Sister to Sister

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Here’s one of the things I like most about participating in Sister to Sister’s Screen Four campaign: Because I’ve told pretty much everyone I know about my commitment to get heart healthy, I’m extra determined not to fail!

At work, I’ve told my friend Dottie that I’m trying to take off inches and pounds. And I’m so glad I did! Each morning when I walk through the office door, she greets me with, "Mornin’, Sista!" It’s her shorthand way of encouraging me to be good to my heart all day.

And for the most part, I am.

I’ve started eating a high-fiber, low-fat breakfast and making my coffee at home in a travel mug, since I like mine light and the coffee shop in my office building doesn’t carry fat-free milk. I’ve also started brown-bagging my lunch; important, since I don’t make great food decisions when I’m hungry or too busy to focus.

I’m also trying to keep a food journal, where I write every bite. This has worked well for me in the past, but so far I haven’t been able to get into the habit. I’m going to keep trying, though, because I need to balance my diet better and limit my calorie intake some more. I’m convinced that journaling will help.

And then there’s exercise. Oh, exercise. I’ve always hated going to the gym and my distaste for playing sports dates back to elementary school, when I was always the last kid picked for kickball teams. ("You take her." "No, you can have her!" Yes, I remember it well...)

Running is the one form of exercise that I’ve always enjoyed. Until about six months ago, that is, when my workload got bigger and the time I had for exercise got smaller. Practically overnight, I went from running three miles daily to running once or twice a month.

Nowadays, even if I can find time to exercise, I don’t have the energy left to do it. Still, I’m determined to get out of this sluggish cycle and back into a regular fitness routine. I’ve started changing into workout clothes as soon as I get home from the office (so far that hasn’t worked!). And in the spirit of Sister to Sister, I’ve asked a few friends to keep me honest by joining me for a walk or a run.

Are you getting heart healthy on your own or with the support of your friends? I’m sure there’s plenty I could learn from hearing your story! What do you say?