2009 Winners

Victoria Grice was named as one of the two individual essay winners for the 2009 edition of Eat Wise and Exercise, a 10-week health promotion program sponsored by Duke's LIVE FOR LIFE program for employee wellness.

Victoria Grice

Individual Winner #1
Victoria Grice, Staff Assistant

I come from a family where healthy eating habits were not emphasized. My parents are not obese, but are certainly overweight or struggling with weight. I was always a chubby kid, and worked hard in college to lose weight and get to a healthy weight for the first time in my life. I succeeded, but shortly after reaching my goal weight, my doctor put me on medications that caused me to gain weight. I was so frustrated at the short duration I was able to maintain my goal weight that I just gave up on it completely.

Now, ten years later, I have tried several diets, but have not been able to stick with them long enough to reach my goal weight. I am very overweight and feel terrible and somewhat helpless about my body size. Most importantly, though, I worry about my health. I am 30 years old and already have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Among my parents and grandparents, there are diagnoses of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. I want to live a long, healthy life, and I know that my BMI contributes to my risk of developing my family's diseases.

I know that I need guidance to figure out how to eat healthier on a budget, how to make the most of exercising on a tight schedule, and how to keep focus and motivation throughout the weight loss journey and into maintaining my goal weight. I have recently made some small changes that will help me be more active and think before I eat, but I have not yet lost any weight, nor do I feel healthier or physically stronger, despite being active nearly every day of the week.

I need to take my health improvement efforts to the next level. I have a clear idea of where I want to be with my health and weight, but I am unclear on how to get there or whether I will be able to succeed after so many years of trying and failing. I have considered working with a nutritionist or a personal trainer to help me with my eating habits and more effective exercising, but I am not able to afford these services on my current budget.

Winning this contest would be an excellent way to for me to receive the guidance and motivation I need to make real progress in improving my health and physical well-being. I am a hard worker and dedicated to making the changes necessary, and would love this opportunity for a health makeover. If you choose me to complete your program, I can assure you that I will put my best effort forward to make the most out of the 10 week program. I also know that if given the right foundation and encouragement, I can continue my progress even after the program and ultimately reach my goal of becoming a healthier, stronger person.