My grandfather, mother, uncle, and brother have all had problems with heart disease. That kind of family history might be considered motivation enough to keep a 42-year-old woman on the treadmill and as far away from trans fat and tobacco as possible. But it’s not that easy, right? While I’ve never smoked cigarettes, I am challenged to find the time and energy to exercise, and eat right. I use the word exercise on purpose, because the reality of my life, with two boys in tow, is that I am quite physically active. But the kind of physical activity that goes along with raising children (up and down stairs to do laundry, squatting to pick up toys, carrying grocery bags, mowing the grass) isn’t enough to keep my weight in a healthy range. As we know, being overweight is an underlying cause of heart disease, including the possibility of heart attack and stroke.

During an ultrasound test for my first pregnancy, I heard the specialist dictating his notes, describing me as a 32-year-old obese woman…I was shocked, and hurt. I lost most of the weight, thanks to a year of breastfeeding and a funk aerobics class at the YMCA. Fourteen months later, I was pregnant again, though wiser, I still held on to 30 extra pounds after my second son was finished breastfeeding. By then, I was divorced, working full time, and my stress had escalated.

To keep my body, mind and spirit healthy, I need a menu of strategies to choose from. Depending on the season of life, some work better than others. I try not to eat a full meal after 7 p.m. and limit the kinds of snack food I keep in the house. I walk to the neighborhood coffee shop instead of driving. I also bought a Zoo pass so the boys can enjoy the animals and I can get some exercise. I started running on the treadmill, even though I don’t like it now, maybe I’ll learn to. For my spiritual side of health, I reconnected with the church family I grew up in.

I try not to be too hard on myself when I lose momentum. I appreciate compliments when others notice my success. I am fueled by indignation sometimes; and I draw strength from my girlfriends.