...In with the NEW!

I've been cleaning out my closets - literally. and reflecting on my lifelong battle with obesity. Now, since the clothes are cleared out, let's be clear -- I'm still on a mission. I’m bound and determined to live a healthy, active lifestyle. So no matter what obstacles I face throughout this journey, I will find a productive, healthy way to maneuver around them. Hate to toot my own horn, but so far I think I’m doing a superb job! Check out the photos. Tell me what y’all think. For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!

The Old

                            

JUMBO jeans are "OUT"!

The New

The "IN" thing - jeggings!

Farewell Fatso! Goes on Vacay

I’m so very pleased with the progress of Farewell Fatso! Sometimes, however, life simply gets in the way. And, this is one of those times. So that I am able to concentrate my efforts elsewhere I have to take a short hiatus from blogging. Best believe, I will definitely try to sneak in one every now and again, so don’t be surprised if you see a blog pop up a couple times a week.

Please, please, please make no mistake this project is near and dear to my heart and I’m not giving up on it. Together we are going to start a movement! I’ll be back soon, and for sure to keep you all engaged I’ll give random updates on FB. Until next time…

Happy Birthday, to me!

As I reflect on another year, I am truly blessed to have broken barriers that once seemed unimaginable. I'm proud of myself, and my accomplishments thus far. I realize road blocks along the way have helped define me. Today, I'm living life to the fullest and without regret. 

Eating Healthy Never Tasted So Good

Cool Shrimp Louis on a hot summer’s day! A bed of crisp romaine lettuce topped with hard boiled eggs, grape tomatoes, black olives, and jumbo shrimp. Served with a light version of the classic dressing. Mmm mmm, good.

I'm Worth It!

The other day after Yoga class I was chatting with the instructor about this and that, and of course, my weight loss journey came up. I recalled the day I signed up at
24-Hour Fitness. I initially went in with the intention of only signing up for a 7-day trial pass. The friendly membership guy gave me a tour of the facility and details about being a member. It all sounded pretty good until he started talking about the monthly fee. Hmm…I thought to myself…I’m receiving unemployment and money is really tight. How could I justify adding another bill? As he carried on highlighting the benefits of being a member, I blocked out his words because I was only concentrating on how I would stretch my already stretched dollar. In a split second, my inner voice whispered to me – I’m worth it – I’m worth, $36 a month. For goodness sakes, this is about my health, my livelihood.

Since that day back in March “I’m Worth It” has become my personal motto. A couple of weeks ago I went grocery shopping and I bought two lbs. of asparagus, at $3.99 a lb. I was telling my mom about it and she moaned and groaned about me paying almost $8.00 for asparagus. Like I told her, I could easily spend that much, probably more on a good steak, a pound of Peet's coffee, etc. So I wanted the asparagus and I bought the asparagus. I’m worth it.

Eating healthy and living healthy have a higher price tag, but I’m not going to let the price tag stop me from taking care of myself. I’m worth every cent.

Wardrobe Change

It’s a beautiful thing – I’m at my lowest weight in umpteen years. I feel lighter, movement is easier, and overall I just feel oh so good. But…visiting the closet and drawers lately to find something to wear - is a pain in the rear!
For most of my adult life I’ve wore the same size clothes or a range of sizes. It has taken me years to build my wardrobe, and fill the three closets in my bedroom with jackets, sweaters, skirts, dresses, shirts, blouses, jeans, slacks, and khakis. Ladies, you know how we do it.

So looking in my closet now-a-days is a bittersweet experience. On the one hand, heck yeah, I’m ecstatic I can’t fit those jumbo jeans anymore. Soon enough I’ll even be able to wear designer jeans, shoot designer clothes. My girlfriend promised me a pair of designer jeans once I reach my goal weight. That’s exciting. No more Lane Giant. I’ll be able to walk into any store and choose from the racks. Yet and still, I currently have nothing to wear and that bites. I like having a polished, coordinated look. Besides, my gym clothes, which also are way too big and really worn out, I’m down to a very limited number of pieces – about ten. So y’all please bear with me if you see me working the same few outfits.

Seems like an easy fix - just go shopping. Well, I’m still loosing weight so I don’t want to buy clothes in this size, which ironically is the size I had set as my goal -- I guess when I was almost 400 lbs. my standard was different, quite different. Anyway, I’m thinking soon I’ll visit thrift stores, clearance racks, or maybe even consignment shops to buy a few pieces. I have plenty of work to do before I’m at the size I want to build a wardrobe around. Enough already! I’ll stop my whining because really this is cause for celebration. Out with the old, and in with the new. Goodbye jumbo jeans. Goodbye Lane Giant. I’m glad to say I’m moving on and you won’t be missed.

Change is Good

In all aspects of our lives - every once in a while it’s good to mix things up - especially, when it comes to our workout routines. After several months of happily gyrating my hips in Zumba classes it finally became boring. Don’t get me wrong I still love the Latin rhythms, but as with most love affairs the honeymoon phase came to an end. So over the last couple of weeks, I replaced Zumba with an array of different cardio machines – you have to keep the body guessing.

To do just that, this week, I’m going to try something completely different. I’m not going to do any cardio. Yep, NO cardio. Instead, I'm going to take Yoga classes and weight lifting only this week – how’s that for a shocker body? I’ve heard so much about the benefits of Yoga. And, since this journey of mine is all about trying different things, I’ll give Yoga a try too -- Mind, Body, and Soul.

A Good Meal is Better Shared

Enjoying a healthy lunch together. Good times.

A healthy fresh meal is an allusive idea to some, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and some simple preparation you can indulge in healthy.

Healthy Cooking 101 classes were conceived of based on feedback from many of my followers on my blog and Facebook. The common thread seemed to be many people are searching for quick, easy, healthy meal ideas. Some folks lack the know-how, and others may simply need a tune-up with kitchen techniques. With a little guidance you too can make delicious, healthy meals.

Fresh, healthy, flavorful Mediterranean cuisine was featured in yesterday’s Healthy Cooking 101 class. Coming together to prepare the food and enjoy it together made the experience more pleasurable. As we diced, chopped, talked, and laughed the meal came together almost effortlessly. In less than 45 minutes we were seated with a healthy, delicious, well-balanced meal. As we were eating, I noticed the food honestly tasted much better than we I made it alone and ate it alone. Here’s what the gals have to say about the experience:

“The food was amazing and the company even better! Thank you.”

“Thanks for a delicious lunch that I don't feel like I need to do "penance" at the gym for. You really do have a talent.”

“Wow! Amazing food and fun ambiance. I really enjoyed this. Thanks Mamacita.”

Cause for Celebration!

One month ago today, I launched Farewell Fatso! As I reflect on the last month I feel pretty darned pleased with the dialogue that’s been exchanged and information given. I hope you all feel the same.

My goal is to continue adding information to help parents with overweight children. Sometimes I feel by sharing my story I loose my way a little with updating about issues surrounding childhood obesity. Please, make no mistake about it though my greatest desire is to do my part to help combat childhood obesity. So, please bear with me while I work out the kinks. We’ll get there – we’re going to start a movement!

Coming soon: Per your requests, I’ll add recipes to the site and a section about Food/Nutrition.

More exciting news…Today is the debut of my cooking class, Healthy Cooking 101. I created this class after hearing feedback from many of you struggling with recipes, especially healthy ones. Initially, I was going to add recipes to the blog (which I will still do), but part of what I was hearing was a lot of you also struggle with cooking techniques and that’s when I thought about offering classes. Look for photos and possibly even a short video clip tomorrow (Friday) from the debut of Healthy Cooking 101 class.

Thank you all for supporting me. Please keep following the blog, and for you local folks come join me for a cooking class/demonstration.

For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!

Eating Healthy Never Tasted So Good

The cavity of this juicy, roasted chicken received extra TLC it was rubbed with Thyme and Rosemary and stuffed with lemon wedges and garlic cloves. The outside was basted with olive oil and seasoned with Kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Baked to a golden perfection and served with brown rice and sautéed asparagus and cremini mushrooms. My teenage daughter says hands down it was the best chicken she’s ever eaten.

Do You

Along my journey to combat obesity and create a healthy lifestyle for myself --I’ve shared my trials, triumphs, and story with plenty of people. For the most part, people are very supportive and are truly excited for me. Of course, there are those who  half-heartedly listen to my story for fear they may have to look at themselves and re-evaluate their lifestyles. And, then some folks like to give advice on how I should proceed on my journey. Since I'm not really a private person and I have the propensity to open up to people. Sometimes folks feel they need to give me advice – even if I’m not particularly seeking it.

Recently, someone suggested to me that perhaps I should focus on myself more and not worry about helping others by blogging,*facebooking, and helping parents with their overweight children. After all, I still have plenty of weight to lose before I meet my weight goal…So maybe, just maybe I should take care of me, first.

Long pause. Deep breath. Regroup.

The truth of the matter is my blogging, facebooking, and helping others is actually very cathartic for me. By reaching out to you all it helps me work through my feelings, and furthermore it keeps me accountable knowing I have all of you rooting for me. Besides, what am I to do, wait until I lose all the weight and then begin my work? I don’t think so. I’m not promised tomorrow. None of us are. So I’m doing my thing today.

Here’s my unsolicited advice to you. Do you. Heed others opinions with caution. Remember, you have to be comfortable with the course you are traveling. Don’t let anyone dictate the path you take to get to your destination. In all likelihood the person giving the advice is trying to be helpful, but when it comes down to it, you have to know within yourself the road you travel is at your pace. No doubt, along the course you may hit some road bumps those are to be expected. Stay the course.

In closing, this journey is mine. Me, and only me, chooses the route I take. The course, I’ve decided to travel includes: Blogging, facebooking, and reaching out to parents of overweight children. All aboard!

----

*Facebooking a new term to be added to the Urban Dictionary

The Time of My Life – Part II

Sure, I'm not the best at Vball, but I was having a BLAST!
I'm to the right wearing an off-white shirt, jeans, and a HUGE smile.
Photo taken at Sunday's Family  BBQ.

I spent the weekend with my high school chums celebrating 20 years removed from high school. What a time we had chatting it up, reminiscing, laughing, and partying. The weekend started with a mixer Friday night, Saturday the headliner event, and Sunday a family affair – a BBQ in the park.

It’s been ten years since most of us saw each other and all sorts of things have happened in our lives over the years. So there is no doubt this occasion brought about a plethora of emotions in all of us. I personally have flashbacks of the terrible photos of me (one of many wake up calls I ignored to loose weight) from our ten year reunion. Seeing the photos of myself, however, taken at this reunion make me proud. Sure, I’m a work in progress and still have a ways to go, but look how far I’ve come.

Today, I’m alive, energetic, eager, happy, and most importantly free – free from limitations. The photos taken of me at the 20-year reunion show a spirit of a person who is no longer hiding behind excuses, unsure of her potential, not afraid to seek the unknown, and unwilling to settle for mediocracy.

“You look radiant. You glow from the inside out,” a classmate said to me in conversation this weekend. Whoa. What a statement, I glow from the inside out… That was the greatest compliment I heard all weekend. Don’t get me wrong , I love hearing about how good I look. Heck, I’ve worked really, really hard to get here. But, this long journey of mine is about more than loosing the weight. It’s about my spirit - my quest for inner peace and happiness. And, apparently now-a-days, I glow. Humph.

I’m no longer sitting on the sidelines waiting for things to happen. I’m making them happen. I’m having the time of my life!

***

Thanks, Jefferson Class of ’90 Demos for a beautiful weekend. I’ll cherish our moments together forever. Demos for life!

Also, I have to give a shout out to my peeps from the reunion committee – we done it y’all. Thanks for letting me be a part of the committee. I had a blast planning,marketing, and kicking it! xoxo

 Shannon and I have been friends since 3rd grade. Photo taken at Friday night's mixer.

All smiles. Headed to the headliner event Saturday night.

Eating Healthy Never Tasted So Good

Last night's dinner was superb!

Chicken fajitas -- full of bold spices, red and green peppers, sweet yellow onions, and of course tender, juicy chicken breast with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. BAM! Served on a whole grain tortilla (not shown).

The Challenge

This morning, my body aches, especially my feet. Oh my, aching feet! There are a number of possible culprits – but, I’m putting my money on the StairMaster® StepMill®. For some reason, or another – could be my stubbornness or plain stupidity, I just insist on climbing on the thing. Never mind, I sweat like a pig, pant, and can barely talk during the ten whole minutes while I’m on there. I can’t seem to get enough.

One thing, I’m learning about myself through this journey is I like to conquer things. A couple of months ago I took a cycling class and only made it through half the class (mostly due to the HARD seat). Anyhow, it bothered me that I was unable to stay for the entire class. So within two days I was back in cycling class and that time was able to complete the entire class. I’ve been back to cycling class a few times since then and have all but decided I really don’t like it, but I now know physically I can do it.

So…I think that’s my obsession with the StairMaster ®, I just want to know that I’m capable of doing it for more than ten minutes. Once I can get up to at least 30 minutes then maybe I’ll succumb, but until then I’ll keep stepping away. Let’s hope I can get up to 30 minutes without incident soon because I tell you -- that is an intense workout for a girl my size. The other day, I swear this older gent was looking so concerned I thought he was going to call for help. All jokes a side, there’s nothing I can’t physically conquer. Yes, it may be physically uncomfortable. Sure, it may cause me to be in compromised positions. But, no matter, I’m up for the challenge and until I’m personally satisfied with the results, I keep trying. I physically challenge myself more each day.


****
I thought this was a great description of their product: “For 25 years, the StairMaster® StepMill® has been called the toughest workout in the gym. We don’t think that’s fair. We think it just might be the toughest workout anywhere. For members who want real results and a real workout, there is no substitute.” From StairMaster® marketing team

Old Habits Die Hard

It’s 10:09 p.m. and my stomach is burning from hunger. I’ve had a long, emotional, stressful day. The events of the day have caused me to quickly revert back to a bad habit. A bad habit, I’ve spent the last several weeks trying my hardest to break -- skipping meals. The only substance I’ve had today came in the form of a pre-workout protein shake around 9 a.m. And, now, at this late hour all the missed meals are coming back to burn me - literally. My stomach feels like a fire pit, my mouth is chalky and dry, and I have a nagging headache. To make matters worse, instead of doing anything about it I’m blogging. Humph.

I guess...I should be pleased I've broken the emotional eater pattern. My past tendency would've been to consume huge amounts of food in hopes the food would solve whatever was going on. Now, I do the opposite, I don't eat, which certainly isn't the right path either. I’m trying to find balance, however, it’s not always easy. Heck, it’s never easy. Clearly, at best my relationship with food is still, a work in progress.

Oh well, I’ll give it another shot tomorrow. For now, off to bed I go. Let’s just hope I don’t start a fire.

So many possibilities...

Goodbye July. Hello August. I’m excited about August 2010. So many possibilities…

Here are just a few highlights:

• I’ll celebrate my 38th birthday
• I’m attending my 20-year high school reunion this weekend
• I’ve developed a new healthy cooking class - details coming soon

Personal goals for August ‘10:

• Challenge myself more during workouts - build my physical endurance.
• Continue eating healthy and creating new meals.
• Keep trying new things. Maybe this month I’ll try…
• Live everyday like there’s no tomorrow!

I’m ready for what August has to offer. Of course, I’ll definitely keep you all posted. What do you have planned? What are your goals? Do tell - I'd love to hear.