
THE WEIGH-INON 03/05/09 DOWN 6.4 POUNDS! WE HE YEA ME! GO KATY- GO KATY - GO KATY. Results on the scale are so much better than the instant gratification of a fat snack! The mum-mum last a long, long time! -KK
03/06/09
Here's Your SIGN! 02/27/09 You know the definition of insanity right? "When you keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results!" I must be insane, because for the last 4 weeks, I have been waiting and waiting for something new to happen, and yet I haven't done much of anything differently. It's time now to change it up.
I lost .4 at the weigh in last night - which in all honesty is nothing. ALMOST a half of ONE pound. For a visual, I've ALMOST lost 2 sticks of butter. (I like visuals). That is not much considering my weight. I have decided to give my metabolism a boost by trying the South Beach diet. I don't believe in "fad diets" but I do believe in protein, and I think eating more protein and less carbohydrates is what I need to do in order to "WAKE UP" my metabolism. I stopped smoking in November and I truly believe while it may just save my life to stop smoking, it certainly isn't a diet friendly thing to do especially since I smoked for 28 or so years. Once I get my system jolted, I should be able to slowly add in carbohydrates. We'll see if it works. After all, the program is written by a cardiologist, so I will follow his "heart healthy" suggestions.
I am so proud of my team mates. They are all doing so well and those that are creeping along, have also started to see the light (me included). I have been too afraid to turn it up in the gym. I was so afraid I would hurt my self or just convinced myself I couldn't do it. Working with team mates helps push you beyond where you can possibly go by yourself. Some of my team mates are some of the most busy women in the organization. Their level of commitment to MUSC and dedication to the job and staff is demonstrated in all they do, so when they show up to work out or to attend the meeting, or just send an email to offer encouragement, I know they are dedicated to themselves and will succeed in this process. Those actions speak volumes to me. When we stop putting ourselves on the priority shelf, we loose. We must make time for our health just as we do for our jobs and our family. To give YOU less than you give anyone else is what got us in this place to begin with. I'm taking back control and doing what's right for me. I feel good about that, and I'm eager to see the results. Saying YES to me feels good, and what I have learned by that is that other's will respect it. It's really OK to say no sometimes and to fit others in on your schedule. You don't always have to be the one "fitting."
I plan to have a fantastic week. I get less afraid every day and more eager to challenge myself!
Katy
Thoughts for the Day 2-21-09 Happy Saturday! I recently purchased a book called PERFECT WEIGHT AMERICA by Jordan Rubin w/ Bernard Bulwer, MD. This is an interesting - fast and easy read on good health and nutrition. Here are a few phases from the book to think on....
"eating a baked potato increases blood sugar levels and insulin faster and higher than equal amount of calories from pure table sugar."
"By the time a girl is 17, she has seen more than 250,000 messages about what she is supposed to look like."
"20 years ago, the average model weighed 8% less than the average american woman. Today, the average model weighs 23% less."
"A Harvard University study showed that up to 2/3 of underweight 12 year old girls considered them selves too fat."
My thought is THIN IS NOT IN - HEALTHY IS WHERE IT'S AT! AND HEALTHLY COMES IN A LOT OF SIZES. -KK
BOOT CAMP RECAP 02/19/09 Well what can I say... Boot Camp was tough! Last night we had one hour with the Marines and it was scary. It was better than I thought it would be, but the style is certainly intimidating. I think all high school student in the country should have BOOT CAMP PE all through HS. It might just shape the way young people start off in the world. meaning - I think they will listen more and pay closer attention to everyone around them. I know I certainly snapped to attention last night and kept my mouth shut unless they asked me to speak.
I don't think I'm in good enough shape to join the BOOT CAMP team --YET --- but I might enjoy the hard core it offers. Jumping Jacks are getting easier, but for me it's not the group exercise of choice!
I just ate lunch and I'm not thrilled to know that the "healthy salmon" was almost 600 calories. Lesson learned: find out the calories of the food before you eat them. I did burn off 400+ at the gym this morning so I'm OK. -kk
Presidents Day 2009 02/16/09 I had a great day today. I took the day off work and slept in for about an extra hour. I went to the gym with Treina and we had a great workout.
I climbed 498 steps in 5 minutes on the stair stepper! I would have stepped the other 2 had I known I was so close, but I wasn’t paying attention. We did a lot of AB work and stepped 100 steps on the blocks upstairs. We jogged the track and did another 5 minutes on the weird skiers at the end of the gum. All in all it was a good 30 minutes of straight cardio.
I took the kids and the dog for a walk tonight wearing the 5pound weights on my legs. They suck. That's all so far. –K
Happy Valentines Day 02/14/09 My hubby was sweet this morning. He gave me a small box of Russell Stover's SUGAR FREE chocolates (60 cal each). It will last a while that's for sure. He also gave me a banana and some walking ankle weights. It’s his way of being supportive. He had nice gifts for the girls too.
I will look on-line for heart healthy dishes to prepare for the family today. It's all about LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
Getting Back On Track Friday 02/13/09 Almost a month has gone by and I'm still circling. Time to land this plane. Today I decided to track everything in the the food tracker - everything good and everything bad. This is going to be harder than it looks, but it is the only thing I think that will help. I'm just not that organized, but I'm willing to give it my best.
(I took the apple off my planner Robert- I didn't eat it after all)
I'm hoping TOESEEKERS can pull ahead. I will finish knowing I gave it my all. Workout tonight just didn't feel good. I'm just not in the frame of mind to push it today. It's been a long week. I hope to get "my grove on" tomorrow. This program last a lifetime. Be kind to yourself and one another.
Day 4 Monday 01-19-09, MLK 2009 This weekend was good. Saturday I was able to get in some fun activity with my family -basketball, running/walking fast with the kids and some ab work. Sunday was less, but all in all good. The diet is coming along well as it does in the beginning. It's a bit of a shock to the system I think - counting calories so the body goes into reserve mode - or at least it did today on the scales. Scales SUCK can I just say that. I think I'm entitled. Afterall, I'll be glued to them for the rest of my life.
I think it will take a lot more water and a few more days before the scales slide in my favor. While I was struggling to breath on the hell machine at the gym today, I realized that I did this to myself, so best just shut up and pay the piper. It's hell being caught at something so bad as body sabotage, but I was caught - by me and I'm guilty. My partners in crime are doing about as well as I am, and that pleases me. (hehehe) sorry! Misery LOVES company!
The TOES SEEKERS are going to have to keep up the pace if we are to match our bare feet to the boots in BOOT CAMP. Keep your eye on the prize team - that's all I can say!
Today is Day 2 01/16/09 I found this site looking for the calories in 1 hard boiled egg! So - we'll see if I can keep this up! I want more wine and I can't have any more. Not only because it's not on the program, but because I'm out. That's probably a good thing.
I have to lose at least 60 pounds to get to a "good health weight." I joined this "biggest loser" team at work with 8 other co-workers. I hope we win. 8 women and 1 man. We have a chance, and I think we can do it, but time will tell. I am going to focus on me for a change and do what I need to do for my good health and for my kids.
The exercise was brutal. I can't believe I'm in such bad shape. It's pathetic, so no time like the present. My motto for this 10 weeks will be a quote I heard from the biggest loser....
"Suck it up cupcake!, Your not the only fat chick in the gym!"
Being fat is real. I hate that people act appalled because they hear a fat person use the word "fat." OBESE is the offensive word - not fat. It is what it is, and what it is, ..is OVER. It’s time now to change!
kk
VICTORY 03/09/09 Today is Monday, 03/09/09 and it was a beautiful day. I so did not want to get up this morning and I so did not want to go from the bed to the gym. What i think is such a big accomplishment for me is that I did. I didn't make a thousand reasons why I "deserved" to sleep in and not work out. I just got up and worked out.
So many times I try to tell myself, "one -day won't matter", but it does matter. The only person that tries to sabotage me is me. My family and friends are supportive, but I typically try to throw in the towel for "good reasons." Today is a victory, because I did not listen to the inner "fat girl," I listened to me - the fit self trying to break out. Dieting is all a head game. And to win a round like this is a victory!
My food journal is way off base today. I did not eat any bad foods really, but the combinations just didn't fit my program, so I need to improve everyday this week or I will not see results on the scales. My salt has been too high for 3 days, so I must make a change. The beauty of a food tracker shows you the writing on the wall. Example (2 bananas, peanut butter, salad w/cheese and almonds and fish and black beans and rice ..... OK - some wine too. Add it all up and you get 1500 calories. Not so bad, but if you are aiming for 1300 - it just doesn't work. Being honest to yourself is the trick to reaching goal. No one else really cares what you eat. LEARN, RETAIN and REMEMBER!
-KK
A BEAUTIFUL 03/07/09 Today was such a beautiful day! It started out this morning with my family gathered at the kitchen table writing letters to stuff in bottles for MESSAGES IN A BOTTLE. Then we left the house this morning and went and played TENNIS! The girls hit the ball on the court two while Hubby and I played one court one at a neighborhood tennis court. I am surprised that I really loved it! I'm not very good, but I got better. We both had a great time and we intend to keep it up. We went shopping and enjoyed the TANGER OUTLET MALL. We were waiting patiently for high tide to appear at 5:00 PM so we could travel to Folly Beach. After getting permission from the FOLLY police and the CCP people, we were able to launch our bottles at the end of the pier - only 15 minutes after dead high tide! You should have seen those bottles go! I wonder where they will end up. We put our message, name and address and email in all bottles and set them swimming! Each was packed with good karma and luck to the finder! Everyone should do this at least once! I feel good today :)! What does this have to do with weight loss? Nothing! That is the point. A program like the HCC doesn’t “control” your life; it gives it back to you! It allows you to feel better than your ever have, gives you energy that you didn’t have before. Get control of your life again- get healthy. After all, you’re the one that took it away to begin with. It feels good to get out there and have the energy to love being so active. SO GET OFF THE COUCH –fellow fatties! Just DO IT!
-KK
HOME STRETCH Well this is it! This is the last week of the HCC. I didn’t journal this week, I didn’t get my water in and YES – I had wine every night. This is how NOT TO DO THE PROGRAM or to reach goal. Now that I’ve taught you that, I will turn it up and lose big this week. IT IS ON! I am ready for this challenge. I was able to do a mile on the elliptical at 12:52 on level 10 (that’s great!) I was able to do sprints on the tread mill at level 5.2 every other 2 minutes for 12 minutes. I was able to ride 4 miles on the bike in 12 minutes on Random Hill on level 8 keeping RPM at average 85. That’s the bomb for me! I’m down 16 pounds and 2 pants sizes. I just bought a new bathing suit I will happily burn in 12 weeks because I hope it will be too big. Well – I won’t burn it – but will give it away.
-KK
A Vince Lombardi Inspired Finish Well I did it! I finished this program strong and on goal. I lost 25 pounds in the past 12 weeks, inches off everywhere and I’m stronger than I’ve been in a long time! This cupcake feels good! I have to say that this was a wonderful program. It is everything that you make it. You will only get out of it what you put into it. The team approach was fantastic. The TOESEEKERS team found their TOES! I was so happy to pant, sweat, cry and win next to my team mates. We woke up this morning and met back in the gym – because this wasn’t a program for us, but a lifestyle change. People have asked me all day, “when is it over?” and my reply is the same, - “it’s never over.” I thank Janis, the interns (WTF) and the trainers for their support. Everyone was great!
I hear from people all the time, “Oh I couldn’t do it – it’s just too hard!”, or “I just don’t have the time!” I think to myself – we all have the same amount of time. Vince Lombardi put it best when he said, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.” That makes me feel good about sticking to this program and not giving up. Sometimes when we get off track, and we think “Oh well, I just blew that – it hardly matters now!” What I want to tell people reading this is NEVER THINK that. Just take it from my friend Mr. Lombardi. He said, “the greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.”
We all fall and it takes guts to get up and do it again. It takes even more guts to walk in the gym where you work in workout clothes, no make-up and try to do sit-ups with people watching. It takes more guts to have co-workers and peers watch you sweat and struggle to make it around the track especially when everything on you “shakes” but I now know that everyone was rooting me on. No one really cared that I couldn’t do the sits ups well; they only cared if I didn’t try to do them at all. I learned MUSC is full of kind, compassionate people that I’m proud to call “my” fellow staff.
It takes more discipline to alter your work schedule to make this work-out time fit. It takes will-power to eat the right foods when you mind tells you want something else. It sounds like it takes a super hero to accomplish these feats, when in actuality it was just me. I did it and I will continue to my goal. This is about health and always has been about health. When you decide something is more important to you than that, you will fail. If you decide that nothing is more important than that, you will succeed.
I wish you all success, good health and long life!
I've been plugging along nice and steady on my quest to reclaim my pre-baby body and compete on our Toe-Seekers team for the Healthy Charleston Challenge. I have set several goals for myself and by everyone else's standards, "I am doing a great job". I'm down 15.8 pounds in just 5 weeks, and have lost 16 inches so far. The thing is I don't rate myself by everyone else’s standards. I set expectations for myself that are rigid and can be attained only if I perform at my highest capacity and am uber-strict with my diet (1,200 cal a day or less).
Here's the problem with that, I'm not by nature a rigid person and I don't live in a "controlled" environment. I am a fun loving, full time working mother of two. I love to cook and entertain; I am a foodie by trade and enjoy wine too much to ever give it up! I have two small children to take care of, a household to run, a hubby vying for my affection, and oh yeah there are my needs to attend to as well ;) So how does my real life fit into this rigid box I create when I "diet"? Simply put, it doesn't, it fails miserably! That's why I have always yo-yoed with my weight because until this Saturday I just didn't understand what the problem was or what the solution could be. The thing is I'm highly educated on the subject. I'm a life time member of the WW (Weight Watchers), I joined TOPS at the ripe age of 13, and if there's a fad diet out there I've tried it! So I know all the rules, the tricks, and what I should be doing. Problem is I've never been able to completely incorporate it into my lifestyle and stop the insane dieting yo-yo cycle.
I have to say I had one of those ahhhh-hhhaaa moments on Saturday while in the middle of Andolin's Pizza Parlor. Now to truly appreciate this you've got to understand, this is a favorite family dining out locale. I do not allow fast food, I cook healthy meals at home all the time and we rarely dine out. We go two places when we do-- pizza or Mexican and this occurs at most once a month. My daughter had begged to go out to eat and get "pizza with pepperonnnniies." (Did I mention that she's 3?) She felt she earned this honor since she was such a good girl that week at school-she had learned to spell her name. This is a big deal, so as we always do we celebrate! So we all piled into the mini-van and headed to our favorite pizza place.............
The whole ride there I was obsessing, all I could think about was what am I going to eat? How many calories do you think is in one slice of pepperoni pizza? Ohhhhh my god, how long am I going to have to stay on the treadmill to burn this off and not de-rail my whole plan of losing 3-5 pounds a week? My mind was racing as we stepped up the counter to order and my very supportive husband says, "Sweetie do you want to get a veggie pizza today instead of pepperoni?" My toddler hears this and a melt down immediately ensues................."NOOOOOOOO you promised we could get pepperoniiiiies, I was a good girl--I can spell my name, T-O-R-I!"
It was at that very moment as my three year old eyes were filling with tears and the whole restaurant was staring my way that I realized something. A slice of pepperoni pizza is not the enemy! I am my own worst enemy! A slice of pizza did not make me obese--eating half a pizza and washing it down with a six pack did! Restricting myself to the point where I cannot have something is not the answer. I need to stop looking at food as "bad" or "good" and realize that in moderation, get this, ANYTHING IS FINE!! Just because I have one slice of pizza doesn't mean my whole lifestyle change is shot. It's not a fall of the proverbial wagon. Eat the pizza, be accountable for it, lace up the sneakers get out there and move on!
Bottom line what I realized is that this cannot be yet another "diet" to me where I quickly loose 40 pounds and keep it off for 6 months only to put on 60 more. The yo-yo cycle has to stop. Is this what I want my life to be, a constant cycle of deprivation and followed by months of binges on forbidden food? Is this what I want to teach my kids? If I want to be the best person I can be for me and for my family I have to look at this as a life long commitment to better health. Eating a well balanced diet and being active! Now that's a journey I want to take with the ones I love, and yes the journey does include an occasional stop to the pizza parlor. :)
KH
PANTS WITH ZIPPERS!03-10-2009 I have hit quite a milestone this week! I am back into pants with zippers!!!!! I know this may sound like a silly accomplishment, but for me it is HUGE! After having my son and tipping the scales at 245 I refused to buy anymore "fat clothes". I don't know how many of you have done this, but you keep buying more clothes each time you put on another 10 pounds so you can be comfortable and think, oh I'll lose the weight eventually. It's all a head game really. Well this time I did not allow myself to buy any bigger clothes because I thought they would just allow me to spend more time heavy and making excuses for my poor decision. I was determined to start out on a journey to get myself healthy again and back into my closet full of clothes I already had! So I went out and bought 5 pair of pants from NY&Co that were nothing but that stretchy material. This helped my self-esteem when nothing else in my closet fit and they shrunk with me as I started my quest to reclaim my "fit self". I am happy to report that as of today they are all way too big!! So I tried on a pair of my pants with zippers, and guess what they fit! The scale is slowing tipping in my favor but more importantly I am seeing the results in the tone and curves of myself--not to mention I am feeling great! I have more energy and am enjoying all the gifts I am lucky enough to have in my life. Who knew the sound of a zipper zipping up could taste so much better than anything I could put in my mouth!
Milestone day! Last night at our weekly weigh in I hit a major milestone. I am now under 200 pounds for the first time in over a year & a half. This journey has never been about numbers to me, it's more about the size of my body and how my body feels. But I cannot deny the fact that getting under 200 is a number I was certainly anxious to achieve. I not only got under 200 but had a banner week, down 4.6 pounds. I attribute this to a whole lot of sweat, cutting out the empty carbs, and laying off my beloved wine. It's tough work and a lot of sacrifice but the results are worth it!
The "END" of the Challenge Well last night marked the "END" of the Charleston Challenge competition. Our team finished at number 6-not to shabby! I was the biggest loser of our team with 12% lost. An accomplishment that I am very proud of. My body has changed in so many ways and I feel so much stronger, in mind and body. Although last night may have been the last night of the challenge it was not the "END" for me. Instead of celebrating my victory the old way with a sweet treat or complex carb, I went home had a sensible dinner and tried on some of old fat clothes and some of my new goal clothes. While the fat clothes hung off me I realized what all the hard work was about, making changes that will last a life time. While my goal clothes may not fit just yet- they will in time. Being part of a team competition offered support and encouragement when I needed it most. I encourage anyone who is debating giving a team program a try to just do it, what have you got to lose but some of yourself! I have forged relationships that will last well beyond the Charleston Challenge and for that I am forever grateful. However, at the end of the day it's me who has to be accountable for my actions. I will not always have a team behind me cheering me on. But their voices will forever be in my head nagging me to make the right decisions for myself. "The race is long and in the end it's only with yourself!" -Baz Luhrmann
And the Winner Is….03-06-2009 Yes, I am a winner. I may not be where I want to be but I am on the path to a new me. This fiber thing, oh I got that down packed. It works and that's all I'm gonna say about that. Learning to eat has been an adjustment. No learning to cook something quick, easy and healthy has been the real adjustment. My George Foreman did not know that it worked until the last past week.
What I need to work on now is balance. Sodium, Fiber, Protein, calories, workout, life, balance, healthiness, self-love, commitment, loyalty, honesty and perseverance all must be in sync for me to be successful at this. It's coming to the end and I' m afraid. I keep telling myself I cannot and will not go back. I must continue to build on what this program has taught me.
I want this tire gone. I want my legs to be toned. I want my buttocks to have form. Gosh darnett I want to be in shape. I want to be fit both mentally and physically. I want to be in new clothes with a new size. I just have to tell myself. YES I CAN and it will be. God first, family second, and career and fitness (health) must be together. They are what's important.
02/27/09 This is what I'm talking about! Today is a good day.. I lost at the weigh in last night. 7.2 lbs. OMG I am really doing this .. Since January 15 I have lost almost 19 lbs. I have been so afraid of success that this seems unreal. I still have the days that I say this HCC/Biggest loser challenge will be over in a few weeks , and do I really have what it takes to continue afterwards? I pray I do and that it gets easier and I reach all of my goals. I feel better, look better and think better but I know I have a long way to go. I just never want to go back!!! Be Encouraged ;)
CH
03-10-2009 Mine is short but soooo necessary! I have done awesome. I lost what I wanted to lose in 10 weeks in 7.. Yeah me! When sick, workout anyway. When down, push your fat butt up anyhow. When weak, look to your inner and outer strengths. Forgive yourself, be honest with you, and love that you have and will continue each day to make lifestyle changes. I am not in this alone.
Fearful! Yes, I am still fearful everyday that one day I will just “quit” or “get bored and not do this any longer, but then I remember that with God’s help and friend’s support and with my big mouth boss-KK behind me, I will continue and not fail. I will reach my goals. I want to hold on for dear life to HCC and say just like an oil change: “I must stay in for 3 more months or until I reach my 100 lbs; whichever comes first.” LOL
3-19-2009 Push it to the limit! Give it all you got! Focus, Realize and Recognize that you have changed. I’m Never going back. This is life or death. Be encouraged. Family, Career and Health are all one big happy family.
If you fall off, get back on , if you have a gain, promise your self a loss next time. Use your lifelines, Change your routine up to keep the excitement and press forward. This is you on your way to success.
This was sent to me this week and it speaks volume. Enjoy! I will submit this as my final blog.
Put discouragement behind you Just as quickly and easily as you can become discouraged, you can let go of that discouragement. The only power that discouragement has is the power you give it. Though the challenges are great, you are greater. For you can act and learn and adapt, and act again with even more effectiveness. If you feel yourself sinking into the false comfort of discouragement, choose instead to stand up. Boldly take a few steps forward, lovingly recall your deepest purposes and your most treasured dreams, and put that discouragement behind you. Though there is always injustice in the world, there is always even more opportunity to make a positive difference. Though the challenges keep appearing, in each challenge is the chance to create new positive value. You can decide how your life will be. And you have the power to make it so. This is your moment to pick your head up, put a smile on your face, and with a quickness and determination in your step, move forward. Look toward your best possibilities, for you are here now to achieve great things. -Ralph Marston
Contrenia
AS KIM SEES IT
02/26/09
I met with Janice and Judith this week because my weight loss percentage is not as high as others. At first, I was upset about it and then I realize that this "come to Jesus" meeting was exactly what I needed to get my butt in shape.
I have to make changes with my diet and exercise. So now, I am rededicating myself, before all of you. I am going to give 100% and I will lose at least 20 lbs during this challenge. I will make "Team Toeseekers" proud.
GO TOESEEKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kim
Robert’s Reflection
ROBERT’S “AH-HA” MOMENT 03/6/09 This week has been challenging for me. I’ve had a hard time with my diet. I find a comfortable safe food and want to keep eating it over and over again. I tell myself I am safe and should loose weight, but in the back of my mind I hear one of our discussion groups were they said you need to change up your diet and keep things from getting boring and keep your body guessing. Cutting out the lean cuisines and healthy choices dinners was hard, but once I started cooking different foods that were prepared already I felt a little more satisfied and was surprised. This will continue to be a struggle for me because let's face it you never have enough time and subway is always around the corner. I have to make a conscious choice to make a little extra time and eat better. I know it will help me, and I will be the better for it. My group the TOESEEKERS are awesome and very supportive. They are always willing to add some helpful ideas that they have discovered to make these choices easier. So my advice to you all is to talk to your teammates. They can always help you through the rough spots. Take care and GO TOESEEKERS!!
02/27/09 Being apart of the HCC has been so fun and rewarding. I never knew I was capable of doing some of the things I’m doing now. Everyday, we get stronger and healthier. It’s so good to know you are a part of a team that works so hard. TOESEEKERS ARE IN IT TO WIN IT – Keep up the hard work. It will all soon fall off!
RW
ROBERTS REFLECTION 03/11/09 I recently had a break through. I achieved one of my short term goals of breaking the 250 mark. I have not been below 250 in 14 months and am so happy that my efforts are paying off. I also have my team members to thank for staying on my case about eating better and getting me off of my continuous eating habits of either subway or lean cuisine for my meals. Since then, I have felt better and am more confident to go out and eat healthy. I recently tried this and had dinner at Hyman's Seafood. I stuck to grilled fish and avoided the tempting appetizers. I caved in on a hush puppy or two but was so surprised at how filling it was to eat slower and healthy as well. I remember leaving there and remarking that in the past I would have had a bigger portion of food and then still been hungry soon afterwards and would have wanted to pick up something later on for that evening. I am so glad to be in the Healthy Charleston Challenge and have other people that are struggling just like me. I don't feel so alone in my struggle and having great team members to help keep you going is always a great plus.
Robert’s Blog 03-19-2009 Last week I had my vacation and was worried that I would not be strong with my diet. But I discovered that due to these past 8 weeks I have really learned how to make better choices and work through those weak moments and make better eating choices. I am feeling stronger and healthier than I have in a long time and am loving it. Making this a lifestyle change will be hard and I know it won't be easy but the alternative is not worth it. I am tired of staying at home and always being out of breath or feeling too hot. I enjoy having more energy and wanting to to more. I am addicted to being healthier. I have achieved two of my goals and am working toward accomplishing my last goal by programs end. Even if I don't make it I am still going to set goals and move forward. Thanks Healthy Charleston Challenge and I want to say thanks to my great team that has been supportive and fun to be a part of ... "TOESEEKERS"!! RULE!
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HCC is over but the challenge is still there. I feel more confident and better prepared for eating better and working out more confidently and correctly. I started this program with the idea that this was just another program, but somewhere along the lines I really started to like this and found myself enjoying the pace and feel and accountability of the program. I feel a small twinge of sadness the program is over and I can't believe I am saying it but I really don't want this to end. I have made great friends and now have many work-out partners and know so many more people that the wellness center doesn't feel like just a nice gym to work out it, it feels like part of my lifestyle and something I will always want to do. Key word being want, which is huge for me since I always would have to motivate myself to workout and usually hated more of the time I was doing it. My team was so great and I learned so much from my trainer Katie Blaylock who is the absolute best. She was always there, positive, supporting and ready to help. It kind of made it hard to have a problem working out with such a great trainer. My team was also very awesome. We sent massive email chain letters to each other discussing workout times and meeting and ever made our own workout team schedule. I am a better person for joining HCC and know that I have the essentials necessary now to eat better, exercise better and Live better. Thanks HCC and all the great people that are part of the program and the people participating in the active lifestyle that will change your life.
Robert Watson Volunteer Recruiter Medical University of South Carolina 169 Ashley Avenue Charleston, SC 29425 watsor@musc.edu ph: 843-792-3580 fx: 843-792-9739
JOAN HERBERT I can’t believe the time flew by so quickly!!! Even though I didn’t lose as much weight as I had dreamed, (only 13.6 pounds) I LOST INCHES!!! I had a great time this week going through my closet of clothes that didn’t fit and moving most of them into the closet in my room so they are handy in the mornings since I can slip right into them now. I was lucky to be on such a great team and have such a positive, yet pushing, trainer. Joining the Healthy Charleston Challenge is definitely one of the best things I’ve done for myself in a long time.
Joan Herbert Service Line Administrator Mental Health
