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Lisa Rice in July 2005
Lisa Rice in January 2010

By Corrine Giannini, R.D. LDN, Nutrition Program Consultant, NC Division of Public Health Women’s Health Branch

Do you remember your New Year’s Resolution from last January? Ironically, it has been observed that many people fail to keep up their promise and take up the same resolution every year. Nevertheless it should not deter you to make that change now: you never know if this might be the time! So go ahead, get inspired, and make and keep your commitment.

Looking better and feeling better is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions taken up by people all over the world. In some ways, society has become obsessive about one’s look and its overall persona. On the other hand, slimming down, toning our bodies, and exercising can be a life-changing activity that leads to a healthier you.

So, when was the last time you made a pledge or commitment to make a
change/changes in your life to become a healthier you? Lisa Rice, a
native of Asheville, made that commitment and has since lost over 135
pounds. Lisa’s story and her determination to be “A Walking Time Bomb No
More” was featured in the June-July 2010 issue of Heart & Soul
magazine, and on August 10, 2010, Lisa shared her story/testimony with
Project NAF participants. During that meeting, Project NAF participants
were so inspired by Lisa’s story that they agreed to “Walk Away the
Pounds” during the next Skill-Building/Empowerment Session. This
activity will be coordinated by Ms. Rice.

In Heart & Soul, Lisa shared how a personal crisis impacted
her self-esteem and led her to comfort herself through food. “All I
wanted to do was eat, sleep, and go to work.” Lisa stated that being
overweight manifested itself in the following symptoms: high blood
pressure, fatigue, insomnia, intense stress. “I could not walk up a
flight of stairs without gasping for breath. Lisa had reached 305
pounds, and during a visit to the doctor’s office she was told that if
she did not lose weight, she would not live to see her (then) 16- and
22-year-old children grow up.

“The light bulb came on and I realized I wanted to live. I chose
life over death.” Lisa stated she made a conscientious decision to make
some changes. “I did not want my kids to say, ‘Well, my mom died because
she did not take care of herself.’ It was something I needed to do for
myself.” As reported in Heart & Soul, Lisa joined a gym and worked
out with a personal trainer, starting once a week and increasing to
three times a week, rotating among cardio, weight lifting, and sprinting
classes.
Lisa stated she also eliminated fried foods and all sugars. Lisa is now
135 pounds lighter. Another positive benefit, she says, is that “My
youngest son has also slimmed down because he eats what I eat.” She
adds, “I no longer take my blood pressure medicine and I feel better
today than I did when I was 21. I have taken my life back and shed the
weight. I would love to be a support person to encourage other women to
take steps to a healthier life. Do it for yourself—you are worth it.”

Lisa now teaches spinning class once a week at The Body Shop on
Wednesday nights at 8:30 p.m. She welcomes anyone to join her as her
guest. 

For more information, please contact Belinda K. Grant or Shari
Smith at (828) 225-8155, or online at [email protected] or
www.mtzionasheville.org. Project NAF is located at 47 Eagle Street,
Asheville, NC 28801.

Project NAF extends heartfelt thanks to The Department of Health
& Human Service’s Healthy Beginnings Project & Office of
Minority Health & Health Disparities, and Buncombe County for
funding the Project NAF Program.