“Lee” wants to healthfully lose weight (about 1-2 pounds per week).  In addition, “Lee” needs to lower total cholesterol and improve the HDL/LDL ratio – hopefully bringing the levels within normal ranges over the next six months.  Furthermore, “Lee” would like to develop a consistent fall/winter exercise program but typically struggles with exercise during the winter due to not being able to get outdoors and having fewer hours of daylight.

What challenges do you face in reaching your goals?

  I am an emotional eater; I eat sweets when I’m stressed or unhappy.  I am in the process of developing non-food related ways of dealing with stress.

I am generally more consistent at participating in outdoor physical activities than indoor physical activities.  However, with the days getting shorter, I find it difficult to safely exercise outdoors when I have the time to exercise; I have an outdoor exercise buddy 1-2 evenings per week, but the other nights can be a challenge.

What value does this award and opportunity have for you?

  This 6-month program offers me the opportunity to make great strides toward a healthy weight.  A healthy weight is something very personally valuable to me; being at a healthy weight would decrease my risk for heart disease, diabetes, and joint difficulty.  In addition, I would move more comfortably and easily.  I have been at a healthy weight before; being at a healthy weight is constantly on my mind as an unfinished life goal.  Finally, I would love to look great in my clothes!