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Introduction Text I am a work in progress I'm a midlife wife, mother, RN, who likes to stay active and wants to keep it that way for the rest of my life. Have been overweight for 30+ years. I love dogs, I have a nine year old Bichon Frise named Linus who likes to walk/run then plop down until I carry him. In the past decade I have been diagnosed with autoimmune disease (unspecified) which has affected my thyroid and parathyroid, suppressed my immunity (low white count), and contributed to arthritis in various joints. I had my thyroid and one parathyroid removed in 2015 and have since stabilized my metabolism with medication. I'm very lucky to be able to continue to exercise by walking with Linus although a bit more slowly. I love to pedal my electric bicycle around the neighborhood and when covid-19 vaccines have gotten the pandemic under control, I will return to my local pool to doggie paddle my way around the pool to my heart's content. I am looking forward to that day! On January 9th 2021, I will be taking off with my team, The Spirited Underdawgs in the 5% Winter Challenge. We will be trying to lose 5% of our body weight in 8 weeks. This is my time to succeed :-)

1) Find the right balance to Nourish my body, heart and soul! 2) To stay active and live a healthy lifestyle. 3) To set a good example for my family and loved ones. 4) To encourage my family and loved ones in their own goals and to help them along the way. 5) To lose weight while maintaining lean body mass (i.e. muscle and bone density) 6) To monitor my TSH, T4, Calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. Maintain the proper dose of medication so that I have energy and a clear head. 7) To stay as active as possible despite my arthritis.

THE UNDERDAWG OATH I do solemnly pledge: that I will do my best to eat healthy and within my calorie range, that I will exercise to the best of my ability, that I will watch my portions and avoid mindless eating, that I will avoid or limit unhealthy foods, that I will try to get enough sleep, that I will stretch myself out of my comfort zone, that I will always try to make healthy choices even when stressed, that if I slip, I will get back on track with the very next opportunity, that I will keep a CAN DO attitude, or ask for Help, and that I will support my fellow pack mates Because I am an UnderDawg And every UnderDawg has the heart of a hero. So Help me Spark People I have to make it simple. My life is too complex already. 1)Stay within calorie range. 5-6 freggies, 60-80 grams lean protein, whole grains as much as possible, monitor calcium intake, stay away from added sugar and excess sodium. 2)Walk with

Nature inspires me.

I love hiking, biking, kayaking or just getting outside to walk in the park. Have been hampered for a couple of years with R knee arthritis and arthritic changes throughout my body so I am moving much more slowly but still moving! I am a retired RN who volunteers by visiting the elderly residents of local Assisted Livings and Nursing Facilities just chatting and praying with them. My visits have been on hold during the pandemic so I have been mailing cards to my elderly friends. I am married to a wonderful man for 35 years and have 2 adult daughters who are out on their own. But I am not an empty nester.. I have Linus, the perpetual baby of the family- LOL

Add a Link Harriet Eastern PA; Eastern Standard Time "EAT well. MOVE daily. HYDRATE often. SLEEP lots. LOVE your body. REPEAT for life." Sparkpeople.com "Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching." Satchel Paige
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