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Introduction Text "We are the champions, my friends, And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end." Hi, I'm Leslie, I'm married with two kids (both in college). In December of 2012 I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure brought on by high blood pressure. They also diagnosed me with diabetes. The cardiologist stood in my hospital room on Christmas Day and told me that if I didn't make a change he didn't see me surviving for more than 10 more years. For me, this is not only about fitting into a smaller jeans size. I'm extending my life. Of course, the smaller clothes sizes and enjoying shopping again are a great fun motivator along the way! Update May 2014: I'm up to about 90 lbs lost. My heart function is at normal and so is my blood pressure and blood sugar. I have no need for diabetes medication at all, I control it with diet and exercise. My weight loss has slowed to barely a crawl even though I still eat within calorie range and exercise everyday. I'm so grateful I've spent the last year and a half adopting a whole new healthy lifestyle. I can honestly say I desire healthy food above empty calorie food. I don't feel right if I don't get my walking in each day. Most importantly I don't have to be motivated by what the scale is doing (or ot doing). I am motivated to preserve and continue to improve my health so I can fully enjoy this life!

Walk 30 minutes without dizzyness or shortness of breath - Achieved March 2013 Strengthen my heart to normal function - Achieved April 2013 Maintain healthy blood pressure - Achieved July 2013 Eliminate blood sugar medication - Achieved October 2013 Make it to ONEderland - Achieved April 14 2014 Get out of the obese BMI range - Get to and maintain a healthy cholesterol number - february 2015 Find my healthy maintenance weight number - In summary my goal is to have my health be the best it can be. That means achieving a healthy weight. Keeping my blood sugar stable and making choices that are good for my heart.

Heart healthy low sodium diet, 1000 - 1250 calories a day consisting of lean meat, lots of fruit and vegetables and healthy high fiber grains. I choose nutrient dense, rather than empty calorie foods and limit processed foods along with foods with unecesarry added sugar. I walk 30 minutes every day. I've learned to take one thing at a time throughout my day to minimize stress. I focus on things that bring me pleasure and calm, like my family, music, writing and my pets.





Add a Link Leslie (eastern time, GA) "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." Anais Nin
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