Lifestyle Makeover Contest Winners
During November, LIVE FOR LIFE received over 50 entries for the Eat Wise & Exercise lifestyle makeover contest. During the 10-week program, the winners will provide regular updates as they start eating wise and exercising! For more information about the contest winners (including their winning essays), click here.
Week 1: January 14 - 18
Posted January 22, 2008: The winners comment on their win and goals for the program.
Individual Winner: Craig Galunas
A Strong Start
Ok, so January 14 has come and gone, and the program has begun. I have started the clock! I have been to the gym three times this week already and by 6 a.m. no less! It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be to go at that hour. Going first thing in the morning certainly makes it more likely that you'll get your workout in. I've tried to exercise after work in the past, and it was too easy for me to come up with an excuse for not going to the gym, so half the time I wouldn't go. Working out first thing eliminates that possibility — that's for sure! And you feel better the rest of the day, too!
I was going to meet with my trainer on Thursday morning for my first "official" training session but the inclement weather got in the way so we'll meet two times next week. I have been communicating with her via e-mail in the meantime, so she's aware of what I'm doing. She's given me some routines to start on my own, but I am really looking forward to our first session together. It really helps your motivation when you know someone is tracking your progress and is really interested in helping you reach your goals. It definitely makes getting out of bed at 5 a.m. a little easier, too!
I met with the nutritionist last Monday the 14th, which was very interesting as well. For the most part I feel good about the way I have been eating. We talked about portion sizes and about eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking more water. We set some goals for me to shoot for before we get together next week. I have been keeping a food diary, which is helping me become more aware of what I'm eating and when. I've heard about that before, but it is really surprising how helpful it is, and I recommend it to anyone to try for a week or two. You'd be amazed at how much you really eat in a day. You have to be completely honest about what you actually put in your mouth or it doesn't work, though.
Group Winner: School of Nursing (2 testimonials)
Recording My Journey, My Way
Today was an emotional start for my Makeover. So I started a journal. I have resisted doing journals in the past, but decided it would help me stay focused — couldn't hurt. My journal includes whatever I want it to. For my first day I wrote in my 10 goals for better health, my current weight and waist measurement, what I have eaten so far today, and what I plan for dinner, my grocery list for this evening, and a tally of fruits and veggies for today. I don't think I will write the same thing every day, but then I don't have to. I have resisted journaling my whole life and think maybe it is a good time to start. I may add pictures — one never knows.
Since it is my journal it can be anything I want. I like that.
Submitted: Jan. 2 by Jane Blood-Siegfried, Associate Clinical Professor
Paying Attention to Foods' Effects
My motivation to get a head start on the Eat Wise and Exercise program stemmed directly from Jane's thoughts (detailed above) on maintaining a journal. One week ago I began recording everything I ate and drank, other than water, which I drink all throughout the day, but I also took note of how I FELT about 20 minutes after each meal or snack. Personally, keeping detailed notes was absolute drudgery, even though it took only a few minutes, but my own comments have painted a clear picture of what foods I need to avoid and/or include in my daily diet. For example, after certain meals/snacks, I felt lethargic, would develop mild headaches which would disappear after a couple of hours, and had to force myself to get up and take a walk around the building, OR I felt energized, alert, and ready to take on the stairs or a brisk walking race.
So TODAY I begin the real work of focusing on food and beverage intake; believe me, this isn't going to be easy, but with our group support I'm ready for the challenge. I would love to hear how others are progressing in their journey as we all march forward to Makeover VICTORY!
The "not so good" feelings were associated with those meals that included starches, white breads, processed meats, soups with potatoes, ham, or pasta. I really liked the grilled Panini I had for lunch, but it left me feeling very uncomfortable (I think it was the oil or butter used in the grilling process). I had one slice of the wonderful pineapple cake that was on our kitchen table in the school this morning. Within 10 minutes I was feeling heavy and developed a slight headache. For the record, I do take a low-dose blood pressure medication, but my health care provider is encouraging that improving eating habits and daily brisk walks could eliminate the need for the medication.
The most energizing foods seem to be fresh fruits, vegetables, non-processed meats, baked or broiled fish, low- or no- sodium anything; DANNON Light & Fit dairy snack or Blue Bunny sugar-free yogurt; Curves whole grain cereal and any whole grain bread. And of course, sugar-free desserts!
Submitted: Jan. 14 by Barbara Pellizzari, Staff Assistant