Bitten

I had been warding them off for days. They were coming at me aggressively from all angles. Sadly, one of them happened to be my darling little offspring. Finally, on Sunday they wore me down. I was bitten.

You know the type:  They spread their negativity freely, they are never grateful or thankful, they blame everyone else for everything, they never take onus, they often have an ugly sour look on their face (not always), and when they enter the room they instantly shift the energy (the blood) out of you -- I call them vampires. You know the kind who always has something wrong in their life. They are always the victim in every situation. They prey on the happy, peaceful, loving people. They come in all colors, shapes, sizes, ages and yes, they can even be your family members -- beware. Stay clear.

I hate to admit it, but I use to be a vampire. It has taken a lot of conscious effort to erase the negative thoughts and replace them with positive, peaceful thoughts. When I walk in the room I want people to be happy to see me. I want to radiate and spread my positive energy, my love. Not have folks run the opposite way -- thinking oh, no here she comes. Do I have bad days? Sure. I just try to stay positive and if I have any negative thoughts I certainly don't impose them on others.

Again, my journey to health, weight loss, and wellness is holistic. I'm trying to be a better person. I want all aspects of my life to be better and I realize that it starts within. It starts with my attitude. And, the people I surround myself with. You chose who you friends are. If there's someone in your life who is negative, always complaining, but not changing.  Yes, even if they are friends from the past and you have history. If they are not bringing value to your life then maybe it's time you rethink your friendship. There's nothing wrong with that. You are a direct reflection of the people you hang with. So I chose to surround myself with positive, like-minded people.

Though, I come in contact with all sorts of folks when I'm out in public, business associates, etc. they may not be folks I would normally interact with. In my immediate circle, however, I have a limited amount of people I chose to share my space and self with. Unfortunately, though every now and again a vampire creeps in.

To keep the blood-sucking vampires away when I'm out and about, I've been thinking about wearing garlic around my neck. Seriously, I mean it. I'm trying to live a peaceful, happy life and it does not include negative energy of any kind. As my teenaged daughter tries to find herself she gets a free pass although her time is limited too.

Negativity breeds negativity. Positivity breeds positivity. You chose.

Guilty indulgence

I couldn't help myself. Before I knew it I had put them in my cart. I was enticed by the low price of 99 cents. I kind of see why the .99 fast-food value menu works for some. As I put them in my cart I felt a little guilty. Without me checking the label I already knew the blueberries were not grown locally -- there's no way they could be. There's no where within a 200 mile radius that is warm enough to produce blueberries this time a year. That would mean the blueberries came from far, far away. Sure, enough the label read "Product of Chile." I rationalized: If I didn't buy them other customers would. Besides, they were already shipped over 5,000 miles -- why shouldn't I indulge in them? Hmm...That's a fully loaded question. One I'm afraid to even try to answer. Let's just say I enjoyed the blueberries with a little bit of Greek Yogurt and they were delicious. Shame on me for indulging in non-local blueberries.

A while ago I mentioned I wanted to write a series of blogs "Stewards of the Earth" that would explore:

• Sustainability
• Feedlots
• Food deserts
• Organic food 
• Local food
• Milk - The Truth
• Plant based diets 

Well, I think my guilty indulgence is the perfect way to get that series started.  Coming up soon a blog post about local produce.

This and That

I'm a blogger. What does that mean exactly? Honestly, I'm not sure. I'm a gal who always has loved to write once I started my weight loss and self-transformation journey I decided to share it. My blog posts are inspired by everyday life. Sometimes I think of a blog post and it sits in my mental queue for a while or sometimes it's an immediate post. Today, I've got some heavy thoughts on my mind and they'll make for some good blog posts, but it's Friday and I don't want to end the week on such a heavy note. So I've decided to blog about this and that:


Lunch time surprise! The folks who print my cookbooks at Lazerquick have been awesome. So I'm going to spread my love today by preparing them a wholesome lunch. Fresh Tomato Soup, Mozzarella and Pesto Paninis, and an apple and tangelo fruit bowl sprinkled with coconut flakes. My friends at New Seasons kindly provided all the food packaging. The way to a persons heart is through their stomach. Oh, who am I kidding I already have their hearts -- this lunch will just finish them off. Ha ha. Seriously, I want to foster relationships and if I have something to give than I'm gonna give it.


What's meant to be I had an offer on the table to host cooking classes at a new venue and it didn't work out. While I was honored to be considered, I'm not hanging my head because I never felt like the environment was the right fit. Besides, I've come to know -- what's for me is for me.The very same day...


Greatest Honor to date my convenient little cookbook Bringing Cooking Back received a dewey decimal number -- 641.563 MOSLEY. Yay!

Announcing...A new venue proud to announce I'll be teaching classes at Cascade Athletic Club - Fisher's Landing -- Tuesday, February 21st for members only at this time. Weight Loss and Healthy Lifestyle 101 class with Chrisetta. Looking forward to the partnership and exciting opportunity to connect with members of the community.

I love my life. I feel so very fortunate and grateful to do all things I love to do. I'm living my dream everyday and that includes blogging about this and that! Happy Friday!

Information Overload

Enough already. In pursuit of health, wellness, and a slimmer, fitter body folks offer me advice all the time. I'm open to suggestions, feedback, new ideas and sometimes I seek the information. Currently, however, I feel inundated with information. What to eat. What not to eat. Whey Protein or Soy Protein. Agave or sugar. How much water should I drink. How to exercise. How not to exercise. To squat or not to squat.  How much sleep do I need.  The debates over how to eat healthy and live well go on and on. The opinions are varied and the sources unlimited.

Today, with the internet, social media, and access to 24 hour news -- oh and health coaches, nutritionists, etc. Information is available at the ready and sometimes I'm not ready. It's difficult to discern what's right, what's best. Sometimes I just want to scream. Aaaaaaaaaaaa. I just did.

Seriously, I don't want to think so hard about it. I just want to eat food -- real food, exercise, and have some fun! My dad always says life is suppose to be fun. Think back to childhood days and how you would play freely. Okay, so maybe we can't go revert to that extreme, but you get my drift. Sometimes I think we are over-thinking this whole healthy lifestyle thing. I don't think it has to be or should be so complicated. I'm sticking to the basics: Eat food -- real food, drink water, exercise, rest, and for goodness sake have some fun! Join me why don't you?

Dewey Decimal

My greatest honor to date -- my convenient little self-published cookbook "Bringing Cooking Back" now has a dewey decimal number, 641.563 MOSLEY. Words really can't describe how elated I feel. I've always been a fan of the public library system -- promoting books, reading, literacy, and community activities.  Now, I am a part of this awesome system. Umm, umm, umm.

So, Clark County residents it's time to put your library cards to use.

Fort Vancouver Regional Library
Fort Vancouver Regional Library Catalog 

From the librarian telling me it's a go:

Okay, the cataloging is done, your dewey decimal number is:

641.563
MOSLEY

The book will probably be sent out to our branches today. I noticed there was already a hold. 
 
Congratulations!

Common denominator

A few years ago, my world came crashing down around me. For weeks, I decided to do nothing about it, other than take sleeping pills and sleep the days away. When I finally woke up I had to take a real hard look at myself. I noticed that often times when there was a problem area in my life -- I happened to be the common denominator. I came to the realization that maybe it was me that needed to change. And so the work began.

I've said this umpteen times, this is a transformation from the inside out. I couldn't even deal with my weight issue without getting in touch with the inner. I notice lots of people struggle with areas in their lives. Certainly, sometimes it's due to someone else or outside factors, but most times I think it may be the person themselves. People are afraid to evaluate self. Trust me, I know -- it's difficult to own your stuff. I hate to beat a dead horse, but in order to really tackle big issues. In order to really begin a journey of self-transformation it starts with self.  In order to grow and move to the next level, spiritually, emotionally, physically it starts with looking inward. Evaluate. There may be things that you need to work on that are standing in the way of you getting what you want out of life. Might I suggest, you take onus. Claim responsibility for your actions, environment. After all, you are the common denominator. Once you start the inward process the pounds will shed.

Writing this post reminded me of this lovely song by Jill Scott, "One Is The Magic Number"

If I multiply 2 times 2 is it really, really 4 me
And if I add 5 to get 9 minus 8 that just leaves me
Me 
So many times I define my pride
Through somebody else's eyes (La da da, la da)
Then I looked inside and found my own stride,
I found the lasting love for me
If I'm searching for my spirituality
Passionately I must begin with me

There's just me...
One is the magic number [x2]

If I add myself unto myself multiplied times
You and yours and you again
There's just me
And if I divide 8 billion, 48 trillion, 98 zillion
There is, there is just me
If I subtract one plus me to the 5th degree,
Use any theorem
There's just me

There's just me...
One is the magic number

What's IN

I had the pleasure of hanging out and shopping with my daughter the other day. As we were headed to the car in the parking lot of the mall a guy passed by riding a bike and smoking a cigarette. We both looked at each other bewildered. I said, "Smoking is so played out." She asked, "What's in?" Me, "Healthy." Like I've said before, I draw blog post inspiration from everywhere.

In my opinion, here's What's IN:

More...
IN: Weight lifting, Yoga, Pilates, Fresh juicing at home, Fresh fruits and veggies, Meatless Monday's, Sustainability, Health, Happiness, Wellness and this blog!

Plan B

I use to have a hard time with being told no. I just don't like rejection. Who does? As a mature adult, I've learned to accept no and to always have a Plan B in place. Actually, I kind of like being told no. Usually, when I'm told no I go back to the drawing board and create a better plan.  When I finally get my yes it's usually a better fit all around.

More unsolicited advice to you. Don't give up on yourself, your goals, your dreams just because you were told no by someone. Maybe your plan needs to be tweaked a little or perhaps it's fine just as it is. Just because your idea isn't received by someone or an organization doesn't mean it's not a good idea, plan. Sometimes it could be just not the right timing or the right space. I have an idea right now that I'm kicking around to an organization. I know this is one of my best ideas to date. They really like the idea and want to endorse it, but they currently don't have the resources. I can appreciate that, but I won't let my idea die. I believe in my idea, this may just not be the space or time for it. So, do us all a favor: Find another way. Plan B. Don't deny yourself or others of your greatness.  Lucky for us, J.K. Rowling found another way otherwise we would have been denied Harry Potter.

No quitter

Corpse pose

In corpse pose, I lied on the floor tears running down my face. Tears of relief, satisfaction, joy, completion. I've taken Yoga many times before and prior to my fractured leg it was a part of my regular workout routine. I love how it makes me feel -- connected. It's rare that we sit still with ourselves, breathe, stretch, connect...Aww...

There was a sub instructor in yesterday's Yoga class. By the looks of her body she was advanced and her rapid, effortless cues through sequences confirmed my thoughts. The sequences of poses were challenging and she spoke with a thick accent which made it a little difficult to follow. After about 15 minutes I wanted to leave class, I had let way too many bad thoughts in and was way too irritated, combined with the rapid sequence of: Downward Facing Dog, High Plank, Upperward Dog. I was being challenged outside of my comfort zone, and I did not like it.

As the rest of the class followed, I returned to Child's Pose to rest,  I decided enough and grabbed my socks...In that moment, she cued us to another sequence -- one in which, I could manage, so I joined back in and went with the flow. The flow led us to Warrior 2 pose -- this pose always makes me feel strong, liberated. I was a little wobbly,  probably because my mind was so rattled , but as the sequence progressed I began to connect.

It's been a long while since I felt so compromised, vulnerable in a group class. I desperately wanted to leave, get off the mat, and walk out. Walking out would be so easy. So, so easy. Staying there being compromised, challenged, oooooo so very hard. Hard, but gratifying. I realize that I can't progress to the next level if I don't conquer the current level. I'm a huge fan of pro tennis -- Serena Williams is one of my favorite. If she quit because something was too challenging she would not be the champion she is.

There are a number of reasons I could not walk out that room: Pride and character being the top two. I stayed in the classroom because I didn't want the stares as I walked out and I didn't want the guilt of not finishing on my conscience. I didn't walk out because that would have been easy. I didn't leave because that represents - quitting. And, I'm no quitter. I stayed because I'm a woman of strong character who finishes what she starts. Yes, it's only a Yoga class, but as I stated in an earlier blog post Nothing Owns Me. If I can't make it through a challenging Yoga class this type of behavior will start to effect other aspects of my life.

As class came to a close and my eyes were full of tears, I thought of every out-of-shape person (the underdog) who ever felt compromised in a group class - I dedicate this blog post  to you. I stayed in that class for me, but as I stood to my feet I realized it was for you too. Don't ever leave because it's challenging, that's the very reason you stay.

**Of course, if you are physically hurt than you would not stay. It's only if you are scared to move outside of your comfort zone -- to challenge yourself that I highly recommend you stay.



.

170

The Columbian, The Portland Observer, and even my own blog posts have mentioned my weight loss to date as 170 pounds. You may have even noticed, this number has been at a stand still for months. Perhaps, I'm in the midst of a plateau. Although some health professionals say there is no such thing as a plateau -- if you do the work and eat properly you see the results. Heavy sigh.

Okay, so maybe this is not a plateau, maybe I just needed a break.  I've been in a space like this before so I haven't hit the panic button because, well, I know my track record. Losing this amount of weight and battling obesity is no small feat.  Eating well, practicing healthy habits by exercising is a relatively new lifestyle for me. I'm still trying to figure this all out. I know how to eat poorly and be inactive - that was my specialty for 30 plus years.

So here I am in a state of uncertainty about my next move.  My next healthy move. I jab and I duck. I know,  in order to get to the next level, I'll have to find the next gear, kick things up a notch.  My body is fighting me, maybe my mind is too a little. My goal is attainable and within reach. But, it will not come without hard work. None of this has come without hard work. I want this, I really want this. I want to kick my old childhood nemesis obesity to the curb. So here I go...Time to lace up my gloves and get back in the ring. This is only round nine of a heavyweight bout.  I'll have to do something dramatic to get myself to the next level. Rest assured, like, Rocky, I'll go the distance.

Surely, I'm proud of where I am today -- I'm happier, healthier, and 170 pounds lighter. But, I will not rest my laurels here.  Like coach always tells me the best is yet to come. He's right. My dukes are up.

Glow

Sometimes I write a blog post that stays in my head. Yesterday's post, "Inside Out" is still on my mind. I have more I would like to add. Again, my journey of self-transformation and weight loss has been a process where I really had to take a look within. I spent, spend a lot of time sitting still with myself: Reflecting, thinking, and coming up with new ways to tackle issues. My journey has taught me that food is only half the issue. My reaction to my emotions, led me to food. If I hadn't taken the approach of looking inward I would have never been able to tap into this portion of myself. My whole self.

From time-to-time, I receive compliments from people saying that I glow, that I look radiant. I was thinking about it and I think the reason I glow is because I eat good wholesome food, exercise, and drink plenty of water. But, beyond those things I  believe I glow because of the process I've went through to shed the layers and the pounds started from within. Not sure if you can get this radiant glow by taking supplements, drinking shakes, or eating dietary food from a box. I know, I go hard on supplements, but I just think they are a quick fix, expensive solution for a deeper issue that requires a deeper more inward approach. I glow because as I searched within I found happiness, belief, pleasure beyond food, and everything else just came together. My glow is inside out. My glow is holistic.

Inside Out

My self-transformation and weight loss journey began with a walk. For weeks, prior, I was drowning my sorrows and escaping from my fears by sleeping the days and nights away. But, during the brief waking moments there was a nagging voice within telling me to lace up my tennis shoes and go outside and take a walk. Obeying that nagging voice saved my life and is the reason I'm able to write this blog post today.

In the late fall of 2009 I was in a dark, miserable place. No job, no car, no boyfriend - all these losses happened within six weeks. I felt like I had no reason to go on. I felt like such a failure, loser. I couldn't imagine there was any reason to continue on. There were a number of things that required my attention. From my attitude to my finances. Losing everything forced me or I should say gave me the opportunity to sit still and figure out what was causing me to keep finding myself in dark situations.

The first walk (which by the way took every ounce of strength I had) was only ten minutes, but it opened my eyes and gave me a glimpse of light -- desperately needed light. After I strung together several days of walking I saw more light. I decided that maybe, just maybe I lost my job so that I could take the necessary time I needed to look within. I decided not to squander my gift and so I laced up my tennis shoes in the rain and sometimes in the snow. I used the walks outside to get fresh air, reflect, and get in touch with my inner self. Soon I began enjoying the walks they were cathartic for me and I was getting exercise. After a few months, I had even lost a few pounds.

In retrospect, I believe looking inward is the first step in starting a journey of this magnitude. I suspect (I know this was true for me) many of us who are struggling with weight and especially obesity have a myriad of other issues going on that lead us to food. Like I told the TOPS weight loss group I spoke with last week, I won't come out later and say I was raped or abused. I had a pretty normal childhood it's just that I found comfort, solace in food. Once I sat still with myself I found there were other things that brought me pleasure.  .

I started those walks just to save myself, but I ended up finding the whole me. Wellness and health aren't just about the physical state, quite the contrary, it's holistic. Once I started feeling better about myself, everything else just started coming together.When I started walking, I lost 8 pounds without really trying. The light was shining brighter and I started trying different things, surrounded myself with like-minded people, and became more social.

My self-transformation and weight loss journey has been from the inside out. I feel people should take time to look within and the rest will all come together. Today, I'm blinded by light: 170 pounds lighter, happier, and healthier -- it's a holistic approach. Might I suggest, if you are struggling with your weight, your health, spirituality, maybe it's time you look inward. Really, really look inward. Don't just make a plan, let the plan manifest in you. Inside out.

Healthy Cooking 101: Vegetables

I love teaching cooking classes. It's the best of both worlds: I am able to share my weight loss story and knowledge about healthful eating/cooking. When I speak to a group there's a certain rush, but when I speak to a group and cook -- a whole 'nother level. Yesterday's class was an enthusiastic group of 25 folks seeking ways to prepare vegetables. We had a great exchange of ideas and dialogue among us.  The energy in the room was electric.We had a grand time as I showed them how to whip up:

• Roasted Asparagus with Garlic
• Roasted Carrots with Thyme
• Sautéed Broccolini
• Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic                                                                                                                                              

As if the classroom experience wasn't rewarding enough. I came home to find this email from a lady who took my class for the first time. She also purchased a copy of "Bringing Cooking Back." Seriously, I love what I do!

"Sunday January 8 - went to my first cooking class by Chrisetta today. Amazing - I went and bought collard greens and Brussels Sprouts for first time in my life after class and getting her cook book. Wonders never cease - a true inspiration for me. Perfect timing - this is MY year to get ME healthy!!!! Love the energy you exude." ~ Patty

When you love what you do it is not work. I did not work yesterday.

Outside The Box

I do not eat food from a box.
I do not like it quite a lot.

I will not eat from a box.
I will not eat it any way or any day. 

I do not like food from a box.

I would not like food in a box here or there.
I would not like it anywhere.

I do not like food from a box.

Could you, would you from a car?
I could not, would not from a car.

Could you, would you from a couch?
I could not, would not from a couch.

Could you, would you from a restaurant?
I could not, would not from a restaurant.

I do not like food from a box.

Try it.
Try it you may.
Try it. Try it you may say.

If you let me be I will try it.
You will see.

See!
I do not like food from a box.

Over the course of my weight loss journey, plenty of folks have tried to sell dietary supplements and food products to me. Recently, I was even invited to sell MediFast. Ha. To each it's own. But I just don't buy into eating food from a box. Sure, it may be convenient, but I'm not looking for convenience. I want to prepare, cook, eat, and enjoy fresh, wholesome food. I love food too much to be a slave to packaged so-called food. I do not eat food from a box. I will not eat food from a box. I  eat outside the box.

To join my eat outside the box movement, buy a copy of my cookbook "Bringing Cooking Back."

Happy

The sky is clear, the temperature is mild, I spent the morning working out and chatting with positive, energetic people, and in a few hours my self-published little cookbook "Bringing Cooking Back" will be on the shelves at New Seasons Market. I'm honored to work with New Seasons. They promote sustainability, support local businesses, and local authors like myself. Oh, and of course they sell really good high-quality food. Partnering with New Seasons gives me the opportunity to reach a larger market of my community. I recognize a good thing when I see it. I am happy, happy, very happy.

Stay the course

Over the course of eight years, I've lost 170 pounds. For about four years I was not actively trying to lose weight, but I was able to maintain the 100 pounds I lost. From 2009 to now I've lost about 70 more pounds.  Yesterday, when I wrote "Real Talk" I was merely trying to get across the point that weight loss, especially for folks who are obese can not be tackled in a short span of time. It takes hard work, persistent, and a kick butt attitude. Can it be done? Yes! I'm proof, but please again take your time. There will be obstacles mental, physical, perhaps even spiritual but just stay the course - you'll get there. Coach says these statements to me all the time: "One day at a time," and "This is about who can last the longest."

Surely, I wish I was at my goal weight by now. To look in the mirror sometimes is discouraging. I've worked hard and I'm still considered obese by the BMI and fat to the masses. I try not to dwell on it much because I'm in a much better place: I'm smaller, healthier, and fitter than I was if I would have never started on this journey.  I can't even imagine life if I were still trapped inside that miserable, lonely 388 pounds body. So I stick with it because the alternative, well just isn't an option.

So as you embark on your journey to fitness and health. Start strong, but be realistic about what it really means to be healthy and fit, and what it will take to lose the weight. Start strong, stay the course, end even stronger, and remember "Everything worth having is worth working for."

Real talk

I must preface what I'm going to say, by saying, I don't want to discourage anyone. I certainly want everyone to pursue a healthy, fit lifestyle. I want everyone to reach for their goals and be the best they can be. It's just that since I've been through it and am going through it -- weight loss and pursuit of fitness, I would like to offer my unsolicited advice.

Yesterday, I was at the gym and New Year's resolution folks were packed in there like sardines. I looked around and seen people who were pumped up, some looked rather lost, and some who had teamed up with a friend. If  you fall into the category of  folks who has deemed that beginning January 1 you are going to be fit and healthy. I caution you, this is more than a New Year's resolution, this ladies and gentleman is a lifestyle resolution. It's best you sit down and create a realistic plan for yourself that includes small steps. My concern is too much, too soon and then if results aren't seen you may become discouraged. Results, real results, lasting results from exercising and eating properly take time. This will not happen overnight. Whether you need to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds.

If you're like me once your committed to doing something you like to dig in and go for it. That's fine and dandy, but please understand that this is a lifestyle change and a few weeks of exercise and eating right won't classify you as healthy or fit. This is going to take hard work and perseverance.

Another thing, I've noticed lots of different weight loss challenges going on. These are great ways for folks  to come together and jump start a fitness plan, receive support, tips, and motivation, but again it will take more than 30, 90 days. I hate to burst your bubble, but I just want you to be realistic. Have a plan. Take your time. It's your whole life.

I know, it can be done. I'm the gal who has lost 170 pounds through diet, exercise, hard work, staying the course, believing in myself, and never giving up.

This article may be helpful too:

Sherri McMillan's four steps to healthy resolution success

Better for 2012!

Hello, 2012!  What a heck of a year 2011 was. It started off with me being knocked off my path when I was hit by a car and suffered a fractured Tibia and concluded with my first cookbook "Bringing Cooking Back" being bought by New Seasons Market - what a stark contrast. So many positive things happened for me over the year. Being knocked off my axis in the form of a car was actually a blessing in disguise. I learned and grew a lot in '11 and was presented with wonderful opportunities that allowed me to share my passion and knowledge with others. I am grateful for everything that happened over the course of the year, yes -- even being hit by a car. I made a bold statement in my blog post "Hello 2011… Goodbye 2010" and I fell short of the statement...I'm still fat. Ha ha. Fat, but better.

All I want is to be better. I"m always striving for improvement, in all areas of my life. Often I put so much emphasize on my health, fitness, and weight loss, but at the end of the day that's not what I will be remembered for.Well, maybe I will be, (Jack Lalanne was). My point is I want people to remember my heart. This year, I'll strive to be: More loving. More caring. More forgiving. More peaceful. More supportive. There are plenty of physically beautiful, rich, powerful people around that are soulless. I strive to not be one of those people.

I'm better inside and out than I was last year at this time. Next year, when I reflect I hope to say the same. This is an ongoing process. I am a work in progress. As I embark on 2012, which is full of fantastic opportunities and promise -- I simply want to be better.

Happy Healthy New Year Eating: Black-eyed Pea Succotash

Black-eyed peas are known by many cultures as “Lucky New Year food.” Since the peas swell once they cook, it is said they bring prosperity.

Traditionally, my mother would make them with smoked pork and serve them over rice with corn bread and fried chicken. Gone are those days…I’m starting a new healthier tradition at my household, “Black-eyed pea Succotash.” To complete the meal, I served it with sautéed collard greens and garlic, and baked True Atlantic Cod with fresh lemon juice.

Happy, Healthy Eating -- 2012!