They are walking the walk together: encouraging each other to work through challenges and celebrating when they achieve goals!

‘Cause You Got to Have Friends!
Exercise doesn’t seem to be a problem for anyone: they’re doing great! Many have “walking buddies” for morning or lunch time walks and others are taking various exercise classes. As for changing eating habits, we have a little of everything: from diet plans with point systems; cutting out red meat or going gluten free; no longer skipping meals; making the mid-day meal more substantial and having a light dinner; or just trying to eat healthier. Whatever works for them. Living a healthy life-style is not a one size fits all.

Lending a Helping Hand
A couple co-workers asked me to “spot” them as I’ve done with Brenda, which I’m happy to do because it helps keep me motivated.  Of course they had the stipulation that I had to be “nicer” to them than I am to Brenda.  Nicer meaning I can’t be hard on them when they cheat by eat unhealthy food or skipping exercise.  I agreed.  It’s easier to be harder on a family member – who actually needs and wants that feedback – than a colleague.  And let’s face it, everyone cheats.

A Tale of Two Subs
That agreement was tested yesterday when I spotted two of my “5K challenge” co-workers eating subs.  (By the way, this is me being nice: I’m not mentioning names.)  One had a sub for breakfast, the other for lunch. I asked if the subs were part of their diet plan and got the response: “Hey, this is my main meal today.”   Wow, what a rationalization: guess since I ate sensibly for breakfast and lunch I can get that slimy steak and cheese I’ve been dreaming about for dinner!

So okay, we are all a work in progress.  The important thing to remember is we’ve all are step by step changing the way we think about healthy eating and exercise, taking steps to reduce our risk, not only of cancer but many other life-threatening diseases.

Share Your Story & Step Away!
Tell me some of the favorite excuses for not eating right or not exercising.  Comment on this post with your favorites and the most original submission will win a free registration to the Step Away from Cancer 5K coming up on Saturday, September 25. I look forward to hearing from you!

Best Laid Plans

“Getting in shape” was more than just working out appropriately to run the race – it also meant I had to walk the talk of healthy living.  Now I preach a healthy lifestyle, but I’m not always good about living it when it comes to eating.  I had a true love affair with Coke and fast food, which I had to break.  It did not come easy!

However, I am stubborn and competitive.  If I’m not good at it, I don’t want to do it.

So I said goodbye to my neighborhood fast food vendors.  Some even called to see if I was okay, I was such a regular.  I could tell you fast food came in because I’m a busy executive who works long hours.  But the truth is, fast food was easy because I hate to cook.   I stayed strong, with a few indulgences, and lost 10 pounds and was feeling much healthier.

Where was the problem area?  Exercise.

Lessons learned

I pushed myself too hard, too fast, and overworked my knees.  The result was stress fractures in both.  Not only was I out of the race all together, I was sidelined from many activities for quite a while.   Of course once I was out, I let some of my bad eating habits start to creep back in.  Not a lot, but enough.

Now I’m healed, learned a lesson, and going to give it another try.

Plans to participate

On Saturday, September 25th  the Foundation will hold its second Step Away From Cancer 5K and I’ve been challenged to do it all again.   And because I’m clearly also into public humiliation, you’ll be able to follow my progress in this blog.  And as I prepare for the Step Away 5K, I would love to hear from you.

Thoughts?

What are your favorite ways to eat healthy and stay in shape? Let me know your thoughts?