Thank you to the 3 people who decided to share some great stories in February!
#1:
Last month’s food diary challenge really helped me become more aware of what and how much I was eating. Even when I knew it wasn’t “good” for me, I still wrote it down. I lost four pounds! I plan to keep it up.
-Kathleen-
#2:
My mother’s death in 2011 was what motivated my journey for a healthier lifestyle. The suffering she went through before and up to her death was preventable. I decided that I was going to make changes in my own life now to avoid health issues in the future. (There is history of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and stroke in my family)
Shortly after, the city offered an opportunity to go through the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) provided by Thedacare. (8 week program – 18 classes) I jumped at this opportunity. I observed, participated and learned quite a bit. I used the information I learned and made some changes in my food choices.
That was the beginning for me and ever since I continue to seek a healthier lifestyle. I have to admit that this was the first time I honestly committed to making changes. It is all about my choices and being honest and accountable to myself. I exercise regularly and continue to educate myself. I take advantage of working with the health coach and the opportunities provided. I have been successful, yet I still have a ways to go. I can share with you that in the last 5 years I’ve lost weight, lowered my blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose etc. (eg. In 2012 triglycerides-164; In 2016 – 63)
What I have learned is that it is a very personal journey and you have to make a commitment to yourself to change. It has made a difference in my overall well-being.
I use books and documentaries to keep me motivated. I take from them what I can. I’ll share some here with you. Good luck and I hope you find your motivation to good health!
Books:
The New Health Rules by Frank Lipman & Danielle Claro The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taubes
How Not to Die by Michael Greger The China Study by Colin T Campbell
Optimal Living 360 by Sanjay Jain Forks Over Knives: the plant-based way to health
Grain Brain by David Perlmutter The Plan by Lyn-Genet Recitas
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan Body Kindness by Rebecca Scritchfield
The Great Cholesterol Myth by Jonny Bowden/Stephen Sinatra
30 Lessons for Living: Tried & True Advice from the Wisest Americans by Karl Pellemer
Documentaries: In Defense of Food: an eater’s manifesto That Sugar Film
Forks Over Knives Genetic Roulette: the gamble of our lives Planeat
Hungry for Change Get Wise to Portion Size Carb-loaded: a culture dying to eat
Is Sugar the New Fat Escape Fire: the fight to rescue American Healthcare
-Paula-
#3
This year my husband and I participated in our first Disney event.
We finished the 5K on Friday morning and the 10K on Saturday morning, but passed on the ½ Marathon on Sunday. We plan to make this an annual event.
-Kathy-
