Health Hero Profile: The Incredible Shrinking Lisa... Lisa Czerniejewski

HEALTH HERO PROFILE 4.30.12 (is a profile of an individual who has successfully overcome his or her health and fitness challenges or is actively transitioning into a healthier and active lifestyle).

What is your age and where are you from? 

Lisa Czerniejewski I’m 44 and originally from Milwaukee, WI but have lived in Washington State since mid 1993

What was your beginning weight?

423 was highest in 2009

What is your current weight and how long have you maintained it?

340 and still losing. I have changed the way I use food. Food used to be my best friend. It comforted me in times of sadness and loneliness and helped me celebrate my joys and accomplishments. Now I view food as nourishment and not a “drug” to medicate my feelings with.

What made you want to lose weight and exercise; was there something specific that happened or was it a combination of things?  

I made a complete change in my life…I met someone who for the first time in my life accepted me exactly as I was…broken on the inside…he helped me see that I am worth so much more…I realized the life I could have if I took the steps to ensure a long life was far beyond anything I imagined.

What diets, supplements, and fitness programs have you tried in the past?

I tried Weight Watchers unsuccessfully.

How'd you lose your weight?

I stopped using food to medicate my feelings.

Did you share your plans with other people? How did your family, friends and co-workers influence and support you?
People started noticing a change in my appearance and my energy level. It was hard for me to see at the time because I attributed the change to new found love….but once I saw none of my clothes fitting anymore I had to acknowledge that something profound was happening.

What were some of the challenges that you experienced on your weight loss journey?
More energy, change in the way my clothes fit and feelings of happiness I had not experienced before.

If you have dieted in the past and regained the weight, what did you do differently this time?  In what ways has your life changed?
 I don’t fear social situations anymore. I used to be fearful about being the largest person at an event and would often forego attending out of embarrassment. I would survey a room and seek out the sturdiest chair available and even then I may not actually use it for fear it would collapse. I look forward to long walks…I guess I should say I am actually able to take long walks now. I don’t have anxiety attacks when I have to buy clothes. I can go into a store and buy things and not get depressed because nothing fits….lots of things fit now.

What are some moments-accomplishments that you are most proud of?
On September 11, 2011 I walked and finished my first 5k walk ever….Iron Girl Seattle. Receiving that medal at the end of the race blew me away.

What are your ultimate "must haves"///favorites: foods, fitness routines, music and training gear?

I must have quinoa salad prepared in my fridge. Full of protein and fiber…it is nearly guilt free and satisfying. It eliminates my desire to fill up on other things that would derail my efforts. Good walking shoes…I am up to 5 pairs I rotate and  I ‘m sure if I saw a pair that caught my eye I would buy them too….perhaps I have an addiction brewing….

Eating a balanced diet and exercise go hand in hand for permanent weight loss. What do you do for fitness-to stay in shape?
 Hot yoga water aerobics and walking.

What motivates you to stick with your healthy lifestyle?

I have to honest I am a HORRIBLE self motivator. My boyfriend is a triathlete and I tag along with him and do what I can at my pace while he does his stuff at his pace. I have a group of friends who help me remain accountable for my exercise too.

Do you have any positive quotes you'd like to share?

 "It's wrong to believe that you need a certain physical body type to run. All body types can run. The people who succeed are not the ones who have the longest legs or the leanest torsos. The champions are the one who understand how to harness the power of the brain. Determination. Discipline. Organization. Time management. Friendship-making. These skills are what it takes to succeed in running. You have to want it, you have to plan for it, you have to fit it into a busy day, you have to be mentally tough, you have to use others to help you. The hard part isn't getting your body in shape. The hard part is getting your mind in shape." -Amby Burfoot
Even though running is not my goal I find the message of harnessing the power of your  mind extremely powerful.

What words of advice can you give to someone who is struggling to lose weight and exercise?
Don’t view it as an attempt at “losing” weight see it as a whole new life you are “gaining”

What are your best life lessons and the keys to your success?
Talk about your fears, anxieties and doubts….find a few good supportive friends….blog about your thoughts and challenges it really makes a difference.

And lastly, do you have any short term (3 months or less) and long term goals?

Walk 50 miles by 7/8/12
_____________________________________________________________

Rosie's Note:  Lisa is a bright, funny and articulate person and has a rich story that will truly inspire anyone.  Lisa, keep enlisting community support and continue to believe in yourself.  I know that you can accomplish the realistic goals that you have outlined.  Good supportive walking shoes are a terrific "addiction" to have. Keep the faith, we're rooting for you and be sure to stay in touch, RR.

Eric Hanson's 10th Street Middle School Fundraiser

Folks,

Check out my friend Eric Hanson!

Eric will be running his first 26.2 miles ever to raise money to improve

technology at 10th Street Middle School  where he is a social studies teacher.  In December 2009, he made

the decision to change his health habits.  On April 20th, 2010 he achieved a weight where he could

start to exercise and made a commitment to getting and staying fit.  And he's been running ever since!!!!!

***10th Street Boosters is a non-profit organization set up to benefit 10th Street Middle School in

Marysville, WA. We work each year to provide community building fundraisers that feature the talents and

skills of our students and surrounding community.  Please join us as we find new ways to define what “Going

to middle school” can mean for our community.

http://www.10thstreetboosters.org/10th_Street_Boosters/Hansons_Run.html

The Today Show with Joy Bauer - The Joy Fit Club Book ~Whooty Whoot!!

Last Thursday started out as  a normal day, but little did I know that it would be anything other than normal! 

 I was invited to go on the Today Show along with two other guests- Gregg McBride and Jamie Francisco to discuss  and celebrate Joy Bauer's latest book - The Joy Fit Club Cookbook, Diet Plan and Inspiration. 

Saaaay whaaatttt????   That's exactly what I said. 

There have been over 150 inspiring stories on The Today Show-Joy Fit Club in the past four years.  Club Members are people who have lost a hundred pounds or more by adopting a healthier approach to eating and exercising.  All without extreme dieting or surgery.  The book shares 30 inspiring stories of real people who didn't  have personal trainers or  fancy chefs. 

This is an exceptionally well written book that will inspire people- actually the nation to revamp our lifestyles and get off the couch, grocery shop and cook healthier meals. And to definitely hit the gym!!  I literally carried this book with me everywhere I went for three full days and showed it to everyone, I mean everyone until I finished reading it!!!!

The book is filled with stories about real people that kept working at trying to lose their

weight until they "got their it"!  Mind blowing success stories. The impressive

recipes and meal plans are a terrific bonus. This is a book has an unforgettable

wow factor and I will be giving copies of it to my friends for Mother's Day.

Johannah Sakimura, MS Editorial Director, Health and Nutrition

Hodaaaaa!!!!!!!




Joy Bauer Ventures

I feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful group of people and to be included in the book and thrilled to have been on the show.  Joy and Johannah make an excellent team.  They were both charming and down to earth and made us feel right at home.  Thank you so much Joy, Johannah and The Today Show for everything.

It was an awesome and fast paced two days but I did manage to fit in a 5 mile run thru Central Park and shop......yowsssaaaay, yowssssaaayyy!!  All in all it was a wonderfully magical adventure!!

Health Hero Profile: Xavierism..... Xavier Castillo

HEALTH HERO PROFILE 4.23.12 (is a profile of an individual who has successfully overcome his or her health and fitness challenges or  is actively transitioning into a healthier and active lifestyle).

What is your age and where are you from?

I am Xavier Castillo, 47, and currently living in Phoenix, Arizona.

What was your beginning weight?

Beginning weight of 250.

What is your current weight and how long have you maintained it?

Currently 177 pounds. I've kept the 73 pounds off for almost 2 years.

What made you want to lose weight and exercise; was there something specific that happened or was it a combination of things?

I have always had weight issues since my grade school years. I can still vividly remember shopping for a nice Sunday outfit for my First Communion with my Mother . Even at the age of 8, dress slacks were simply not my friends. While trying on different slacks and suits, I could hear my Mother tell the sales lady, "We always have problems shopping for Xavier. He has such a big belly and butt --it's just never easy." My High School years weren't any different. I stated packing on the pounds and continued to fit my weight. By the time I graduated from High School, I was 5'10 and weighing close to 200 pounds.

At the end of 2009, a close and dear friend, Patty, along with her husband, were traveling from Boston to Phoenix to visit family. She informed me that she would have time to meet for dinner. I so wanted to look and dress nice but nothing fit. NOTHING. I felt so crushed. I was so embarrassed I wore ordinary clothes and tried to hide the weight. That evening after dinner, Patty's husband snapped a picture of the two of us. Once I received that picture, I knew I had to do something once and for all. I realized at that point that so many key parts of my life were suffering. My relationship and social life were suffering because I felt ashamed for being so overweight.

What diets, supplements, and fitness programs have you tried in the past?
College years my weight ballooned to 250 pounds. After college, I tried to "re-invent" myself by working out and trying all those fad diets. Powered drinks were the easiest and cheapest at the time so I tried that. I lost weight but the pounds quickly returned. I even tried Diet Center. I had to weigh my food, take nasty tasting vitamins & and the food was horrible. The weekly visits to their office weren't cheap. I did manage to lost a bit of weight but again, I gained the weight plus more pounds. I turned to running but I only ran for the sole purpose of losing weight so I never felt the joy of running. I did enter a half marathon to raise money for charity. I walked most of it and my body felt so much pain after that. My body was weak and I didn't want to face facts.

How'd you lose your weight?

In March of 2010, I slowly began to change my eating habits and add walking as a form of exercise. Within weeks, I could see and feel that I lost a few pounds. I would search the internet for Mentors and read how they lost weight and their advice to others. This is how I found Rosie. I remember watching the video clip of her guest appearance on The Today Show. She and all the others became my Mentors from a distance. By the end of 2010, I was down to 190 pounds. In November of that year, I signed up to run my first Half Marathon. I had two months to prepare for this race. I learned the importance of proper nutrition while exercising/ training for races. On Jan. 8th, 2011, I ran my first half Marathon in 14 years -The Southern California Half Marathon in Irvine, California - 2:31:28.6. I trained alone for that race because I was scared to tell others in the event that I failed of chickened out.

Did you share your plans with other people? How did your family, friends and co-workers influence and support you?

Initially, I did not tell anyone about trying to lose weight for the 100th time. I thought I would keep quiet and just continue my goal alone. Slowly but surely, friends began to notice the weight loss. It was then that I felt people began to take me serious about my weight loss. Since The 2011 Southern California Half Marathon, I train with a great group of friends that encourage me to be a better runner and to be more aware of my choices as far as diet in every day life.

What were some of the challenges that you experienced on your weight loss journey?

With the weight loss, I've learned that just because I lost the weight doesn't mean it won't return. This is a lifestyle change. We must continue to make changes and adjust to every day life and situations. Stress is a part of life...but now I know rather than to eat my stress away, I can work out or run and not allow certain moments to get the best of me.

In what ways has your life changed?

The weight loss was just the beginning of things to come. Through this whole journey, I believe we're put on this earth to help others. It's how the human connection works. We gain insight from others. We use that knowledge to inspire others. I have wonderful friends that understand me. I always have a great wardrobe. When I lost the weight, I bought all new clothes, suits, ties, shirts & shoes. I donated all of my old clothes. I have come so far to turn back now. It's so true: One can never know about the Joys of Life until you experience the bottom of lows. Dig deep - find yourself. Give back. It's all about moving forward in Life.

What are some moments-accomplishments that you are most proud of?

My first half Marathon in 14 years -The Southern California Half Marathon in Irvine, California. I was also proud of the fact that I purchased a whole new wardrobe once I lost the weight. I donated and gave away all my clothes to charity.

What are your ultimate "must haves"///favorites: foods, fitness routines, music and training gear?
Fave foods while I train & my every day life? I have a salad every day with just a small amount of low cal dressing. I always have a small bowl of mixed fruit per day - usually with cantaloupe/melon/ and a few
strawberries. Via my George Foreman grill, I always have boneless/skinless chicken breasts stored in the fridge for my salads and quick to go proteins. While I lost the weight, I began to become aware
of foods that I like and how to prepare various recipes. I'm not a big fan of fish but do enjoy making trying different Salmon recipes. I love coffee and always have a cup after I run. I always make sure to drink plenty of water each day. Vegetables are the best. Love whole wheat pastas with Spinach, squash and/or broccoli. Thank God for the Internet. There are great healthy recipes all over the net - it's a matter of doing research and working with foods that we each like. Experiment with different spices. Mix it up.I love making a huge pot of Pinto Beans soup. When it's done, I enjoy a nice bowl for lunch or dinner and freeze the rest in different containers. That way I just take a container out and keep in fridge for meals during the week.
Usually after a race or when I've reached a small goal, I will reward myself with a treat. There are foods that I do miss such as Chocolate Malt-O-Meal, Wingless Buffalo Dip and Chips & Chicken Wings. So when I do reward myself with a treat, it's always one of the above listed goodies.
I'd be lost without my Nike+ GPS Sport Watch and Sony NWZW262BLK Walkman MP3 player. The Sony MP3 player is perfect while working out or on runs. Never have to worry about wires. Easy to upload music from laptop to player. It's a Nifty headphones/MP3 player at a great price.

Eating a balanced diet and exercise go hand in hand for permanent weight loss. What do you do for fitness-to stay in shape?
I do my best to eat proper amounts of proteins, good carbs & drink plenty of water. I never drank enough water. Now...I realize I need it more than I could have ever imagined. I always have my Kor water bottle with me. Sometimes I like to mix it up and add a Nuun tablet to my bottle. Cucumber Mint and Tangerine Ginger are my faves.
Vegetables and fruits are a big part of my daily diet. I have always loved playing tennis and now incorporate it into my weekly workouts and running.

What motivates you to stick with your healthy lifestyle?
I've come too far to turn back. If I return to my old ways, there would be no way I could maintain the Life I have now. Running 25-30 miles takes endurance and commitment. I'm thankful that I now have the will to continue with this lifestyle. I also have made good friends through running and tennis. I tend to shy away from a social life when I gain weight. I rather work hard to maintain this lifestyle that I've embraced. I feel as though I can't return...this is my Life.

Do you have any positive quotes you'd like to share?

"Always carry a few strands of Faith in your pocket because without them, Life can be a lonely place." --My Buelita (My Grandmother)

What words of advice can you give to someone who is struggling to lose weight and exercise?
Dig deep - find yourself. Seek out and find Mentors. Confide in those you trust to help you get through the tough moments. Reaching out for help isn't weak - it simply means you're Human. Keep the Faith!

What are your best life lessons and the keys to your success?

Best Life Lesson: "I feel my only job in life is to be who I am" - Maxine Gray (Judging Amy) -- I love this quote because I learned that I was hiding my true self. I can't return to that dark time because then I would lose myself. I'm here. God gave me Life and I want to experience all the Joys in this lifetime.

And lastly, do you have any short term (3 months or less) and long term goals?

Short term goals: *To train for the San Francisco Half Marathon (July 29th) & set a new PR. This means I must once again train during the hot summer months here in Phoenix. Will have to get up at 3:30am so I can be out and running by 4am to beat the heat! *I plan to enter a few Tennis events.

My current goals are to improve my PR time for a Half Marathon and to add a Full Marathon to my Bucket List.Continue to be a better friend to others. *Continue to give back. I do a great deal of volunteer work with Hospice groups. This cause is very dear to me. When we are given gifts, we must give back. I want to make certain that I give to the Circle of Love & Life

Best part of Long Runs: When you're scheduled to run an 8-10 mile run, you are set to go on an adventure with yourself. There are the times I pray and talk to God & Angels. I force myself to think about and face the things I've mentally set aside. Running has allowed me to invest in quality therapy sessions with myself.

My Blog: http://xavierism.typepad.com/

Where to Find me on the Web: http://about.me/Xavierism

xavier@xavierism.com

__________________________________________________________________________

Rosie's Note:  Xavier, you are fine and fit as a Top Gun and I love your muscles!  It is awesome that you have changed your nutritional and training plan for life and that you believe in sharing and giving back.  Keep us posted on your future races so we can add updates to your profile.  Thank you for your wonderful friendship, RR.

Whidbey Island Marathon 4.15.12

It's been 3 years since I've run the Whidbey Island Marathon and my oh my it was an absolutely beautiful and exhilerating day and race.

It was super exciting to meet first time marathoners and hear their stories, Teresa!
The winding hills that would not stop and the beautiful scenery was spectacular and energizing.

I finally remembered to wear my Maniac tank top! I run to be focused, strong, healthy, positive and to reach my goals and it's about putting one foot in front of the other..... it doesn't matter how fast or slow I go so long as I go and I may not be the first to cross the finish line but it's really about believing in myself and others. Running helps me to face the world with a positive attitude and arms wide open to embrace whatever comes my way.

Next up-Pittsburgh Marathon in May, looking forward to seeing family and meeting new friends, whooty whoot!

Have you ever had a dream that was larger than life and it filled you with excitement and took your breath away? I firmly believe we're all born with a purpose.......that there's something that we're supposed to do and accomplish. The world is an absolutely magical place.

My friends dream big, keep the faith and happy training,

Rosie Rose Coates......The Sporty Diva
rose@sportydiva.com

sportydiva98445@gmail.com
www.sportydiva.com
promoting health and wellness with a philanthropic//pay it forward mission

In an effort is to make Sporty Diva’s mission (promoting health and wellness with a philanthropic//pay it forward mission) more available and accessible to everyone, I've made a commitment to blog about various health and fitness related topics once a week and to include stories about people who have overcome their weight and exercise challenges OR who are in the process of transitioning into a healthier lifestyle.

Are you someone who has lost weight and or are persuing a healthier/active lifestyle and would like to share your story on this blog? Or do you know someone who you are proud of and that inspires people around them to live a healthy lifestyle?

Fill out the questionaire below and email it to me along with some before and after photos.

____________________________________________________________
What is your age and where are you from?

What was your beginning weight?

What is your current weight and how long have you maintained it?

What made you want to lose weight and exercise; was there something specific that happened or was it a combination of things?

What diets, supplements, and fitness programs have you tried in the past?

How'd you lose your weight?

Did you share your plans with other people? How did your family, friends and co-workers influence and support you?

What were some of the challenges that you experienced on your weight loss journey?

If you have dieted in the past and regained the weight, what did you do differently this time?

In what ways has your life changed?

What are some moments-accomplishments that you are most proud of?

What are your ultimate "must haves"///favorites: foods, fitness routines, music and training gear?

Eating a balanced diet and exercise go hand in hand for permanent weight loss. What do you do for fitness-to stay in shape?

What motivates you to stick with your healthy lifestyle?

Do you have any positive quotes you'd like to share?

What words of advice can you give to someone who is struggling to lose weight and exercise?

What are your best life lessons and the keys to your success?

And lastly, do you have any short term (3 months or less) and long term goals?

________________________________________________________________

Why I am starting to Blog

Prior to March 2002 I felt as if life had knocked me down because I weighed 300 pounds.  Even though I'd been exercising since my daughter was 3 months old,  I remained at 300 pounds because I was a compulsive and emotional overeater.


In March 2002 I realized that I had reached rock bottom with my health, eating and fitness.  But somehow I found the guts to get up.  I also realized that there was beauty in a breakdown.


I stopped lying to myself, my family and the world and began facing my problems head on and gradually scaled back on the amount and type of food I was eating.  And threw out my scale for 18 months and did some soul searching as to why I was eating the way I was.  During that time I ramped up my workouts to include the elliptical, running, weight training, rowing and  cycling. 
When I weighed myself on my birthday, I had lost 100 pounds and eventually lost 10 more thru additional efforts.

In 2006 I became a personal trainer and established Sporty Diva in 2007 to promote health and wellness thru various channel and provide support, encouragement, education, inspiration and motivation with a philanthropic//pay it forward mission. 

I believe in giving more than I receive and want to help make this world a healthier and fitter place.   We are all in this life together.

Please join me in future discussions about health, wellness, fitness, athletic gear, running, weight lifting, pilates, yoga, food, motivation, family, recipies etc.

Be well in all you do today,

Rosie Rose Coates.....The Sporty Diva

Expect everything of yourself; there is no limit to what you achieve if you put no limits. Do not ever put any achievement out of your purview if it is something you might want. Keep your childhood dreams with you as an adult. They are a reflection of how your soul is trying to guide you in life. Failing is okay. If you try 10 times, you may fail nine of them, but it is only the one success that counts. Use outward goals to direct your progress, but remember that ultimately the path you take is more important than the end you reach~~ Divya Chanderhttp://www.sportydiva.com/