Congratulations BetterU Participants!

Thanks to all the participants in the Westchester BetterU Challenge! Congratulations on your personal achievements, large and small, and for making a commitment to a healthier life and a Better YOU!

And many thanks to our program sponsor, White Plains  Hospital and to the staff at Will2Lose for all their contributions to the program. Thanks to Shop Rite and Bloomingdales for their support!

You Have Arrived at the Beginning!

Congratulations everyone!  You have arrived...at the beginning!  But isn't this the end?  Nope.  THIS IS THE BEGINNING! 

Now, it's up to you to stick to a lifetime of  healthier living.

Remember, none of us are perfect at all this.  Think small changes, big results. 

We at AHA are so proud of each of you!  We wish you a healthier life, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke!

Visit often:  www.heart.org  Work with your healthcare provider to create a plan, know your numbers, stay physically active, make good food choices. 

You are a BetterU!

Thank you to everyone who has made this exerience so worthwhile-AHA,WP Hospital, W2Lose and all the wonderful participants who inspired me every day.  It was awesome!

ShopRite last night

Thanks to Stacey, the dietician at White Plains ShopRite, and her intern, for taking us around the store, offering samples, and guiding us on good choices at the store.

Closing Events!

Thanks to the women who attended our Shop Rite nutrition event, last night. 

For those attending, today, when you arrive at Bloomingdale's at 1 p.m., please go to the cosmetics counter on the main floor.  You can ask for Lorna (cosmetics manager) or Denise. 

Bloomingdale's anticipates you will all be finished by 3 p.m.--ample time to arrive at WPH by 4 p.m.

 

Have a wonderful time!

Best,
April Dawn

Got my numbers today

Weight loss barely 5#, which means BMI barely moved as well. Since I didn't have the "before" BP,I don't know if that changed. But what did change was/is my attitude. My back is currently wrenched, so I'm taking slow walks - anything to keep moving:) And I'm tolerating hunger pangs a little longer so that I can make it to a meal without snacking! I joined a gym close by, and love the classes. And I know that challenge brings change, and that change is a challenge! I had a fantasy of who I would be at the end of the 3 months:) The reality is that I accept who I am today, and I could not have done that without W2L - thank you!

You've arrived!

Here we are at the final week of BetterU--and it seems like we just got started!

And, you HAVE just gotten started.  BetterU is simply the start of many healthier moments for each of you--moments we hope you'll enjoy for a long lifetime.

We hope as many folks as possible will get their final #'s today at WPH.  If you don't make it today, we encourage you to work with your healthcare provider to learn your #'s (see my recent post about MyLifeCheck). 

Congratulations...we are looking forward to celebrating all of the "you's" in BetterU, Westchester, later this week! 

where DID the time go?

Looking forward to seeing everyone on the 2nd!  I can't believe that the program is winding down.  It has been an interesting journey.  Glad I had the opportunity to participate.

Life's Simple 7 Materials: Small Changes, Big Impact

Thanks to the women who joined me for our Life's Simple 7 presentation last week.  I want to share with all the AHA materirals provided.  I think you will find the simple concept of small changes that lead to big impact will serve you well in the months ahead, as you "graduate" from the BetterU program.

http://mylifecheck.heart.org/ Is our website dedicated to lifestyle changes that improve heart health.

The Simple 7 are the 7 areas where you can make a huge impact with small efforts:
http://mylifecheck.heart.org/Multitab.aspx?NavID=3&CultureCode=en-US

You can create an action plan--along with your healthcare providers--and take our MyLifeCheck Assessment.  http://mylifecheck.heart.org/PledgePage.aspx?NavID=5&CultureCode=en-US

You can complete the assessment initially without knowing all of your health #'s, but it is a great idea to work with your health care provider and get as much of the following information as you can to input into the confidential, private assessment tool:

Total cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
Triglycerides
Blood sugar
Blood pressure

After you've plugged in information about your #'s, your lifestyle, and your family history, you'll get a heart health score and great information about how to move toward more ideal cardiovascular health.

You can also pay it forward using the My Life Check resources page:
http://mylifecheck.heart.org/Resources.aspx?NavID=563&CultureCode=en-US

Our www.heart.org website is something I encourage you to explore in an ongoing way.  Some highlights:

The "Getting Healthy" area gives you TONS of information about nutrition, physical activity, etc.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/GettingHealthy_UCM_001078_SubHomePage.jsp

Under "Conditions" you can find information on specific needs like controlling high BP or cholesterol:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Conditions_UCM_001087_SubHomePage.jsp

Here are our cholesterol tools and resources, for example:  http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/CholesterolToolsResources/Cholesterol-Tools-and-Resources_UCM_001216_Article.jsp

We hope that you've had a wonderful journey toward better health, via BetterU.  But you are just getting started!  Use the resources above as a jumping off point to be your own best health advocate, work with your healthcare providers to create a concrete plan that will help you stay on the good health path. 

Cheers to your heart-healthy life!

We Need to Hear From You

Good morning,

With our closing programs coming up this week, if you haven't already contacted Julia Moran (julia.moran@heart.org) with your RSVP information, please do so.

Ladies, we'd like to see the strongest turnout possible on 5/2 so that we can show our appreciation for Will2Lose and White Plains Hospital.  We also need to let Shop Rite know a final headcount for our 5/1 grocery shopping trip program.  Again, please let Julia know if you plan to attend, ASAP.

We also need as many participants as possible to get their final numbers checked this Monday at WPH.  Please call Kristine Sposato at WPH and schedule a time for Monday 4/29.  Her number is 914-681-2563.  They will get your final, Height, Weight, BMI and Blood Pressure numbers for our presentation on May 2^nd.

Thanks,
April Dawn

ch ch ch changes!

Getting ready for a transition away from BetterU, and on my own. Trying to work walks and hikes into my pal time, instead of lunch. Norma suggested more greens in my diet, so I juice a quart of parsley, cukes, celery etc mixed with zero cal coconut water for breakfast. Deelish - not at all like the kale experiment from a month ago!

Reminder, TONIGHT at 6:30 p.m. Life's Simple 7 at WPH Auditorium

Good morning!

I hope to see many of you this evening at White Plains Hospital.  If you didn't RSVP, you can still show up.

We'll learn simple, practical ways you can improve your cardiovascular health--and how you can keep track with a private, personal health assessment...and all of it is free!

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/MyHeartandStrokeNews/Getting-Heart-Healthy-One-Simple-Step-at-a-Time_UCM_447728_Article.jsp

National Volunteer Week

This is National Volunteer Week, and we thank the folks who make AHA happen--and make BetterU happen.  We'd like to especially recognize the folks from White Plains Hospital and Will2Lose who are so supportive of BetterU.

Heart health e-zine available

Did you know we have a free e-zine available via www.heart.org?  Check it out!
http://content.yudu.com/Library/A231cz/HeartHealthMatters/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.free.yudu.com%2Fitem%2Fdetails%2F772581%2FHeart-Health-Matters

spinnin'

Just came from Spinning with Karla.  What a workout! Awesome!

AHA Tips on Weight Loss

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/WeightManagement/Weight-Management_UCM_001081_SubHomePage.jsp

Remember, it's always important to work with your healthcare providers if you have questions about weight loss--or any other aspect of physical well-being. 

Being a caregiver and taking care

Good morning!

I thought of you all, last night.  While my young child played in the yard in the early evening, I was determined to get a workout in.  So, I walked--with bursts of running at regular intervals--in my driveway...I could interact with the kiddo, and get in my 30 minutes.  It wasn't exciting, but it was still exercise.

How do you get creative about fitting in your workouts?

This heart.org link for caregivers is really geared toward folks involved in taking care of someone with a cardiovascular condition, but I think its advice is good for any type of caregiver...including parents:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Responsibilities/ResponsibilityIntroduction/Caregiver-Responsibility-Introduction_UCM_301828_Article.jsp

Also sharing some of our "how to make a healthy home"...how to create a heart-healthy household.  Makes our journeys easier when the folks we live with are engaged in healthy lifestyles with us.  The link is geared toward parents, but it has great tips for everyone who manages some tasks of "keeping house" (budget healthy meals, for example)!

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/HealthierKids/HowtoMakeaHealthyHome/How-to-Make-a-Healthy-Home_UCM_304154_SubHomePage.jsp

Have a good rest of your week!

I am so grateful for this experience.  I have learned so much, and have moved on to a healthier lifestyle.  I will take all I have learned, and incorporate it into my daily lifestyle.  I am so addicted to Will2Lose!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Important Dates

April 23:  6:30 p.m.
Life's Simple 7:  The American Heart Association's Easy Tips for a Healthier Life
White Plains Hospital Auditorium
Please RSVP to julia.moran@heart.org by 4/19


May 1:  7 - 8 p.m.
Healthy Grocery Shopping
ShopRite of White Plains, 13 City Place 
We'll meet Stacey Jackson, nutritionist, who will teach us how to make better food choices when grocery shopping.  Stacey serves the White Plains community and will also provide everyone with her contact information at the event...you will be able to touch base with her in the future, and schedule an appointment if you find you need more help after the session.
Please RSVP to me (aprildawn.shinske@heart.org) by next Wednesday, 4/16

May 2:  1 - 3 p.m. 
Makeup Makeovers by Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's of White Plains, 175 Bloomingdale Rd.
Please RSVP to julia.moran@heart.org by 4/19

May 2: 4 p.m.
BetterU Program Close
White Plains Hospital
Please RSVP to julia.moran@heart.org by 4/24

 

Gimme a word, please!

How's everyone doing?  Can you describe this moment in your journey in just one word?  Let's hear it!  Comment away! 

Everyone at AHA is pulling for you--and your healthier life!

Keep Movin'!

 

Ladies where are the food logs? Will2Lose wants to help you make that life style change. Email them to me at Normal@Will2Lose.com

Tried Mary Ann's band camp class today.  It was great!  Good workout.
Beth C

Graduated my weights!

I moved up from 5# to 8# today. Sure I'll sleep well tonight. Thank you Katie, Norma and Keith for all your inspiration:))

Don't forget to walk, today!

Good morning, ladies!

Don't forget today is AHA's National Walking Day...if you get a chance to get out and walk, post your pics...we'd love to see!

-April Dawn

http://www.startwalkingnow.org/

Week 7 Challenge Sheet

National Walking Day is tomorrow!

Pull on your sneakers and join us! Please view

Biggest Change

......... for me has been that I am no longer a girl without a Plan. Either I have a workout scheduled for the day, or I adjust my food plan, or I find a way to put small efforts into my day. I chose to bring my snow tires up from the basement to put into my car, instead of accepting help! I put a salad together in the fridge before the day gets going, so I can just grab. And I think my back has one less roll in it today!

Bust stress!

Stress is part of an unhealthy lifestyle.  But it's also something that can be pretty tough to avoid.  Luckily, we've got some AHA stress-busting tips and facts:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/StressManagement/Stress-Management_UCM_001082_SubHomePage.jsp

And some actions we can take to manage stress:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/StressManagement/TakeActiontoControlStress/Take-Action-To-Control-Stress_UCM_001402_Article.jsp

Ladies, know the warning signs!

As women, the warning signs of a cardiac event may present very differently for us than they do for men.  Many women simply don't feel right...and they aren't sure why.  If you--or someone you care about--experiences any of the warning signs, don't wait!  Call 9-1-1 and seek help right away!  You are worth it!

Many of you may remember the Elizabeth Banks piece on women and warning signs from our luncheon.  It's worth watching again:

View the Heart Attack Warning Signs in Women:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/WarningSignsofaHeartAttack/Heart-Attack-Symptoms-in-Women_UCM_436448_Article.jsp

View the Stroke Warning Signs Quiz:
http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/WarningSigns/StrokeWarningSignsQuiz/Stroke-Warning-Signs-Quiz_UCM_308584_Article.jsp

Measure Shmeasure!

I took Norma's class yesterday, followed by a yoga class at W2L. Wore pants last night that I haven't worn in years. Today I did my floor workout - I could not run a mile at a 3 incline - I stuck to a 1 incline. But 5 minutes non-stop on Jacob's Ladder did not leave me breathless - progress! Oh well - got the whole week left to try the mile again! Left the gym, and took a yoga class in Armonk. This process at 60yo is very different than it was at 20 or 40. It's taking a lot of planning, and a lot of patience.

Week 5

Challenge sheet for this week.

OH EM GEE

Didn't lose a pound didn't lose an inch not a one - YET:))) I have an awful lot of immeasurable changes, so I won't question the process. Just yesterday I put a shirt on with ease, that made my arms feel like sausages a month ago. I bounce up stairs now, and in the picture we took yesterday, that is a REAL smile on my face. There is way too much changed behavior - I believe that I am on the right path, and my process is slow. I picked up lots of healthy food for myself yesterday - sardines in every flavor for the Omega 3s, and beautiful tulips - for me. And I will continue to march! Off to 2 yoga classes up this way this morning, and then a beautiful pedicure - first one of the year:) Got to have purty toes for class! I'm not discouraged - I'm encouraged by the changes that can't be measured! thank you Norma, and everyone for your participation.

Meeting with Norma

We promise to log, blog, exercise, make smart choices and be grateful. Woo hoo! Thanks Norma!

Yoga Joy!

Did 3 hrs of yoga up this way yesterday - 2 back to back classes, followed up by a 2hr meditation - Had a very sane meal plan, and didn't pack in any nighttime eating - yeah - changed behavior. No challenge no change, right Norma? Today I'm going to Katie's scupt, and her next class of cardio dance and yoga. I LOVE KATIE!! Can't wait to see everyone on Saturday - I hope I lost some inches. I'm really starting to see the belly fat, and yikes it's scary. Me no like - me have to work harder:))

It wasn't a dream!

I really did run a mile last week, and I did it again this week. Can I do 2miles next week? Yikes - won't think about it. Did Jacob's for 4min without stopping today. And took advantage of a free week membership at a gym up here with awesome yoga. Keeping busy!

Week 5: Weight Control For Your Heart

Very Important – Know Your Body Mass Index (BMI)BMI indicates if you are at a healthy weight for your height. It's important to know your BMI number since obesity is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Visit the BMI calculator to get your number.

BMI 18.5 or less = underweight

BMI 18.5 to 24.9 = healthy

BMI 25 and 30 = overweight

BMI 31 and above = obese

If your BMI is in the overweight or obese category, don't be discouraged. You are working now, by following the BetterU program's physical activity and eating recommendations, to improve your health. Keep it up and you can get that number to go down!

Choose A BetterU WeightHere's how you can get on track for an improved weight:

Know Your Calories. Find out your recommended number of daily calories. To start losing weight, you'll need to reduce your food intake by 250-500 calories per day.

Set a Weight Goal. If you are overweight, a good goal is to lose 5-10% of your body weight. A safe rate for weight loss is ½ to 2 pounds per week. 

Stay Balanced; Calories in = Calories out. Weight is a matter of energy balance. To keep your weight the same, your calories in must equal the calories your body uses. To lose weight, you have to either increase your calories out, reduce the calories you consume, or both.

Get Active! Move more. All movement burns calories. Increase the intensity of what you already do. You burn about the same number of calories per mile walking or jogging. But you burn them faster if you pick up the pace.

Don’t “reward” a workout with food. Go for a walk to help you fight non-hunger urges to eat. Keep track of your physical activity! Here is a log you can use.

Eat Healthy! Watch your portions. Try pre-portioned meals and snacks. Don’t drink your calories. Reach for water first. Pay attention to hunger. Eat before you get too hungry; stop eating before you feel full. Keep track of your eating!

Did You Know?A number of risk factors for heart disease and stroke can be addressed by improving your physical fitness – no matter what your size. Focus on making healthy food and physical activity choices. For substantial health benefits do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. It's important to remember that a healthy weight doesn't necessarily mean your heart is healthy.

Don't Fall for Traps and Trip-Ups - Traps and trip-ups include emotions, situations, places, or even people that influence you to get off track. You've got to recognize and address these triggers for less healthy choices. For example, you may have a cookie-eating weakness when you get stressed, or avoid physical activity because you're too tired after work.
Once you've discovered your traps and trip-ups you should plan how to avoid them. Remember, even if you can't control your situation, you can control your choices. And the more healthy choices you make, the more likely you'll achieve your A Better U Course For Success!

Think about the goals you have worked toward in your weekly Course for Success. What barriers have you discovered? What has worked to help you overcome them?

Check In With Your Choices – Stop Emotional Eating - Many women let their emotions get in their way of their choices. Here are suggestions for avoiding this common trap:

Recognize how your mood affects your food. Stress, sadness, boredom, and even happiness can lead to unwanted calories and weight gain. Just a handful of potato chips every day can add about 1,000 calories per week. That could make you gain 4-pound in three months and 16-pounds in a year! Some women, on the other hand, lose their appetite and have poor nutrition during emotional times. It is important to know how your moods influence your food so you can make healthier choices.

Use healthy coping skills. After you understand your emotional eating patterns, develop an action plan. Think of ways to cope with emotions that don't involve food. For example, if you've had an intense day at work or you've been juggling carpools for your kids, avoid flopping down on the couch and flipping the remote control while eating your favorite chips at night. Instead, give yourself a 15-minute timeout and take a walk, do some stretching exercises or call a friend for support. Chances are you'll feel better and will have forgotten about those chips that were calling your name.

I'm so proud that our American Heart Association has SO much nutrition information available for all of us.  Much like you BetterU ladies, I am working really hard to have a "better relationship" with food...and our resources REALLY help.  Check out our nutrition center.

AHA Nutrition Tips

Where you can "Meet the Fats"...some are good for us...some, not so much!

Learn how to use AHA's Heart-Check Program when grocery shopping...find foods put through rigorous science before they can meet our approval. 

And my favorite when I just don't know what to cook...our recipe center...

Plus there's tons more.  Happy browsing!  Hope you have a heart healthy remainder of the week.

We are so proud of each of you!!!

-April Dawn

Going Green!

I'm thinking of going green, girls:) With all due respect to W2L, I'm a hippie dippie and like to make my own everything, sooooooooo. I'm going green for breakfast - blend kale, chard, parsley, lime, coconut water and a fruit. I'd like to work my way up to a one day green fast. I find that I need to super shake things up - otherwise my body is so slooooooow to change.

I will NOT have any of these Brownies

Day care is having a bake sale tomorrow and I said we would bring something. As you are my witness, I will not eat any of these Brownies.

I swear.

Doesn't get any better......

than Sunday morning yoga with MaryAnne and 4 of my BetterU peeps - yeah us!

Friday night yoga

Nice to see Carol for Friday night's Cardio Yoga! Here she is with the instructor, Mary Anne.  Also, Carol got a quick lesson from Carla on the treadmill.  Carol is just racking up those challenge points.

I be moooving like Jagger!

Worked out in Katie's sculpt class, then Katie's cardio dance and yoga - I feel like a teenager:)) Loving this - thank you AHA! Never thought I could do it, but little did I know I Can - with a little help from my new friends -

Keeping the Whole Family Healthy

Here's nutrition tips for keeping the entire family healthy!  Hope you've all had a terrific week...keep those updates coming.  We're with you, and we love watching your journey unfold!

-April Dawn

I RAN A MILE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't believe it! Floor workout today, Jacob and a mile - yeah! Sculpt with Katie tomorrow and her yoga class after. I found my waist:)) although my weight has not moved - oh well. I don't put dressing on my salad anymore, and I had 1/2 meatloaf sandwich with no mayo - huge progress for me.

Loving this!

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I am loving this!  Working out is a rush, and I am finally seeing results.  My clothes definitely feel different.  The weight loss has been slow, but I am trying not to get discouraged.  I can't believe what I have been missing by not working out.  Always nice to see my BetterU friends at the gym.

Haven't had time to blog...too busy working out:) But seriously,  am really enjoying my time at W2L.
Yoga on Sunday morning is heavenly and I think I am starting to get the hang of it.
The recipe for the Peppers stuffed with lentils is delish!
Good luck everyone!
Beth C

Had a good day

........ took Norma's scupting class, then Katie's yoga stretch class, then a sauna. Thank you W2L, Dr Vito, Katie, Keith, Norma - this is an unbelievable opportunity:)) My eating is sane, not emotional! I'm not feeling deprived - being thoughtful, not impulsive. But I don't know if I'm losing. I am sleeping well, more patient, more optimistic.

Monday at 5:45 am

I got up and was at W2L to do the first floor routine of the week. I have noticed I can do Jacob's Ladder for a minute before I need a rest. My weights can probably go up some too. Clothes are feeling looser and I am sleeping very well. My son does not feel quite as heavy and I know he's not losing weight.

Will work on that mile run tomorrow.

Yoga today!

Another W2L great class, made even better with 2 other BU participants! I got tremendous relief from a painful psoas muscle - I eat less and move more when I'm not in pain, so this is a slam dunk for me! Is everyone gearing up for the mile run this week??

Waking up refreshed

For the first time in years, I wake up feeling better, not worse! Feeling refreshed, not tired. I am realizing that this is not easy. This is a lifestyle change that requires focus. No challenge no change Thank you Norma! I go through my day meditating on that. Yesterday I picked up a zumba gold class - don't laugh - I know - it's a senior class and this 60yo was dragging - yikes! Last night I dropped into a local yoga class. Today I'm headed to a floor workout, then spinning at W2L. Plan to stop at Apple Farm on the way home for plenty of veggies to chop into a salad. Those bad habits are starting to circle the drain:)))

Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can change in your life--or help a smoker you love to change.  We have an entire site dedicated to kicking butts: 
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/QuitSmoking/Quit-Smoking_UCM_001085_SubHomePage.jsp

Covering my "Assets"

I'm in the groove now! I know I can't make it down to Scarsdale today, and the weather might keep me from a yoga class tonight, soooooooooooo - I just found a Zumba class in the middle of the day 3 minutes away - yikes the Universe is on our side:)) Got my veggies chopped for a BIG salad, and brown rice with roast turkey ready for dinner, and a perfectly ripe banana ready to marry a no-fat yogurt in my smoothie. Me liking this now!

Ladeeeez - I peeked... ahead... have you checked out what we're supposed to be doing in 12 weeks - yikes - I panicked and ramped up my game. I scheduled yoga classes up my way, and my first spin class is coming up at W2L - have to work on my enthusiasm for that one!

Avoid the Salty Six!

Are you eating too much of the Salty Six?  Learn how to reduce your sodium intake--and you'll be way ahead of the game in controlling blood pressure. 

Mushroom Strudel

For a get together with friends today, I made the recipe on page 12 of the Recipes for the Heart book. I will let you know how it tastes.

Did the routine this morning

Do you know where this quote is posted?

I made it to W2L this morning to do my exercises. I have improved on that Jacob's Ladder device so that's a great sign.

I am having a great time with GoRed and BetterU.  This is the first time in my life I have focused on my health. Took some years!  But the kids are grown and it's time to get it together. I actually took off a 1/2 day from work and to  attend the GoRed luncheon in Greenwich, CT yesterday.  A ballroom packed with 500 people. And that morning, I took a spin class at Will2Lose. That plus tracking Weight Watcher points is a new recipe for success.  Thankful for this program.  Very thankful.  Looking forward to Zumba with Norma on Saturday.

The luncheon!

What a day! Beautiful Red outfits, interesting breakout groups, and stations for lipstick makeovers, crazy pics, and raffle baskets galore. The food was fantastic, as were the speakers. Thank you Norma for appearing just as I was about to bite into my 2nd roll with buttah - these biscuits don't need no more buttah! cya on the floor! 9:30 today Sculpt Me!

Sick!

I've been sick with laryngitis and an upper respiratory infection this week.  How did the luncheon go?

--Amie

Travelling and exercising...

I was in Chicago on business for 2 days, and managed to exercise both days in the gym at the hotel. 30 minutes + on the elliptical both days plus steps, free weights, treadmill. Hope it helps! It pays to fit those sneakers and workout clothes in the suitcase, and my fanny pack with my earbuds. Hope to workout at Will2Lose again Thursday or Friday!

Yesterday I attended my first spin class!! I loved it!!
The instructor was wonderful and explained to us newcomers each step of the way.  Very encouraging and an awesome workout!!
I can't wait to get to my next class!!

Never thought I could do it

Ran my first 1/2 mile on the treadmill - yeah me! I never could have done that at home - I needed Will2Lose, Norma, and all you gals to believe in me - thank you! cya all manana:))

Nutrition

Learned some new things in our class last night, and reinforced many things I already knew.  Need to be more conscious of fat and sodium.  I think we all should be keeping food journals.  It helps me tremendously.  You don't realize everything you put into your mouth until you write it down.

Off to a body sculpting class with Norma tonight, can't wait!!!

Week 2: Reduce Your Risk Factors

Start with the Facts – What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You

Every woman has strengths and weaknesses. When talking heart health, weaknesses are known as risk factors. Risk factors are a variety of conditions or behaviors that increase your chance of developing heart disease and stroke. Some risk factors you have no control of like:

• Age
• Race
• Family history

Others, you can control by choosing to make changes to your lifestyle. For example: 

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity or being overweight
• Diabetes

Knowing your risk factors is an important step in shaping up your heart. To learn your risk, just get your most recent numbers (cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, weight) and then plug them into the Go Red Heart Checkup. It will tell you your 10 year risk of developing heart disease and identify your risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

Will2Lose classes are great! Think Protien 2...

Really enjoying Will2Lose! Have tried the yoga, yogalates, cardio yoga, body sculpt and spin classes. All were great exercise. The Floor workout, and detox sauna are great too. I was at work until after 6pm tonight with last minute travel changes since my flights to Chicago were cancelled,  so I missed the nutrition class, looking forward to a debrief from a BetterU buddy next time I see one of y'all at Will2Lose. June was sweet to offer to make a copy of the packet 4me.

I've been trying to stick to a diet filled with proteins and fruit, meat and yogurt and cheese and hard boiled eggs. It's helping, and I have more energy!

Have a great week all!

Nutrition meeting at WP Hospital

Got lots of info at our Heart Healthy Lifestyle Seminar today.

Okay.... I think I finally blogged!!!

Hi Everyone....

I'm hoping that you are finally able to see my blog... I'm a little technilogically challenged but I think it's there!!
I have enjoyed seeing Florence and Jody at the gym and it's really nice connecting with people that have the same goal in mind.
I'm very excited to be attending the Go Red For Woman Luncheon on Thursday.  If you haven't been before.... it's a GREAT day!!

Hope to see everyone soon...........

Week 1 .... let's go!! :)

Well.... I have to say I am very excited for the week ahead!!! We had our meeting on Saturday and Norma, you were wonderful!!!! I am totally motivated and have loved going to Will2Lose on Saturday and Sunday!!

I was late for the spin class on Sunday and wasn't able to get in but did the elyptical and some other exercises.  Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow night at WPH to hear about the nutrition portion.

Enjoy the Oscars!!!

Today's meeting

Great turnout for our meeting at W2L. There are point sheets for us: weekly assignments where we can accumulate points. The sheets are in folders behind the front desk. So when you do that extra 20 mins on the elliptical, just tell personnel behind the desk to add it to your points sheet.

There's a meeting on Monday at 5:30 pm at White Plains Hospital in the auditorium.

Can't believe I did it!

I did 5 minutes on that Jacob's Ladder device this morning.  No, I couldn't do it all in one shot, but spread it out over the course of about 15 minutes with some weights and stepping. 

And, I proved that I could get to W2L at 5:30 am.  Woo hoo! 

See everyone tomorrow.

Amie

Feeling Good

Feeling sore, but feeling good!  Excited about the gym. The trainers and everyone that works at Will2Lose have been so helpful and supportive. Trying out different classes to see which ones work for me.  Zumba last night was tough, but I just kept moving.

See you all Saturday.

Happy Bday to Us!

Our group is one week old today, and I feel Young! For the first time in years, I did not wake up hating myself. I'm thinking that my "after" picture might actually look different from my "before" picture in 12 weeks:)) I nibbled on my chopped salad all day in the car, as I ran through my appointments, and woke up with a strange feeling this morning - I'm hungry. How Normal! Have a great day everybody:)

Hello My Red Hot Ladies.
Almost all of you have come to Will2Lose..YAY!  I know the rest have set up your appointments. Remember we have a meeting this Saturday at 12:30. No more then 45 min long. It will be informative and motivational.  I will answer any questions you might have.
See you at the club.

Good Morning!

Up early for a busy day, and first order of business is to chop my salad so that I can stick to feeling GR8! Hey - check this out - I flavor plain nf Greek yogurt with a little salad dressing - now I can drown my salad, with adding a whole lotta calories:))

I'm off...

Had my fitness assessment today!  Katie was great-very encouraging.  Feel really good right now! 

My first obstacle: My husband has gone down to Baltimore to be with his dad, who is having surgery today.  I have a almost-14 month old and no one to watch him so that I can go to W2L.  Grrrr...

Had my first visit with Norma.  She is great.  Went through the program and did all my exercises.  Thought I would be hurting today but I feel great.  Can't wait to go back!!

Week One of BetterU

Just the Facts – 1 in 3 Odds for Heart Disease, 2 Women Will live, 1 Will Die

Think about two women in your life that are important to you – friends, family members, or co-workers. Odds are that out of the three of you, one will develop some form of heart disease in the course of your life. Even scarier is that this disease can kill you! Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 killers of women, killing nearly twice as many women as all forms of cancer.

You probably know how to take care of your outer body and to manage your weight, but taking care of your inner body may seem more difficult. It's a misconception that adopting a "healthy lifestyle" takes too much time. While it's easy to say that tomorrow is a better time to start, it's up to you to choose to start changing now. Heart and blood vessel problems happen as we age, but if you can stay healthy until you turn 50, your chances of developing heart disease drastically decrease.

Over 12 weeks with the Better U program, you will learn your personal risk of heart disease and stroke and small changes you can make to live a stronger, longer life. Knowing what you need to do is not enough. Choose to start incorporating new, healthier behaviors into your life today.

Focus on Your Goals
Research shows that women who set goals are far more successful in changing their physical activity and eating behaviors. Following the SMART principles of goal setting you can improve your chances of success
even more.

Specific. Your goals should clearly state what you want to accomplish and by when.

Measurable. A SMART goal can be measured. "Two days this week I will ride my bike for 20 minutes."

Appropriate. Make sure your goals are right for you. For example, if you are already exercising regularly,
focus on decreasing saturated fats.

Realistic. A goal that is not realistic will never be attained. So why set it? Select a goal that is realistic for
you.

Time frame. Short-term goals are the building blocks for long-term goals. Focus on the specific things you
will work on each week.

Think simple — and remember that lifestyle changes don't have to be drastic. Then pair your short-term
goals with a reward. For example:

Goal No. 1: This week, I'll find 30 minutes in my day every day to be physically active.
Reward: Go see a movie on Saturday with my best friend.

Goal No. 2: By the end of the week, I'll read two new articles about the benefits of eating healthy.
Reward: Treat myself to a new package of herbal bath salts and read a magazine while soaking in the
tub.

first day at the gym

Yesterday was my first day with Norma.  Realized that I may be very strong mentally but not as strong physically as I would like to be.  Goal - strength.  Looking foward to seeing everyone on Saturday! 

No gym today for me

So I used my elliptical at home, and did planks and crunches, per our fearless leader Norma! yikes - I wish the eating sitting around was the hard part, and that this was the easy part - oh well - it is nice to have the same goal with a bunch of great gals~!

My nemesis: Jacob's Ladder

I don't know that I will ever enjoy this Jacob ladder machine. And here is also a picture of my new friend Keith who I hope to see the next time at W2L.

One step at a time...

Walked/jogged a mile on the treadmill this morning at home...between speed 3.5 and 4. Switched to Greek yogurt and berries for breakfast rather than cereal. Trying for higher protein, lower carbs, thanks to the chat in the detox sauna with the ladies at the gym yesterday. One step at a time....

Muscles a little sore from yoga yesterday, but not bad, can still exercise so it's all good :) I presume this will work itself out as I do yoga more.

Planning to attend a class tonight, either body sculpting or spin...fun! Hope to see a BetterU buddy there! :)

Take AHA with you when food shopping

Good morning awesome women!  Take us with you to the grocery store:  Please click here for healthy shopping tips!  Have a great week.  You've got this!

Yoga and workout! Motivating and fun!

Had a great time today doing Yoga for an hour, then a mile on the treadmill, steps and weights with a BetterU buddy. Then detoxed in the Sauna, it was very relaxing. Met some expert Will2Losers who clued us in to Vito's diet tips, including no fruit (yikes!) except berries at breakfast, since fruit has sugar. Even tomatoes have sugar, hadn't thought of that before. They suggested protein - including hardboiled egg snacks - as much as possible. Had steak and acorn squash for dinner, homemade veggie soup, gave up wine for lent so that keeps the calories down too. I felt so good, relaxed, motivated, after working out! Hope to go to another class Monday night.

Sunday yoga!

What a great class, made even greater when a BU member walked in. We worked out together and got to know each other, and I left the gym this morning Inspired. Made egg salad with Greek yogurt instead of mayo, and did the same with a turnip cabbage slaw - all delish. My family is perfectly happy to add their own mayo if they need to, and I can stick to my program.

Hard habits to break

I'm heading down to a yoga class at W2L this morning - gosh this is hard - it's the little habits that are so hard to break. like playing Mommy to my husband - I'd rather make his egg sandwich and doodle around taking care of him this morning, than take care of myself. So I'm leaving him a note about cereal and then I'm off with a swig of OJ and a healthy breakfast bar. Funny how it's easy to substitute greek yogurt for mayo, but it's the people habits that are hard for me to change. If Apple Farm is open on my way home, I might buy myself some delicious berries to celebrate my yoga success!

First day at Will2Lose! Fun!

Hi all, Had my first meeting with Norma our personal trainer today at Will2Lose. It was Fun, and I feel great! Did the treadmill (she moved me from speed 3 to 4 and it's a better workout), elliptical, free weights, steps, stairs, spinning, yoga, stretching. I'm looking forward to going to the 8:30am Yoga class Sunday morning. She is careful to make sure we push ourselves while being sensitive to any medical/joint/back issues we have. We are in for a great ride! :) Saw one of us there too!

Abundance!

Ladeez:)) I went to the gym, and Norma is soooo awesome. She's on our side! She ran through the whole routine with me - it's a little of everything - treadmill, jacob's ladder, free weights, machines, crunches. It's a Challenge to Change:)) I think the hardest part of this journey is going to be saying no the social things that come up, and sticking to my workout schedule. I tend to drop everything when it comes to "going out", and I realize that I will be taking myself out for the next 12 weeks - out to the gym!

what have I gotten myself into?

I lost my mom way too soon.  She died at the age of 68 from a heart attack.  As I attended today's kick-off, I was a little unsure of what I had gotten myself into. But, today, I publicly stated that I am ready to take control of my own well being!  Mom, this one's for you!

Introducing the 2013 Westchester BetterU Participants!

Welcome and congratulations to the new participants in the Westchester BetterU Program, sponsored by White Plains Hospital! These lovely ladies will embark on a 12-week journey to heart health by changing simple lifestyle behaviors like eating healthier, exercising more and quitting smoking.

They will join seminars at White Plains Hospital and benefit from expert training at Will2Lose gym in Scarsdale.

Participants will share their stories, challenges and successes in the BetterU program through this blog.

Bookmark this page for updates as these wonderful women share their experiences during BetterU!

Pictured from left to right:

Amie Getis, Beth Bruederlein, Maria DelVecchio, Barbara Cerf, Janice Barnes, Florence Husdon, Jody Stokhamer, Kiuu Fuller, Monica Valdivieso, June Burke, Peggy Nau, Beth Curley and Carol Washington.

Not pictured: Lina Petriello & Patricia Eisemann

Day One!

What a great meeting, and a great opportunity! I intend to celebrate my 60th birthday in June with a heartful of Joy. No more self-pity for me:) Just got in, and called Will2Lose - booked my appointment with Norma for 3PM tomorrow - off to Target to buy workout clothes!

Welcome BetterU Participants!

We're so happy to announce today at 1pm the Westchester BetterU participants who will take a 12-week journey toward heart health with us and program sponsor, White Plains Hospital! We'll have photos and the names later!

Can't think of a better day to talk about women taking care of their hearts! Happy Valentine's Day!

Seeing Red

It's Sunday and I have had a chance to read my BetterU guide and Sundays are *my* day to focus on the weekly goals and take stock.

This week my plan is to P-L-A-N. That's my first SMART goal.  Second goal is to exercise 4x or more and goal #3 is to drink more water and get up to 3liters each day.

I already belong to a local gym and reacqainted myself with the rowing class this morning.  Tomorrow, I will go to W2L for yoga and to meet up with Norma.

There is a new obstacle : my FIL is in the hospital and my DH is saying he needs to be ready to travel. That means I lose out on him watching Jonathan while I go to a gym so I need to focus on efforts to make my home gym a reality.

Okay,  so it's time to get my groceries.

Excited for BetterU and BetterME :)

Looking forward to getting started with BetterU tomorrow to make a Better, healthier, happier me :)

The night before............

I look forward to meeting the new "me" - changing my habits so that I have energy for myself, and inspiration for others.