Friday, September 21, 2012

The Challenge is Over, but Not the Journey

Roseann:

This has been a remarkable journey. Even though it has ended, the magnificent and life-altering changes continue! I saw Dr. Iqbal yesterday, and she was just blown away by the difference in just 12 weeks! Not only did I lose 29 pounds, and 5 inches off of my waist, but I made changes on the inside. Life saving changes!

My total cholesterol went from 252 to 187. My LDL (bad) went from 191 to 134. My HDL (good) didn’t improve a lot, but it improved, from 33 to 35. My triglycerides went from 142 to 89!! My blood pressure was 128/80 on my R arm, and 118/78 on my left arm. It was 132/88 12 weeks ago. Every number was improved, some more than others, but EVERY ONE was improved!

I was so happy after I left her office that I called up my husband as I got into my car, and with tears of joy, told him the great news. I will not stop here, though, I have more goals to attain. I want to improve my numbers even more, and I have a weight loss goal that I have not reached as of yet. I am hoping to be closer to it, if not having attained it, by the luncheon on November 1st. I hope to see many of you there!
Then to top off the night, I went to the Handbags Helping Hearts, and got to spend a fun evening with my fellow challengers, treated myself to a glass of wine, and yes, I actually stayed within my caloric goals! I had my wine and drank it too! I deserved it! It was wonderful to see my fellow participants, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the luncheon, and hearing their phenomenal stories.

I hope that our stories have inspired and empowered you to start your journey towards heart health!

Healthy Blessings,
Roseann

Friday, September 14, 2012

The End of the BetterU Challenge

Roseann:

I have lost 26 lbs and 4 inches during this 12 week program.

I have set up to have my lab work drawn this week, and will see Dr. Iqbal on Thursday the 20th, and know it will be a glorious way to end the day on Thursday, with the revelation of my numbers, and the Handbags Helping Hearts. I look forward to the luncheon on November 1st, as I am hoping to have even higher numbers for my weight loss, and waist measurement, and lower numbers for my cholesterol and LDL. I look forward to seeing my fellow challengers at these events and hearing about all their successes.

Life holds many challenges, and thanks to AHA, I have met this challenge head on, and have succeeded in so many ways. I leave this program weighing less, feeling great, emotionally inspired, strengthened, and empowered. Thanks goes to the staff of the American Heart Association, St. Joseph’s and Dr. Iqbal, Nam Le and Gold’s Gym, Lisa Cavallaro, my fellow challengers (who I now consider dear friends), my friends and family, and my loving husband. Without all of you, this would not have been possible. I hope that these blogs have inspired you, encouraged you, and empowered you to go out and meet your challenges head on, and succeed, and become more Heart Healthy! This is not goodbye, it is... “Until we meet again”. Thank you for sharing this journey with me.

Healthy Blessings,
Roseann Gardinier

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Making the Better Choice on a Splurge

Roseann:

I was naughty yesterday, I had Walmart popcorn chicken for dinner! But, I must say, when I looked at my choices, I did choose well. I was caught between the honey barbeque boneless and the popcorn, and I am so glad for what I chose! The popcorn chicken is 170 calories per serving (12 pieces), where the honey barbeque is 450 calories per serving (5 pieces)! I had no idea until I looked it up. Now that I know, if I ever decide to splurge again (due to late night, and not a lot of time or energy to cook), I will definitely choose the popcorn chicken! I stayed within my calorie range yesterday, although my sodium has been high this week, due to the soups I am having for lunch. I have chosen to eat the Campbell’s Healthy Request, which is the healthiest choice besides home made, but still fairly high in sodium per serving. Grateful that I do not have a real issue with blood pressure, as the sodium is not good for high blood pressure, but even us healthy people need to watch our sodium intake.

Just hard to believe that this is our last week. These 12 weeks have just flown by. As they say, “time flies when you’re having fun”, it is so true! I have had such a good time, have learned so much, lost so much (weight), and gained so much (knowledge and empowerment)! I will forever be grateful.

Ran only 2 miles yesterday, as I seemed to be a little tired (I contribute it to working now, and not being used to getting up so early), and it was very warm out on the track. But I did good, ran the 2 miles in 23 minutes, and then walked 1/2 mile to cool down. I was so glad though to be back running. Today I will go to Planet Fitness and do some well needed strength training.

I set up my labwork, and appointment with Dr. Igbal, can’t wait to find out my numbers! I am so looking forward to seeing her, and showing off the changes I have made. For those of you going to the luncheon, I plan on seeing my primary doctor in October, and hopefully, I will have even more phenomenal numbers and changes in November!

What are you grateful for today, and what changes are you making in your life?

Wishing you all Healthy Blessings,
Roseann

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

The Little Things

Roseann:

Love the little things I have noticed that make me feel so good. Had to go upstairs yesterday to give a message to a teacher, and noticed that I didn’t get short of breath! Last school year, if I attempted to go up the flight of stairs to the second floor, it would take me a while to catch my breath, before I could say anything, as I was so short of breath. Not so yesterday! I went up at a pretty quick clip, and was able to speak without a problem! All these little blessings, are so inspiring and encouraging.

Had the final conference call with Lisa. It was a great one! She had a very inspiring message, and it was again full of information, laughs, and inspiration. Thank you Lisa, for all your assistance, support, and encouragement. I look forward to seeing you again at the Handbags Helping Hearts on September 20th, the AHA luncheon on November 1st, and maybe, at another race!

Went a little over on my calories today, but not by much, still ate well, and made good choices. Feeling great.

I will be running again today. It was cool weather on Monday when I ran, so it made it easier to get to the 2.5 miles, hoping that I can go to 2.75 miles in spite of the fact that it will be warmer today. I am so excited to run again. I am so glad I found an exercise that I really enjoy and look forward doing. I never thought I would be running, ever, but here I am, and there I go!

Hoping you are reaching your goals, and finding joy in your activities and exercise routines.

Healthy Blessings,
Roseann

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Achieving a Personal Goal

Roseann:

Ran on the track today, and was able to get up to 2.5 miles! 10 times around the track. Phew! Going to keep working on going farther, getting to 3 miles, then going to work on decreasing my time each time I run. I can’t believe how much fun I am having running! I moved as much as I could at work, and felt good about my accomplishments yesterday.

Won’t be doing much after work today, as John and I have a meeting to go to, so right after school, I am going to rush home, and walk or run with the dog a little bit at home, then do some weights before I have to go to the meeting. Don’t want to sweat too much and be stinky, but do want to get some exercise in, so I will do “something” today.

Something that not many people know, I wanted to share. Before I end this journey, I wanted to let you all know about something very personal. One of my most intimate and personal goals, that I have not expressed to that many, is something that was so very important to me for many years. Not long after I was married, I began to gain weight, and it wasn’t long before I was unable to wear my wedding band. I hadn’t worn it for many, many years. I was concerned that I would not be able to get it re-sized because of the type of band it is. So, I procrastinated, and wished, but never could fit it on my finger. Well, guess what is on my left ring finger. Yes, my wedding band. It may not seem an important goal, not as important as changing my numbers, and preventing heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. But it is these little goals, that make me feel so good about what I have done, and will continue to do. It is these little blessings, that make life so precious, and my effort to live a longer, healthier life, so that I can share many, many years with the man I love, so much worth the effort.

I hope that you too, are making goals, that not only will save your life, but reward you in so many other special, personal, and sentimental ways.

Healthy Blessings,
Roseann

Monday, September 10, 2012

BetterU at the Arc Race


Anna:

The Arc race was so much fun. It was great to see Laura, Roseann and Beth and see them running! We also had time to laugh, catch up and take pictures. I was also glad that my husband was there and got to meet everyone.
I was very proud of my husband as he placed in the top 50 at the race! For his age group he placed eighth. We both had so much fun that we signed up to do another 5K in October with our goal to beat our times. So what are your goals? What are you doing to get there?

Roseann:

My weigh in on Friday was non-eventful. I had stayed the same this week, no weight loss. I was not surprised, as I did not move as much as I would like to have, because of all the meetings I HAD to attend during the Superintendent’s Conference Day. But, I am not discouraged, as I remained the same, and continued to work hard. Grateful that I was still able to exercise, and remain healthy.

Saturday was a blast!! Went to the ARC race with 3 of my fellow Better U challengers. Three of us walked together, and Beth, who we are so very proud of, ran with the Fleet Feet group she had been training with. Everyone did great! We walked most of the way, but ran our way to the finish line. It was my first race, and I can’t wait to race more! I think I have a new obsession!

Sunday I made a cathartic change. I went through my closet and removed all of the clothes I have shrunk out of. I have shown the universe, that I am serious about this, and that this is not the end of my program, but just the beginning of the vast changes that I have begun, and will continue for several more weeks. I have reached some of my initial goals, and look forward to reaching ALL of them. I keep moving forward, knowing, that all my hard work will pay off. I have stepped out, taken the challenge, and have begun to see success. But as I said before, this is just the beginning.

Today, we begin the 12th and final week of the Better U program. It is sad to know that it is almost over, but words can’t express how grateful I am for all that I have learned, the friendships I have made, the changes that have taken place, and knowing that my life is forever changed for the better. Thank you, AHA, Gold’s Gym, St. Joseph’s, Lisa Cavallaro, the BetterU challengers, my friends, family, and all of you reading this blog. Because of the love and support of everyone, I and the other challengers, have journeyed successfully towards a healthier heart.

With gratitude, and thanks,
Healthy Blessings,
Roseann

Friday, September 7, 2012

The Tortoise Wins the Race

Anna:

Picked up my packets for the Arc race this morning after working out at the gym. My husband is going to be running the 5K and I am going to be walking with some of the Better U participants. I can not wait to see them and hear how their progress is going and see the transformation in all of them. People have been asking if I am upset that due to having two bad knees I can not run in this race. Honestly, I am not! I went thru four weeks of physical therapy and am feeling so much better. I am happy that I can still work out and have avoided surgery. I am choosing to focus on the things I can do instead of the few things I can not do. I am getting healthier even if it is one small step at a time. After all it was the tortoise that won the race right? :)

Being the Adult

Roseann:

Busy, busy day at work. Good news is, except for the end of the work day, I was on my feet a lot, moving, moving, moving! Although I didn't get done what I wanted to, the day went pretty well. Drowning in paperwork, but will swim through it a little at a time. My biggest concern is that I have to sit a lot for my job, as there is a lot of computer and paperwork, but will try to be cognizant of it, and try to get up as often as I can, and move as much as possible.

I was able to run after work on the track. Still was only able to run 2 miles, as my body needs to get used to the surface. But it was great when a bunch of young middle/high school girls came to the track, and none of them even ran 1/4 of a mile without having to stop and walk. I even jogged past them! That was so fun! I wanted to brag, but had to be the adult. Tee hee!

Feeling good, and working hard, doing well on my food, and loving the changes. Can't get any better than that!

Weigh-in day today, crossing my fingers, and hoping for even 1 less pound! Wish me luck!

Wishing for joy, love, and laughter, and lots of health to all of you.

Healthy Blessings,
Roseann

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Positive Reinforcement and Influencing Others

Roseann:

It was another great day with other coworkers giving their support and compliments. I am starting to get a swelled head! LOL It really is nice to have this affirmation. Humbling, and yet, it feels so good, and brings such pride for the hard work! I even had a teacher stop by and ask me about the program, and discuss how important it is for her to get started on losing weight! So cool!

My IT (Internet Technology) guy came in yesterday to show me his lunch. He is a diabetic, and we have spoken several times about changing eating habits, and losing weight. I was so proud of him, as he chose a very healthy salad and fruit. Much better then the lunch with two of those large cookies on Tuesday! So, I AM influencing others. This is very cool!

I ran after work on Tuesday. I ran the track at school, and it was different than running here on the road at home, so I only was able to run 2 miles, as it was hot and muggy, and my body needed to adjust to the different terrain. I will be running again today. I went to Planet Fitness after work yesterday, and it felt so good! I have had to increase the weights as I have become stronger, which is a great thing. As well as having to increase the level on the machines, as I need more of a workout to bring my heart rate up. I am noticing some very important and healthy changes. Can’t wait to find out about my numbers!!

If anyone is out in Liverpool Saturday morning, please come and cheer our BetterU participants on, as we walk the ARC race at Long Branch Park. We would love to see you there!

Hoping you are making excellent choices with your heart health!

Healthy Blessings,
Roseann

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Healthy Choices

Roseann:

Yesterday was an awesome day! There were so many reasons to be proud of myself, and relish in my hard work.

First, there were so many compliments yesterday about how good I looked! So many people had noticed my weight loss. It was such a positive validation.

Then, the food choices. Every superintendent's day, our administration treats us to breakfast and lunch, on the first day. Well, they don't exactly offer the healthy choices. There on the table, was a huge assortment of baked goods. I was aware that this would happen, so I saved up some morning calories and treated myself to a glazed donut, which was the healthiest choice there! Then at lunch, they treated us to coldcut sandwiches, salads, chips, cookies, fruit, soda, and water. Well, I chose to have the turkey without the bun, I chose the tossed salad instead of the pasta salad, I grabbed an apple instead of chips and cookies, and I had water instead of soda. Previously, my choices would have been different, but not now! I made some very healthy choices, and my coworkers noticed. I hope that this will influence them also, to make healthy choices.

Then, there was the shoe wear! I haven’t worn anything but flats for a long time due to the cramping I would get if I tried to wear anything with a heel. Well, yesterday I wore healed clogs, and not once did I cramp!! I not only will be able to wear pretty clothes again, but now, I can wear all my pretty heeled shoes again!

Then, we had an awesome conference call. We got to help one of our challengers, and encourage her, as much as she inspires us, and we had a lot of laughs too.

I am so grateful that I have begun this lifelong journey, and look forward to living a heart healthy life!

Healthy Blessings,
Roseann

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

End of Summer Vacation

Roseann:

Friday: I lost 2 more pounds. Things will become even more challenging, as my calories before exercise are now down to 1,270 calories/day. It’s great losing weight, but it becomes even harder when your calorie intake gets smaller and smaller. The good news is, that the more I exercise, the more I can eat. So, I am trying to move every day. I did more stretching with yoga on Friday and Saturday. I feel more limber and balanced. I remember the first time I did yoga at Gold’s Gym, I was struggling to keep the poses. Doing yoga now is easier. Although, those of you who know what the ‘tree” and “eagle” are, will understand when I say that they are still difficult, but I am doing better with holding the positions.

It was hot on Saturday, but I ran anyways that morning. I jogged the 5K in 30 min. and 18 seconds. I am getting better and stronger every time!

Remember how Beth was talking about our clothes getting smaller? Well I have had to adjust my bra straps. Now the straps are the tightest they can be, and the hooks are on the farthest line. I am so looking forward to buying new clothes, not just shirts and pants, but EVERYTHING!

I was exhausted on Sunday, and I listened to my body, and I rested practically the whole day.

Monday, it was catch up time. I had to catch up on the outside weed eating, so I was outside weed eating for 4 hours. I have a lot of small hills that I weed eat, and I noticed that my legs weren’t tired or sore any more. It used to be hard to weed eat on the hills, because my calves would get really sore. Not anymore! It is just amazing how much stronger I have gotten in just a couple of months. It is amazing and wonderful!

Today, is the start up of work again. My summer vacation is over, and school has begun. Today, I will be busy with meetings, and loaded down with paperwork. My goal is to try to exercise after work, not sure if I will run on the track, or go to the gym. Now, I get to learn how to balance my work, my program, eating healthy, exercising, and life. Phew! Wish me luck!

Hoping your life is balanced and healthy!

Healthy Blessings,
Roseann