Jackson Free Press

I had a doctor's visit recently, and I almost passed out when I saw the numbers on the scale. I gained 35 POUNDS in two years! Well...

...I'm starting a weight loss plan next week. I've been sedentary for way too long, so it's time for me to get off my tush and get to work. Also, I've got to fight the urge to munch on all the foods containing refined sugar, white flour, preservatives and simple carbs that my mom has around the house.

When I lived on my own (both times), it was easier for me to maintain a decent weight. But, as my godmother told me, I always lose weight when I move away from home and gain weight when I return! I can't blame my mom, though. I'm the one who puts the tempting treats into my mouth. I am not being forcefed. Therefore, I take full responsibility (sniff) for my actions.

Well, I've never liked trendy diets (low-carb, South Beach, cabbage soup), so I decided to go back to someone that helped me in the past - Denise Austin.

No, I don't know her personally (I wish!), but when I was a teenager, I read her workout books and exercised five days a week when she was on ESPN. Because of that, I countinued to walk and do aerobics on a regular basis. Sometimes, those workouts sessions became a little less regular, but I would still get SOME exercise in, even if it meant walking around the office building on my 15-minute break.

The recent lack of motivation and energy (and an increase in appetite) has finally caught up with me. It's time for me to do something before the fire department has to use the jaws of life to get me out of the house!

To take a look at the Web site I am using as a guideline for my weight loss plan, go to http://www.deniseaustin.com/

SOMEBODY PRAY FOR ME!

Previous Comments

ID

103171

Comment

Praying for you, Latasha. And thanks for posting this. Honestly, one of the most important conversations we need to have in Mississippi is about health and obesity. It is directly tied to our economic well-being, health-care costs, Medicaid and so on -- not to mention our personal energy to be vital progressive forces in our community. I often wonder how much of the laziness on the part of our citizens results from hideous diets and lack of exercise. I, too, right now am trying to get more healthy balance into my life: better food, more exercise, more relaxation, time off (I'm a workaholic if no one's noticed, and that's not a good thing). Let's keep talking about this. And welcome to the site! I really look forward to where you take this blog. Cheers, girlfriend.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-10-13T09:29:29-06:00

ID

103172

Comment

Wouldn't it be nice if there were sidewalks with which to run or walk. I don't know about you but on N state street there is no sidewalk going towards fondren. One begins on the southbounh side of the street across from precinct 4 but that's it. Not that the trail is impassible but a lit walkway would be nice(ok now i'm dreaming). Cherokee Heights Park, by the time I got there exercise is complete. For now I will just get drug around the streets by my dogs and dogge cars.

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2005-10-13T11:23:51-06:00

ID

103173

Comment

Maybe the next artmix the sponsors could encourage locals to walk, saves gas and promotes exercise. Would also offer some down time and less guilt after all the free wine and hors duerves.(sp)

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2005-10-13T11:25:51-06:00

ID

103174

Comment

I hear you, LW. Since I've moved back to MS (home) from FL, I've gained 20 in 2 years. I found out about the this a few weeks ago and passed it along to Dan Johnson at Rainbow Whole Foods Co-op. He has been part of two conference calls on the march, and I can't wait until next spring. Let's get the word out! From www.earthsave.org: When the government which is supposedly representing us is a failure at taking care of us, we have no choice but to take to the streets, to give people the information they're being denied, and to demand that things change. EarthSave is ready to march, and we need your help. We need your bodies, we need your minds, we need your creativity, and we need your financial support. Our plan is to organize a march in 2006 through the state of Mississippi to its capital, Jackson. Along the way, we'll stop in towns and hamlets to meet and mix with people and share information, camaraderie, and plant-based foods. The march will culminate with the presentation of a petition calling on Mississippi officials to do their jobs and take care of their people, not their campaign chests. Why Mississippi? Because according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, it is the fattest state in the Union; one-quarter of its population "is affected by childhood or adult-onset diabetes." Last year the CDC gave $1 million to help educate in Mississippi schools about health. It has given no such grants to any other state. We're starting where the need is greatest, and if we have to march in every state in the Union, we'll do it, because U.S. citizens can't go on like this. The fact is, many people today are getting sick with largely preventable diseases, diseases which can not only be prevented but reversed through a change in diet and lifestyle. Food companies -- and the politicians they own -- don't want people to get this information. So it's up to groups like EarthSave to help get it out.

Author

Steph

Date

2005-10-13T20:10:32-06:00

ID

103175

Comment

No sidewalks here in the Prez either - just sewer gutters. :-) I need to start going back to Park II. The walking trail is paved and peaceful. You may even see a rabbit every now and then.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2005-10-13T21:53:22-06:00

ID

103176

Comment

What about a city-wide "walk or bike to work" day...would encourage fitness and save gas, too...

Author

Izzy

Date

2005-10-14T10:49:41-06:00

ID

103177

Comment

where is Park II?

Author

Izzy

Date

2005-10-14T10:50:06-06:00

ID

103178

Comment

Presidential Hills has two parks. Both are on Flag Chapel Road, but the second park is down the street from the intersection of Flag Chapel Road and Franklin D. Roosevelt Dr.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2005-10-14T18:22:45-06:00

ID

103179

Comment

I lost six pounds. Whoopee! I didn't get a chance to go to the park, so I used my mom's treadmill (which I hate). Yesterday, I only stayed on it ten minutes instead of the usual thirty. My sinuses are acting up again, so sometimes I feel like I'm swimming in the head. See, I don't need alcohol to get a buzz! If I did drink, I'd probably be in a coma since I can't even handle a little sinus trouble.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2005-10-25T08:23:02-06:00

ID

103180

Comment

Steph- That walk sounds cool. I had never heard of that before. I also did not know that we are the largest country, besides South Africa, that doesn't provide healthcare to ALL of our residents. Come on, people...GET A CLUE HERE. In my "other life" as a columnist I wrote a column centered around Americans being "sick" and how we are encouraged to be "sick". I think its definitely something that needs to be explored.

Author

Lori G

Date

2005-10-25T11:35:43-06:00

ID

103181

Comment

ANYONE who is interested in participating in the brainstorming, planning and preparation of the Health March next April in Jackson, a web page has been started for this purpose. You can email [email][email protected][/email] for an invitation to join in. Creative individuals are needed to help with the mission statement and the "official" event name. Help is also needed for PR and fundraising ideas, too. The web page includes a timeline which lists some of the important milestones between now and the event, scheduled to coincide with Earth Day, April 22.23, 2006.

Author

Steph

Date

2005-10-25T13:16:32-06:00

ID

103182

Comment

Well, I had to let go of my Denise Austin membership. I could no longer afford the nearly $40 fee since I have to put gas in my car and important stuff like that. Although I am no longer counting every calorie, I have leveled off at being four pounds lighter than when I started since the holidays began. As for the exercise regimen, I had to put that on hold. I've experienced too much pain, so I need to find out what's going on before I continue further. I've been told by a doctor to stay away from the treadmill since my knees can't seem to handle the impact. She suggested water aerobics, which I will probably look into. (Which reminds me - I still need to learn how to swim.)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-15T23:30:25-06:00