Move!

I've been busy, busy, busy with all sorts of projects. As a result my workout routine has suffered greatly. I really miss my gym time and exercising. My body feels so heavy and sluggish. I need to get back in action. I need to move! The numbers on the scale remain the same, but my body just feels so ugh. There is something to be said about exercising. Exercising makes me feel better. When I exercise I feel trimmer, lighter, and less stressed.  My trainer, Steve always tells me I don't have to come to the gym as long as I eat right. Sure, that's true because diet is the biggest factor when it comes to weight loss, but I feel so much better when I combine the two. My goal is to lead a healthy lifestyle that combines diet and exercise. My regularly scheduled gym routine will resume soon, very soon. It's time to move!

Delicious News!

Give the people what they want. I've heard time and time again from you all - "I want the recipe." "When are you going to make a cookbook?"  Well, the wait is over. Just in time for the holidays -- I've created and am self-publishing my very first cookbook, "Farewell Fatso! Bringing Cooking Back."

This morning, I actually held the first draft copy - what an AMAZING feeling.

First draft copy

By Friday, I'll have information on how YOU can pre-order your copy using PayPal. Yes, shipping anywhere in the U.S. will be available.

Books available by Saturday, December 10th. I'm currently working on a few local locations for book signings. Surreal.

Y'all are the reason this is happening. An extra-extra special thanks to my beautiful friend, Katina for inspiring me to actually bring my vision, our vision to life.

More to come soon.

I'm truly bringing "Cooking Back."

Repost: Steel Good

I love a warm bowl of oatmeal on a cold fall morning. For months, I’ve been reading and hearing about the benefits of Steel Cut Oats, so recently I decided to give them a try. I was quite impressed. They have a denser, nuttier texture and you can really taste the goodness. With each bite, you just feel like what you’re eating is wholesome, and it is. Steel Cut Oats are rich in B-vitamins, calcium, protein and fiber but low in sodium and unsaturated fat. And, get this, just one cup of steel-cut oats contains 8g of fiber. These little oats pack a big nutrient punch which means you stay full longer.

So what’s the difference between instant oats, rolled oats, and steel cut oats? Basically, it’s the processing. Instant pre-packaged oats are pre-cooked and sugars and additives are included - by far they’re the worse possible choice. Rolled oats are steamed, rolled, re-steamed and toasted – so although they are processed they would make a much better choice than the instant crap in the pouches. The King of oats - Steel cut oats are unrefined, they are only cut two to three times using a steel blade. They are a little pricey, but not if you shop at a store that sells them in bulk. Winco sells them bulk for .67 a lb. While the leading brands, such as Bob’s Red Mill are more expensive.

I prepared about two cups of oats and added two diced apples and dried cranberries. Yum-o! The oats do take a little longer to cook, but are well worth it. Since they do take longer to cook, I made a few servings and put the remainder in the fridge - they re-heat well. As always it’s important to pair complex carbs with protein. I typically eat about a ½ c. of oats with two scrambled eggs. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so make it count!

Sources: Wikipedia

Here are a couple of related articles:

http://www.myyogaonline.com/healthy-living/nutrition/why-choose-steel-cut-oats

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1494650/the_skinny_on_steel_cut_oats.html?cat=5

Repost: I am fat, I am not fat - Thank you

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

I am fat, I am not fat - Thank you

About nine years old already deep in a battle with obesity

I've said this many times before I can not lose this weight in silence. Losing 170 + lbs. is no small feat. I've been told by two personal trainers that most people won't start what I finish. I finish because of a great desire, a crazy amount of will that propels me to keep going, but I can't do this without writing. As a child, I always liked to craft stories. I use to read books endlessly as a result I had a wild imagination so I would write wild stories. I LOVE words. I love manipulating them. I love the English language and all of the nuances. So as an adult, I went to college in my late twenties and received a degree in journalism. I found though that I really didn't like journalism writing much there's no room for my voice or creativity.

Anyway, I started writing this blog because I wanted to publicly document my journey, share my story. I never imagined that sharing my story would actually be cathartic for me. In retrospect, perhaps I really started writing because I don't know any other way. Those wild stories I use to write as a child where my brief escape from my childhood and penning my lifetime battle with obesity is my escape now.

I've been obese since I can remember and so losing this weight is not about just losing the weight. I have layers, upon layers of emotional, spiritual damage to repair. I'm learning how to love myself. Truly, love myself. There are no quick fixes for this. This is my life. I'm trying to figure out new ways to handle things without turning to food. I'm trying to create a healthy relationship with food and exercise. When I write to y'all it is raw. I mean what I say, these are my true feelings. So sometimes I may seem a little contradictory, unbalanced -- I am. I am fat. I am not fat. I am thin. I don't want to be thin. I am everything in between. Bear with me, I am trying to finding myself and this is the only way that I know how.

Thank you all for allowing me to document my journey, share my story. I can not do this alone nor do I want to . True, I've never met most of you, but knowing that you're out there encouraging me, offering your kind words and advice gives me the strength to go on. "You're my hero. You inspire me. ...When you share with the rest of us, we all gain a little something too." Your words keep me going on days when I can't find it internally. I'm telling y'all what I'm about to do is big. I am going to turn childhood obesity statistics upside down. Not many people beat childhood obesity once they become adults. It's usually just too late. All of you get to say you helped me. Thank you for helping me. The day we reach the finish line is going to be sweet victory. For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!

Oh, crap!

The more I learn about the food industry. The more appalled, outraged I become. I shouldn't dwell on the past, but I started thinking about all the crappy food I use to eat -- lack of knowledge. My biggest regret, the crap I use to feed my daughter. Full of sugar, salt, fat, and tons of other crap. I'm so sorry my darling baby, mama just didn't know. Luckily, she has grown up to be a healthy young lady. Phew.

Here's a few of the gross processed so called meals I use to feed my baby girl:

Kid's Cuisine

Lunchables

Easy Mac

And to wash all the crap down, SUGAR oh and some dye:


Capri Sun

12 days, 3 weeks, 4 months

Lately, I haven't been my active self. Truthfully, my eating habits have been a little iffy too. There are plenty of reasons why, but I won't make excuses. I'll just say, I'm learning not to measure my health and fitness in the span of days, weeks, or months. I don't run to the gym for a few weeks and then deem myself fit. I don't eat well for a month or two and then I'm suddenly healthy. Instead, eating healthy and working out is what I chose to do all the time for the rest of my life. This is a lifestyle change, folks.  Some periods of time I'll be on my "A" game, sometimes I won't. But, that never, ever means I have fallen off. I will never return to that slothenly way of life that caused me to weigh 388 lbs. I will not let a few days, weeks, or months be indicative of the way I ultimately chose to live my life.

I have publicly announced my bid to be "Fit by Forty" which for me, means I want to be in the best shape of my life when I turn 40 this summer. No doubt, I will work towards this goal, but please note that once I meet that goal there will be another goal. Goals are terrific to have because they can be motivators, but again once I meet each goal I'll just strive for something more. A healthy, fit lifestyle is just that a lifestyle, it does not have a timeline attached to it. My love for myself, and for a healthier, fitter life, is not fleeting. I want this forever, not 12 days, 3 weeks, or 4 months.

My word

I've said this before, my journey is more than a physical transformation.  This is a transformation from the inside out. I want to be a person that radiates happiness, peace, love. I want to be a person who does what I say I will do. I want to be a person of character. So this morning, I set off to do something simply because I looked someone in the eye and told her I would. It's cold, dark, and foggy outside and I would prefer to stay snug in my bed, but that's not a valid reason. That's selfish. Pulling out of commitments was pretty typically of the old me, but no longer. My word is bond.

My new love, Kale

I never thought I'd say this, but move over spinach you are no longer my favorite dark leafy green. Your big brother, Kale has stolen my heart. What's not to love? Hearty. Versatile. Chock full of rich nutrients. I've fallen and I don't no what to do, but eat more.

Healthy Cooking 101: In their words

Class session number six, Homemade Tomato Soup with Grilled Paninis at Chuck's Produce & Street Market was another success. There were 23 eager class participants in the crowd with half of them being repeat visitors. I'm so very excited that folks are excited. Seems to me people may be looking to cook at home again. Maybe, just maybe, I've lit their fire.

Here's an email I received from two of the ladies who are repeat participants:

Back row right - left : Nena and Tami travel from Milwaukie

Today we attended our third Healthy Cooking 101 class. We weren’t sure what to expect at the Southwest Chicken Soup class in early October, which was our first class. By the time it was over, we had been inspired and entertained by Chrisetta. These classes are so much more than just a cooking class. She talks passionately about her personal journey of weight loss and learning how to eat healthy. She shares what she has learned about nutrition and healthy eating. It is obvious that she cares about what she’s doing and wants to change people’s lives. And she does it all while cooking very good food that we get to sample.

You know how you visit a good friend for dinner and sit at her kitchen bar chatting with her while she cooks? Her classes are like that but with more friends!

Why do we drive from Milwaukie to Vancouver for Chrisetta’s classes? She is inspirational, passionate, knowledgeable, and so easy to relate to. Oh, and she cooks like nobody’s business!


~Nena and Tami Williams                          

Touching Lives, Making Connections

Just three short months ago I stood in front of 12 men at a Men's Breakfast as the featured speaker. I had no idea what I was doing. How I would be received. I only knew that I was raw with passion, enthusiasm, and had a story of trials and triumphs to share. Yesterday, I spoke to my fourth group of about 30 men and women who eagerly listened to me share my story. After each speaking event, the picture becomes clearer. My story is applicable to all. My story is one of hard work, staying the course, making adjustments, and never giving up. I'm REAL proof that you can do anything you set your mind to. I love connecting and mingling with folks after I speak usually I am rewarded with some words of encouragement as well. 

" You're rising out of the darkness and into the sunlight. You glow." Gary S.

Here's how I opened:  "I will not do this in silence. I will not be quiet about it. I will talk about it every chance I get. I will write about it every chance I get. Sometimes when I'm by myself I even sing about. Everyone willing to listen will hear about it. Today I will tell you all about it. This my friends is my story of battling obesity."

Repeat

This just seems fitting for today. Here's a repost of a previous blog. Enjoy!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Kicking and Screaming

By now, you have heard some version or another of my story. If not, here’s a synopsis, I’m a product of childhood obesity and to date I’ve lost 155 lbs. Yes, 1-5-5! Ideally, I still have to lose another 80 pounds to meet my goal weight. That’s a total of 235 pounds. Yeah, I know, those numbers are inconceivable to most. Those numbers are not for the weak-hearted.

By far, battling obesity is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Battling obesity isn’t just about losing the weight. This is so much more than a physical transformation. It’s about finding myself and learning to love myself. It's about talking down the demons on a regular, "You're fat and always will be. "You're ugly." "You can't."  Every single day, I’m at war with myself emotionally and mentally, and boy do I the have the scars to prove it. So, I apologize if I’m always talking about my battle with obesity. I apologize for always complaining about how hard this is. But, if I’m going to fight this battle I will not do it quietly. This is not something you go through in silence. I am kicking and screaming the whole way.

Yesterday, while at the gym I was complaining to my trainer friend about how fat I still am. He listened as he always does, and he also reminded me of how far I’ve come. He’s right. I’ve come along way. Ironically, that’s exactly why I am frustrated, I've come so far, but yet have so far to go. It’s overwhelming. Sure, I’m proud, but this is ONLY round seven of a heavyweight bout. I still have five more rounds to go. I’m tired, wiped out, and downright exhausted. But, I’m way too stubborn and prideful to quit. Instead, I keep tighten up my gloves and getting back in the ring. Yeah, I fuss, I complain, and some days I cry. I think I have every right to do so. So, if you would, please just bear with me when I go off on my tirades. After all, I’m in the midst of kicking obesity to the curb. This is no small feat.


                                     
                  Reminder to self: You’ve come a long, long way, baby!

Appreciative

The blog has had 15,000 visitors. Yes, 15,000! The numbers just keep ballooning because of YOU. I thank you all for your support from the bottom of my heart.

You give to me as much, if not more than I give to you. Please know how much I appreciate you.

Everything I've Gained

Last night as part of my Wellness Coaching assignment, I completed a "Well-Being Assessment." The assessment addressed the importance, readiness, and confidence in each of the following categories:

• Energy
• Sleep and Stress Management
• Life Satisfaction
• Life Balance 
• Weight
• Exercise
• Nutrition 
• Health Issues
  

I was pleased with my answers to most of the questions. I  seem to have a solid grasp on most areas in my life. I was particularly pleased with the "Weight" category.  It asked you to record: Current weight, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years. As I wrote the decreasing numbers on each line I relished how much hard work and dedication I have put into losing weight and maintaining my weight loss. The weight loss directly correlates to me feeling better about myself, gives me a brighter prospective, and enhances my overall livelihood. I'm so very happy that I made the decision to confront my weight. Taking the assessment helped me put into prospective all that I've really achieved by losing the weight and taking a holistic approach to my health. I've said this many times before,  "It's not what I've lost, but everything I've gained."

Healthy Cooking 101: Pepper Steak served with Quinoa

I'm super-excited to share my passion for good, wholesome food with others. It's awesome to see the response over the last few weeks at my cooking classes. Seems to me people are really interesting in bringing cooking back home.  I've got the feeling folks are hungry for more. There were six repeat participants in yesterday's class.

I love gazing out at a room full of food enthusiasts. Eager. Asking questions. Taking notes. Excited about rushing home to prepare the recipes themselves.

Yesterday's class brought together another spectacular group.

• A mother brought her elementary aged daughter and her little girlfriend.
• Mother and adult daughter. Spending the afternoon together.
• Friends who hadn't seen each other in a while, catching up.
• Friends just hanging out with one another.
• Lovers. Sharing the afternoon.
• And, then there were those who came by themselves, but made a friend or two while there.

I so love what I do!  I'm bringing "Cooking Back." 

Eating Healthy Never Tasted So Good

My Playhouse

Oh how, I miss my playhouse, the gym. Since I started classes in the Fitness Trainer program six weeks ago. Ironically, working out has not been a priority. I think I've worked out maybe four times. Surely, exercise goes beyond the gym I know that. I do workout in my Exercise Techniques class and I walk the campus at a brisk pace, but it's still not the same.

The walls of 24-Hour Fitness Columbia Tech Center is where I've turned a lot of negative into tons of positive. I learned a lot about myself in the very walls of that gym. I found myself in some compromising positions in boot camp, cycling, Yoga, and even Zumba. Sweating. Panting. Being pushed to the limit. Training with Steve always is a good time, but it's not easy work. He asks me to do things I would never do on my own. He's right there telling me, I can, when I'm on the brink of giving in to fatigue, embarrassment, or both.

For me working out has become a major part of my life. I'm the gal who typically works out five to six times a week. I'm the gal who three weeks after having a metal plate with 14 screws inserted in her leg to reattach the tibia was at the gym doing upper body workouts. I'm the gal at 294 lbs. who stood at the front of the room her very first time in Zumba class. I'm the gal who graces the wall of 24 Hour Fitness as a Member Success Story. I'm the gal who gets it in -- no matter. What happened to that gal? She still exist she's just dormant right now. I just can't DO everything. There's only 24 hours in a day. I do what I can -- I watch my diet. Like, Steve, says it doesn't matter what I do at the gym, but it does matter what I eat. So I've made sure that during this weeks I've buttoned up my nutrition.

I've met some wonderful like-minded people at the gym. I've even received emails over the last few weeks from some of them saying they miss me -- totally cool. The gym is so much more to me than just a place to workout. It's a place where I go to connect. A place I  go to have fun, hang out, and get my workout on. I miss sweating, pushing my limits, and chatting it up with my gym buddies. I'm starting to have some major withdrawals. I'll make my way back to my playhouse soon, real soon. Until then...hold it down for me y'all.

Healthy

I've been fighting the flu for the last couple of days and so far it's winning. Body aching, head pounding, and feeling oh so sorry for self. I started thinking, I'm so very grateful for my health. Sure, every now and again I have some minor aches and pains, I may get a cold, the flu, a headache or stomach ache. But no chronic pain, diseases, or conditions. Some people have conditions or diseases where they have to take medication regularly,  injections, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and they may go to bed and wake up in chronic pain. My heart goes out to those folks. Lying in bed sick the last couple of days has made me appreciate my health even more. Now, flu crude be gone I have work to do.

What a Difference a year makes

In the fall of 2009 after a trifecta of unfortunate events I decided to take control of my life. It's been a rewarding, challenging journey. I've said this before,  it's not only about my outer appearance -- this is a transformation from the inside out. I look to many other factors besides the scale. I'm taking a holistic approach to my health. This is a lifestyle change so there is no end date and I'm not really sure what my ultimate goal is. I want to live a healthy, active, happy life forever.

I'm a work in progress... I look forward to more positive changes in the year ahead.

"Life isn't about find yourself. Life is about creating yourself."

10-31-10

10-31-11

10-31-09

Technical difficulties

Urrrrrrrgh. Not the way I wanted to start off, November. I've had PC issues all day. Seeing as how I'm just successfully getting logged on my laptop let's just try this again tomorrow.