Heart disease is the number one killer for women of color in America. Having already lost her father to heart disease and coming to the realization that she was overweight, Sheila Diane Harris decided to take matters into her own hands in order to save her life! The 42-year-old wife and mother reached her biggest size in 2005, at which time she was wearing a woman’s size 24. Besides having a difficult time finding clothes, the breaking point came when she saw a picture of herself. She did not like what she saw; when did she gain all of that weight? Upon taking a closer look in the mirror, Sheila knew her eating habits had to change and exercising would have to fit into her extremely busy schedule.

Working full time as a Office Manager for a marketing firm, serving as an Event Planner for a community service program, and taking classes to obtain her master’s degree in Accounting & Finance Management did not leave Sheila much free time. Besides going to school and working, Sheila is an active member in her church, is the mother of a teenage daughter and has been married for thirteen years. Before starting an exercise regiment, she discussed it with her family and then consulted her primary physician. Her doctor had previously informed her that her weight might become an issue as she got older if she did not do something about it now. The time for change had come.

We can do it and with a busy schedule; we have to take care of ourselves for ourselves

Since Sheila’s husband, Chuck does most of the cooking for the family they would have to be partners in her weight loss plan. Chuck began to grill meat as often as he could, instead of the usual fried food. Salads, vegetables and fruits became part of her diet. Desserts and breads proved to be hard for Sheila to resist, but instead of eating a big portion, she would eat in moderation. When the family went out to dinner, she tried to select sensible choices off the menu. Eating everything in moderation would be key. Sheila describes how she coped with desserts, her favorite food; “I had cravings for sweets but I would just have a fork or two and that’s it –a small portion.”

Walking around a neighborhood park during the warm months and riding her stationary bike during the cold season; Sheila became adamant about losing weight. Water became her drink of choice, at least eight 8 oz. glasses a day. When looking for parking, she began to park further away from her destination so she could add more steps to her daily walking ritual. She did not weigh herself daily, but she could tell that the inches were coming off as her clothes began to fit differently. Sheila lost 75lbs and began wearing a size 16 while feeling healthier all the time. It took one year to drop the weight; along with the weight-loss came higher self-esteem for Sheila as well.

Sheila’s words of wisdom to all the GIRLFRIENDS out there are, “We can do it even with a busy schedule; we have to take care of ourselves for ourselves!”

- Tammy HoDo