Right on course

2011 © Vivian Johnson

When I was hit by a car and sidelined with a fractured tibia in February, I could not conceive why. At the time, I was working with an awesome trainer, fitness level and endurance at it's peak. I was even training for a half marathon. In a blink of an eye a "Change of Course." 

I spent months on crutches with no weight bearing to my leg -- in a brace. I made a pact with myself during this time to keep my spirits high, but let me tell you -- those were some trying months. Having to get around was difficult, not being able to exercise with intensity even more difficult, friends came and went, and then there was the fear that I would not fully recovery. Sometimes at our darkest hour - our lowest point is when we rise to the top. When we are going through life at a study pace, all is well and life is easy we find ourselves in a comfort zone. It usually takes some sort of tragedy, a period of darkness to force us to make adjustments, dig deep, and sit still with ourselves. Trying times are what build character. Again, I did not conceive at the time why I was being taken on this route. Ohhhhhhh but now I can see clearly. I'm blinded by light. Like Eminem said, "I guess I had to go to that place to get to this one." So folks here I am at this place, five months later: leg mostly healed, working with another phenomenal trainer, regaining my strength, and on the verge of some really big life changing events. I can honestly say, everything happens for a reason and we may not see it at the time because we can't see past the darkness, but I kept my spirits high, kept living my life and exercising. Some people would say that I've been setback five months, I beg to differ -- I'm right on course.

I read a book, "Returning: A Spiritual Journey," while taking a theology course in college and I refer to this excerpt again and again: "In times of anguish it was hard to have the faith of an Abraham, and difficult to be reassured by doubts when I seemed to be walking in darkness. Yet there I was, like everyone else, having emerged from all sorts of crises and heartbreak and traumas, events that seemed to have insured my destruction or at least any chance of ever feeling joyous and fulfilled again, and I had gone on, and felt renewed and hopeful all over again, and the very pits of despair most often seemed to have been entries to the next unexpected, unimaginable (while in the pit) emergence and rebirth." ~Dan Wakefield 

No cookies needed

Yesterday, was another emotionally overwhelming day full of good news. I guess, I just have to get use to it -- my life is changing for the better in a hurry. Things that I wished for are really happening. Last night, instead of making a half batch of my signature chocolate chip cookies I did what was natural -- I allowed myself to feel: excited, proud and on the opposite end of the spectrum vulnerable and lonely. My transformation is about growth from the inside out.  I'm a work in progress, growing leaps and bounds. I'm proud to say that last night no cookies were needed.

The weight is over

Lovin' life!

Good news, at last! The weight is over I've finally broke the latest plateau. The scale is heading in the right direction - 2 lbs. Phew. It's been at least six weeks, I think maybe longer.  I'm ecstatic about the weight loss, but more importantly I'm happy about the way I feel! I feel freaking amazing.

Non-weight related milestones:

• Last week, I successfully made it to the gym five (5)days - first time since accident/surgery
• I OWN the bike
• I really, really dialed in on my diet 
• I didn't allow myself to become discouraged -- I stayed focused with a positive, this too shall pass attitude  

Disturbing trends

Since I've been on a mission to live a healthy, fit lifestyle my senses have been heightened - sometimes that is not a good thing. A few disturbing trends I've noticed as of  late have me singing, Marvin Gaye's: "Dah, dah, dah...Make me wanna holler and throw up both my hands."

1. Starbucks inside grocery stores. An open invitation for you to consume a few hundred EMPTY calories while you shop. Shopping and  sipping on a sugary liquid crack drink. SMH. Even more disturbing, when you buy your kid one too. 
2. Subway "Eat Fresh". Huh? Deli meat is full of carcinogens. And, I'm sure the press board type from Subway must just be... I find it somewhat odd though that the American Heart Association endorses them. Oh and the Subway by my house has a 24-Hour drive-thru. 
3. Little Caesar's Large Pepperoni pizza for five bucks. Do I really need to spell this out? You get what you pay for! Heavy, heavy sigh. They also have a drive-thru. 
4. Microwave popcorn. Disgusting. Have you ever looked at what's in the bag? And, seriously now it's to the point we can't even take a few minutes to pop, popcorn on the stove. 
5. Candy sales. I see more and more candy sale ads. You know that cheap candy, Reese's, M&M's, etc. 3 for $1.

Man, oh, man folks. They really have a clever way of marketing this stuff to us - mainly making it cheap and convenient. Please be smarter about your choices - it may cost more up front but in the long run - you're worth it!  Dah, dah, dah...

Let 'em talk

I'm always thinking about y'all. How to inspire, encourage, and reach you. Y'all have become a significant part of my life. You give to me and I give to you - reciprocity at it's best. This weekend while at my mother's house the answer to one of the questions many of you have asked me finally came to me. It's funny how that happens. For weeks, I've been trying to come up with an answer and nothing. Then all the sudden. The answer came to me.

Many of you heavy folks, heck some of you not so heavy folks are intimidated by walking in the gym and getting your workout on. The equipment is part of the intimidation factor, but the main issue is what other people think. Let's be clear: Who cares what they think? Who cares what they say? Let 'em talk. First off, they probably really aren't thinking about you -- they should be concentrating on their workout. Again who really cares. They'd talk about you just the same if you were at a restaurant gorging yourself on highly caloric food -- probably even more so then. And really I think most people if they are talking about you are applauding your efforts.

You have NO idea the compromising positions I've been in throughout this journey. When I started working out at the gym I was a whooping 294 lbs. I was guaranteed to be the heaviest, most out of shape person in the Group X classes I was taking. Sure, I was intimidated by folks and looking in those mirrors was mortifying. Lying my huge body down on the ground on a mat - oh my, God.  Having to run, jump, plank, dance. All things I was very uncomfortable with. Some things I just couldn't do, other things I wouldn't even try. I didn't let those fears or the fears of what others thought of me get in the way. Some days it was overwhelming. Some days I'd come home and cry. But you know what? Looking back on those experiences I was my own worse enemy.

During my time at the gym. I've met some beautiful, encouraging people in those classes and out in the gym as well. Some of these folks I still talk to today and I call them my friends. Most people look at me with admiration. In boot camp, (I was about 285 lbs.) they would applaud for me after I reached the finish line when running relay laps. One day I was in the locker room talking to a woman and I mentioned to her that I was on my way to Yoga class. Next thing I know she shows up to Yoga and plants herself right next to me. After class she told me I inspired her -- if I could do it, surely she could (she's an average size woman). Her and I are still friendly with one another to this day.

At the end of the day, it makes no difference what others think or say about you.  People are going to talk about you no matter. This is about your health, well-being, and livelihood. Do what you have to do, to better yourself and let NO one stand in your way. I speak from experience when I say you probably really are your own worst enemy - stop!

• If you are intimidated with going to a class: Ask a friend to join you. Or stand in the back of the class until you feel more comfortable.
• If you are fearful to use some of the equipment out on the gym floor. Ask your front desk folks about an orientation of the equipment. Most gyms will be happy to walk you through and show you how to use the equipment. 
• If you can afford a personal trainer - an even better option. One-on-one routines geared towards your fitness level and you'll get proper instruction all set at your pace. I train with Northwest Personal Training and have complimentary passes to get you started. Email me: farewellfatso@gmail.com if you're interested.

Summer Entertaining

Tonight, I had a girlfriend over for dinner out on the patio. The temperature was perfect, the ambiance was beautiful, and the food, well the food was delish! We laughed, talked, and enjoyed each other's company over a good home cooked meal. She admitted it was much better than ANY restaurant.  I used my 10 percent wisely tonight and I don't feel guilty because it was good wholesome food made with love by me.

Whole Wheat pasta with grilled organic chicken breast and roasted asparagus. Tossed with pesto and topped with fresh basil and parsley

Tomato Feta Salad: Tri-Color grape tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, fresh basil and parsley, white wine vinegar, and olive oil

Garlic Herb Crusted bread: Real Grade A butter, with fresh garlic, basil, and parsley on an Artisan baguette

Sweet Endings -- Organic peaches, blackberries, served over creamy Australian Vanilla Yogurt topped with sliced almonds


This folks is why I NEVER eat out!

Great People

Mark Twain was right, “Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.” I've been fortunate enough to have some really great people surrounding and encouraging me throughout this amazing journey - through life in general. I'm currently working with a guy, Steve Schorr, who shares his greatness and his enthusiasm for fitness with me. He constantly reminds me that I too am great. He's the one person who stepped in and has really helped me dial in on the most important factor my diet. He doesn't stop there - at the gym, he gives me that extra push that I need. This morning, I was just about tapped out on the row machine and there he was reminding me of my goal, my greatness. Reminding me to stay strong, stay focused. He also reminded me to slow down some -- for goodness sakes, I am rehabbing a fractured leg. Not to get ahead of myself, in "due time" he said. No doubt, internal motivation is most important, but there's something to be said for external motivation. Somedays we just need that extra push. Today, my push came from Steve. Thanks homie and coach -- to the top!

Drive-thrus and ATMs

No quick fix.  Just a never, give up attitude and HARD work.

We are a society that craves instant gratification. Fast food drive-thrus, ATMs, and 1-10 item check-out lanes at the grocery store. We don't like to wait. We want, what we want -- now. So no surprise that when it comes to losing weight and adapting a new healthy lifestyle we're no different. The changes aren't happening quick enough, we grow impatient. We become discouraged. We...

I can honestly tell you, ladies and gentleman the drive-thru (DT), ATM mindset does not work when it comes to losing weight. This is the HARDEST thing I've ever done in my life so I'm speaking from experience. The only way to get the weight off is through hard work, diligence, and a sense of humor. There were plenty of times when I became discouraged because the scale wasn't moving (it's at a stand still right now), I wasn't able to perform a push-up, or I had a slip-up and indulged in chocolate chip cookies. These types of things are normal -- it's life. Instead of hanging my head and throwing in the towel, I made adjustments. Heck, in July 2004 I had gastric bypass surgery which was my DT, ATM approach and that did not work. Sure, I lost some weight, but ultimately it wasn't until I truly made up my mind and put in the necessary work through diet and exercise that I began to see results. The point, is I did not give up. I dismissed the DT, ATM approach and took control.

I think it's important I mention that results shouldn't only be tied to the scale when trying to lose weight. Look to other things like a change in your endurance, strength, and your attitude. Yes, the goal is to lose weight but ultimately the goal should be a lifestyle change. The way I live my life today looks totally different then in July 2004. I say all this to say, if you plan to set out on a path to healthy living and weight loss, there is no quick fix. Stay focused. Stay diligent. Leave your DT, ATM mindset behind because folks this all about HARD work.

"Hard work pays off. When someone tells you otherwise, beware the sales pitch for something “fast and easy” that’s about to come next. The greater your capacity for hard work, the more rewards fall within your grasp. The deeper you can dig, the more treasure you can potentially find." Steve Pavlina

Quality not Quantity

No gym workout today.  Those of you who have been following me know I have a tendency of going hard and then crashing into a brick wall. Not this time around, I'm taking the day off to replenish, refuel. After all, it's not about the number of days I go to the gym per week -- I don't want to just go for the sake of going. Showing up is not enough. When I hit the gym I want to give my best effort, my all. It's quality, not quantity.

Eating Healthy Never Tasted So Good: Guacamole Salad

Yum! I was grilling flank steak for dinner the other night and wanted a new side dish to go with. Ding! Ding! Ding! I found a winner, Guacamole Salad. It was full of wonderful, fresh flavors. Oh and the colors were absolutely gorgeous. Haas avocados, grape tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, red onion, jalapenos, and black beans tossed with a tangy, spicy lime dressing. I've already gotten the ingredients to make this winning recipe again, maybe tonight even.

Grocery Shopping No-Nos

eArrrrrrrrrrgh. This blog post has been in me for a while, but Saturday it all came to a head. I was at the grocery store restocking on produce -- low and behold I spotted some major shopping offenses. The cart was being pushed by a young boy about ten years old and was full of processed crap: Totino's pizza, Noodle-A-Roni, Bar-S sausage, ice cream, etc, etc. There was no sign of REAL food in the cart. You know food that has not been genetically engineered. The boy's father was gleefully catching up to him with a bag of Cheetos in his hand, (apparently he had forgotten them and HAD to go back). Heavy sigh. What's even more disheartening the two were not native to America. So I guess it's like when in Rome do what the Romans do? SMH. 


I shop at a variety of stores because certain stores have better bargains and some just have better quality. Sometimes I shop at Winco, but that's usually for things like bulk raw almonds, nuts, brown rice, whole grain pasta, broths, beans, and canned tomatoes. I NEVER buy meat there - not quite sure where it comes from - no thanks. Anyhoo, I frequent Fred Meyer's because they are very close and I like the one stop shopping. I also am regular at Chuck's Produce for local, organic, specialty goods, meat and fish. When I shop at Chuck's the level of shopping changes and so do the customers which I guess would make sense. This has nothing to do with race or ethnicity it's an economic issue. While in these stores you don't see grocery cart no-nos. Heck, they don't even carry Cheetos. Again, it has to do with socio-economics, class, education. It's expensive to shop at these stores -- let me tell you. Fortunately, I'm only feeding myself and my daughter otherwise I probably would have to make some adjustments to how and where I shop. 


It is not my intention to come off as some food snob or act like I've never touched processed food. No doubt  I use to fill my cart with no-nos too, but I've since found my way and I want to raise awareness about the issue of  processed food. For me returning to the basics of cooking fresh meals has been KEY to my success. I prepare 99 percent of my meals at home. Foods such as pastured, grass fed meats, eggs and poultry, fresh organic vegetables and fruit, wild caught seafood, tropical oils, clean, and raw diary products are better for your overall health. Sure, shopping at Chuck's and stores like that may be a little too rich for some people's blood but at least consider shopping for less processed food and more healthy raw food when shopping at the other stores. This is a pretty big topic and I haven't even touched the surface rather than continue on. I will do another post on this later. See the links below for more information and stay tuned for more...


The Benefits of Healthy Whole Foods
The World's Healthiest Foods
4 Most Harmful Ingredients in Packaged Foods
What are the problems with processed foods?
Wean Yourself Off Processed Foods in 7 steps

"Start from Scratch"

I love music and I'm really eclectic in my taste. If you got a hold of my iPod you'd be blown away at the diversity - whoa Nelly. Anyhow, when it's time for a gritty workout the genre I prefer is Hip-Hop and Rap. One of the songs I listen to, to get me pumped up is ""Start from Scratch" by The Game. In the introduction he says: "What you looking at self. You want a piece of me?" He's calling himself out. I need to be called out too when I'm about to deadlift. Hee hee. Once I  hear that intro I go into a zone.  


So I was out walking recently, my mind more relaxed and the song came on in the shuffle. I finally really got the full context of the message...Yes, rap music usually has a message. 

The chorus: 

If I could start my life from scratch

If I could take away the pain off my past

If I had another chance I would do just that

I'd give anything just to go right back

Aha! That's just it -- all the events of my life, tragic and not so tragic make me who I am. 

• The busted down training wheels on my bike as a girl
• Having a child at 20 years old and raising her by myself
• Tipping the scales at 388 lbs.
• And, my defining moment...The darkest, coldest winter I've EVER experienced -- 2009 has transformed me into the beautiful, vibrant, fit, woman I am today. 

While suffering through that long, dark winter I could not see any light. I didn't even conceive there was light. Ha but out of the darkness I  found myself and as a result I've created myself. If I had to do it all over, no doubt, I'd start from scratch. 

Confessions

1. I'm not perfect - surprise.
2. I feel like a hypocrite... 
3. I ate out of pure emotion last night.

The last few days since the release of the article have been emotionally overwhelming for me -- in a good way. This is everything I wanted lots of traffic to the blog, positive feedback about my progress -- and to inspire and motivate others. Heck, that's why I blog, but seeing it all come together is a little much.  

I've often said this before I'm no reality TV contestant.  I'm not farmed away at some facility working the weight off because of a monetary prize or for fame. I don't have a staff of personal trainers and a chef. Nor do I get the luxury of dodging my everyday affairs while I'm off taping the show. I'm right in the thick of life. Beyond my battle with obesity I'm a single mother, daughter, friend, dog owner. I juggle finances, relationships -- you get the jist. It's business as usual and somedays it all just becomes too much. 

Yesterday, was one of those days. I was on an emotional high from all the hype about the article. I went to get the mail  and there's a letter from the unemployment office -- no check this week. Huh? So I had to stop and call them to figure out why. Then my dog hurt himself and required a visit to the vet. Did I just mention I didn't get a check this week? Heavy sigh. With all the emotions the ups and the downs -- I longed for the familiar: Butter, sugar, chocolate chips in the form of a cookie. Trust me, I knew I was merely craving the cookies out of emotion but I longed for the kind of comfort that didn't require discussion or much thought. If I called a friend that would require me to actually talk through it and quite frankly I was tapped out from communicating. Okay, so why not take a walk? I just didn't want to.  So, I say all this to say, I baked a half batch of my signature chocolate chip cookies last night and ate them out of pure emotion.

News flash: This is life folks. I'm doing the best I can to battle obesity and manage life. Somedays I have slip- ups and eat chocolate chip cookies. Make no mistake today is a new day and I won't let yesterday stop me from making my ultimate goal. For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!

23 / 1

Shh....I'ma let you in on a secret. You probably won't even believe me. It took me a while to wrap my mind around it too. It's the God's honest truth though. Diet/nutrition trumps exercise everyday of the week when it comes to weight loss. I know, I know. A hard pill to swallow. We all like going to the gym and getting our workout on.  It makes us feel good. It's a rush. A high like no other. When we leave the gym we feel so accomplished.  I must preface the rest of what I'm going to say, by saying, please DON'T stop your workout regimen, it's important for your overall health and fitness. But...

...As my good friend and coach reminds me all the time, the one hour or so I spend in the gym is not nearly as important as the 23 hours I spend away from the gym. Steve's a certified personal trainer so of course he wants folks to come to the gym. Duh, that's how he makes his living. So for him to give me this insider information is HUGE. He tells me all the time -- you don't even have to come to the gym but you do have to watch what you eat. When I went down with my fractured leg a few months ago. He immediately stepped in and helped me refocus my attention to my diet. He pointed out that I still would be able to lose weight while I was down if I paid attention to what I ate. Guess what? He was right. I did NOT gain any weight during my 14 weeks rehabbing instead I lost 10  lbs.

Steve has been after me about my diet for sometime, however, I'm stubborn and I would not listen. I thought whatever - I can sneak in a cookie here. Have an extra little bit of orzo and spinach there. The less I weigh though it seems I'm unable to get away with those types of behaviors. I'm stubborn, but no fool and so I realize that it's time for me to set aside my destructive ways in order to meet my goals. I certainly have not and will not give up my exercise routine -- I love the way working out makes me feel --but I am taking his lead, following his theory, and really dialing in on my diet, 23/1.


To put it all in prospective, check out this video -  you can't out train a bad diet:

Still don't quite buy into the 23/1 theory, check out this article:

Why Exercise Won't Make You Thin

Worn out

My undies are downright embarrassing. They are big, saggy, and
raggedy. I mean, really. I've lost multiple pant sizes so there too big and to boot they have lost the elasticity. Sometimes they bunch all up in my pants and a few times I've had to pull them up because I started to lose them as I was walking. Yup, it's pretty bad. So bad even my teenaged daughter has commented on them. She's even offered to buy me new ones. I really ought to be ashamed of myself. I guess it's time to get rid of the extra big undies and get some smaller more attractive ones. Eventually, I'll be Victoria Secret bound but first things first -- throw out the worn out undies.

Everything Must Change

Organic Chicken Caesar Salad

I follow the 90/10 rule when it comes to my diet and I typically cash in my 10 percent on Saturday's. Well, lately I've been working really, really hard on cleaning up my diet. So yesterday's cheat/treat meal looked completely different than in the past. I just couldn't see myself going too far off path. So for last night's dinner, I prepared a Chicken Caesar Salad. Yes, the dressing can be highly caloric but I went extremely light on the dressing and sprinkled plenty of lemon juice to enhance the flavor. For my after dinner treat (Which, I only have on Saturday's) my signature homemade chocolate chip cookies were calling my name but I didn't cave. Instead, I used the fresh peaches and blueberries I bought at the Farmer's Market to create a delightful little summer parfait. I feel so good about my decisions. I realize that in order to cash in on the ultimate prize, changes are necessary. You can't keep doing the same things and get different results. Everything must change.

Sweet Endings: Blueberries, peaches and a little bit of vanilla yogurt

I'm Worth It, You're Worth It!

There's no price tag on my health, my livelihood. My gym membership dues are a mandatory part of my budget. Working out makes me feel good.  Eating Cage Free 100% Vegetarian Fed Eggs is a must. They just taste better.

Last summer, I wrote a post "I'm Worth It." where I mentioned how my mother complained about me spending nearly $8.00 for asparagus. A similar situation occurred recently.  I had the pleasure of shopping with my friend's mother. I was  introducing her to some healthy items she could have on stock in her pantry and fridge to whip up healthy meals. Well, she was a little reluctant to spend on some of the items. We were shopping at Chuck's Produce  and they are a little upscale. So they will have some sales, but most things are a little spendy. The way I explained it to her was simple -- you're worth it. It's just a couple dollars more and the quality of these items are noticeable.  When you buy organic you can tell the difference. Organic food is better for you and it simply tastes better. She decided to splurge on some items that day that she would have normally not bought. Ha. She even went all out and bought an Organic salad dressing. So next time your conflicted about the price tag of your health - stop -- you're worth it!  

Weight It Out

I've been through this umpteen times before. I'm focused. Doing all the right things: Eating healthy and balanced. My exercise regimen is on point. But, the numbers on the scale just aren't moving. In the past, I would panic. Change the batteries. Declare the scale broke, but not anymore I'm an old veteran at this. This my friends is a plateau. Sure, it's a little frustrating. Really though I find it rather amusing. The human body is an amazing machine. So I just keep on doing all the right things and maybe shake up my routine some.  One day soon out of nowhere the numbers will again start to drop.  For now, I'll relish in the fact that I've broken through stalemate periods like this before to the tune of 170 lbs. forever gone. Reminder to self: Just weight it out. 

Changing Face

I'm looking more and more like my mama. When I was heavier I looked more like my dad and his side of the family, but as I lose weight most people who know me say all the time "You look like, Lodie." I was in the grocery store the other day and saw a family friend. He waved at me tentatively from across the room. From the look on his face it seemed as if  he was confused. I haven't seen him in umpteen years, but he has saw my mom recently. So I think, he thought, I was my mom. The same day, I was sitting outside my mom's house and her neighbor pulled up. The neighbor started right in talking to me about this and that. No doubt, she thought I was my mom too. I think no matter, I still have my dad's eyes and definitely I have both of their DNA.

Throughout this amazing journey, I'm shedding the pounds, recreating myself, and looking more like my mama.

Bare Arms

You would think with all the weight I've lost I would have an easier time getting dressed. Humph. It's just the opposite. It's a huge ordeal lately. Mainly, because of all the sagging skin under my arms. I'm pleased for now with the look of my clavicle bone, shoulders, and back. But, the saggy skin under my arms makes it oh so difficult to find something to cover up and it seems with the smaller size shirts they make the sleeves shorter, making it all that much more difficult. Heavy sigh.

So yesterday as I got dressed for some holiday fun, I was really struggling with not wearing a jacket over my halter dress. In the end, I decided to just embrace my arms.  Who cares -- they're my big, saggy arms and I'm not hiding them anymore. Sorry if I offended anyone who had to witness them. Better get use to them because I've given myself permission from this day forward  to bare arms.

Raise Your Glass

When I created Farewell Fatso! last July I had a vision for it's direction. As a product of childhood obesity I wanted to do my part to help combat childhood obesity. My plan was to blog about childhood obesity related issues, reach masses, and create a childhood obesity movement. My blog and FB page were going to be so BIG that eventually our First Lady Michelle Obama would get word of it and ask me to start a local "Let's Move" chapter. What can I say? I think big.


Fast forward: One year and Farewell Fatso! is on a completely different course. So I started thinking what is Farewell Fatso? Well, the way I see it, Farewell Fatso! is a little bit of everything.  Relevant. Non-relevant.  Farewell Fatso! is where I chronicle my real life weight loss and fitness journey. Farewell Fatso! is a spot where I hang out and share my passion for health, wellness, food - good food. It's a safe place where I share  my daily successes, struggles about my childhood nemesis, obesity. Ultimately, Farewell Fatso! is about self-discovery, acceptance, love. It's the place where the fat girl FINALLY makes way for the beautiful, fit, confident woman. Thanks again for entertaining my crazy, embracing, and encouraging me. Raise your glass, here's to another triumphant year.


***
As promised I've made some changes to the blog, I hope you like the new color and pattern. Per your MANY requests, I've added a "Recipes Galore" section (Right hand middle page). Currently, there are only a few recipes, but don't fret I'll continue to add more. And yes I'm partial to Martha Stewart's recipes. 


Also, please take a moment to read the new pages I've added under the "Pages" section at the top right.. I've even added a "Frequently Asked Questions" page.

• Cooking Back
• Emotional Eating...Just Stop
• Healthy Living: I Want This Forever
• FAQ

Don't worry, I'm not giving up on childhood obesity issues,  I'll still post childhood obesity related articles from time-to-time and there is still a"Childhood Obesity Resources" section as well.