Grocery shopping fun!

Some women have clothing shopping issues. Well, I have grocery shopping issues. I love grocery shopping. There's something about the thrill of gathering goods to create  delicious, fresh meals. Fun, fun, fun! Shopping in New Seasons Market is equivalent to shopping in an upscale clothing boutique. The ambiance in the store, and all the fine ingredients to chose from...Oh, la, la.

I realize, however, for some grocery shopping is a daunting task. So...my upcoming cookbook features a Grocery Shopping & Planning section to help folks maneuver and maybe even enjoy the experience.

Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box -- August 27, 2012

Your Best

I have some pretty awesome people in my circle. One woman in particular comes to mind this morning, Jolene. We share mutual friends and use to shake it in Zumba together.

Jolene is a cookbook consultant and she develops and test recipes. She's pretty well-respected in the industry. When I was asked to author my upcoming cookbook a mutual friend of ours urged me to contact Jolene. I was very hesitant. A little intimated. Thinking...Jolene might rip my ideas apart. I'm an amateur cookbook author. I wrote Bringing Cooking Back with lots of passion, instinct, and by fumbling through a few cookbooks I had lying around the house.

Well, as fate would have it, I ran into Jolene at cycling class. We chatted about this and that. I felt comfortable enough to tell her about the upcoming cookbook and share a few of my ideas with her. She agreed to meet me for coffee and help me flush out my ideas for my proposal. Over coffee, Jolene listened to my ideas, helped me refine them, and gave me her nod of approval. Yes, she gave me her nod of approval. She thought my ideas were wonderful. I was so relieved. If she liked my ideas. I knew they were solid. As we were gathering our stuff to part ways, I asked her if I should scale back on some of my ideas because of the timeline I had to complete the cookbook. Her response, "I won't give you permission to do less than your best."

Oh, Jolene. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I replay those words again and again. Sometimes we need someone to remind us of our potential,push us out of our comfort zone, and not let us settle for average. And sometimes the very person we are intimated by is the very person that demands our best from us. I am so grateful to have people like Jolene in my life who encourage me to be my best.

Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box on the shelves August 27, 2012.

Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box

Heavy sigh of relief. Last night, I wrote the final recipes for my upcoming cookbook -- Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box. I had loads of fun writing and tweaking the recipes, but I have to admit I am glad that part is behind me. Phew.

I've already started laying out the design of the book and am about 80 percent complete with that process. Meanwhile, I've been sending section-by-section to the department for review and edits.

Next week, I'll reveal the Clark County organization for who I am writing the cookbook for and I'll have the cover of the cookbook to share too.

To tantalize your taste buds. A preview of a handful of the recipes:

Make it Fast 

Santa Fe Chicken Wraps, Veggie Wraps, Greek Wraps

Mexican Rice Bowls, Vegetable Fried Rice Bowls, Greek Quinoa Bowls

Snacks 

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Kale Chips, Cashew and Chocolate Coconut Whole Food Energy Bars, Fruit Kebabs, Vegetable Kebabs, Brown Bag Microwave Popcorn

Sweet Sensations
Frozen Chocolate Dipped Banana Bites, Orange Granita, Berry Yogurt Parfait

Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box -- Available August 27th, 2012

Pre-order details coming soon...

Touching toes

Ahh... This morning I sat on the side of my bed...stretching, stretching, stretching. Wiggling my toes. Bending over, touching my toes, massaging my ankles.

I know it seems silly to some, but I use to weigh almost 400 pounds. Stretching, bending over and touching my toes, ankles was not easy. Back then, I would bend over only if it was an emergency. Like, I had to pick something up-- God forbid. It was quite a task, the blood would rush to my head,  I'd break out in a little sweat, and become almost breathless from performing an everyday simple function - bending. So, today, I celebrate stretching, bending, and touching my toes. It feels good, and so do I.

Repost: Let 'em talk

There are a lot of folks that are uncomfortable going to the gym -- no matter what size. I touched on the subject Saturday in my presentation. Here's a repost of a blog I wrote this summer on gym discomfort - I tweaked it a little. 

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. Looking back on those experiences I was my own worse enemy.

During my time at the gym. I've met some encouraging people in 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.

My American Dream

Saturday, I spoke at one of the largest, swankiest libraries in the area. The Vancouver Community Library. The place is amazing! It has five floors, totaling 83,000 square feet. On the fifth-floor there's an outdoor terrace with a view of the Columbia River - spectacular!

I arrived early to take it all in, and to set-up: Make sure the microphone was working, add a few more slides to my presentation, get the feel of the room. As I walked around the 2,000 square foot Columbia Room, I was beaming with pride, satisfaction. I am one lucky gal, I thought to myself. I am living the dream. My dream. For a long time, I was chasing The American Dream. The dream of my great-grandparents generation: Go to college, get married, buy a house with a picket-fence, have 2.5 kids, and retire from a company with a pension. That worked pretty well for that generation, but I'm from the new school. A generation who seizes opportunities, creates opportunities.

I decided to pave my own path. I found a niche. I started blogging, and sharing my weight loss story to anyone who would listen. I didn't really know what it would lead to, but so far so good. I've been active in the community: Speaking in venues such as the Vancouver Community Library, hosting cooking classes and sharing my love for good real food at Chuck's Produce & Street Market, having my Simply Unforgettable Tomato Soup sold in the deli at New Seasons Market, and authoring not one, but two cookbooks in less than a year. I've seized opportunities, probably even created a few. I'm grateful, thankful and full of pride and joy. I am living my American Dream. 

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

This recipe will be featured in my upcoming cookbook -- Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box on the shelves Fall '12

Enjoy!

---

Section Three – Farmer’s Market

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Naturally sweet with a touch of salt. Warning: These fries are highly addictive.

PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES   

TOTAL TIME: 35 MINUTES 

SERVES 4

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled (2 medium potatoes)

1 tablespoon sunflower oil

½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more, to taste

Cooking spray

Directions 

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Cut the potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick matchsticks, and toss with the oil and ½ teaspoon salt. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake until tender and crisp, about 30 minutes. Season with additional salt, to taste. Serve immediately.

Be sure not to use too much oil or fries will be soggy.

2012 © Chrisetta Mosley

 

Look here

Another funny exchange between me and Kara (Fitness Director of NWPT) outside of the studio. Something about our outdoor exchanges. Maybe it's the fresh air and no walls.

This time the subject was my leg (remember, I was hit by a car just about 18 months ago and suffered a fractured tibia). For the last couple of months, I have been feeling really strong, as if I had made a full recovery. Then a few weeks ago, in boot camp while doing an exercise on my knees I felt something pop. It's been a rough go ever since. So, I've refrained from boot camp and instead have been cycling and rowing like crazy. I love cardio, but I need muscle strengthening too. It's frustrating my mind says, "Go. Go. Go." My leg says, "Hold up wait a minute."

Anyhoo, I went on about how my leg is not cooperating.  My ankle has even been puffy and swollen -- raising my pant leg to show her. Yeah, this all happened right on the corner of Evergreen and Broadway. After inspection, she agreed it was definitely swollen. Her advice: Keep icing and elevating my leg especially after working out. Be careful and mindful of my actions I don't want to re-injure myself. My advice to my leg "Look here I have training to do, living to do. Get with the program."

Sound check

I'll be speaking at the Vancouver Community Library on Saturday. So, I thought it would be a good idea to actually see the room I'm due to speak in. You know, get the lay of the land. Perform a sound check. Okay, maybe a little high maintenance. But I wanna make sure I'm all set to go. I don't want to be flustered right before speaking.

Wow! I started laughing when I walked in the room. The Columbia Room is HUGE! Must be about 2000 sq ft. What was I thinking when I booked it? They offered me the smaller of the  rooms, but nooooo I just had to have the big room. What can I say? I think big. Maybe not this Saturday, but certainly in the future I can fill those 135 seats.  I'm putting it out in the universe. After all,  "What we think we become."

I want to be an ambassador of health and fitness. I want to share my story in hopes it will help others. Obesity is a big problem. So I have to combat it in a big way. The dates set. The room is ready. All that's missing is you. Grab a loved one come hear me share my story passionately and I'll also have tips on how to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

Saturday, June 16th
2 - 3:30 p.m.
Vancouver Community Library in the Columbia Room
901 C Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
(360) 906-5106

Why cook?

I'm super-excited about my upcoming cookbook, Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box.


Here's a sneak peek of a section from the book:

You owe it to yourself to cook. Cooking at home in your kitchen using fresh,whole ingredients is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Remember, “You are what you eat.” So, fuel your body with fresh food prepared in your very own kitchen. Also, consider the following facts:

• Cooking gives you freedom. You are free from the boxed, processed foods and restaurant fare which can be low in nutrients and high in calories, sodium, and other additives. By cooking meals from scratch you take the guesswork out of reading packaged labels – you know exactly what ingredients are used.

• Preparing meals at home can save you money too, and in the long run -- time. You’ll want to set aside time in your schedule to grocery shop, prep, and cook. It’s easier than you think – you just have to make a plan and stick to it. Think of grocery shopping as a hunting/gathering adventure and you’re out to find the best ingredients at low prices.

• Cooking can be a social event. You can show off your culinary skills by providing a meal for friends, and perhaps enlist their help prepping the vegetables. There’s nothing like preparing and sharing a good meal with family and friends while chatting and laughing.

Cooking is a creative process so let loose and have fun! Use the recipes in this book as your guide and as you gain confidence. Feel free to experiment – that’s how some of the best dishes are created.

Never cooked much? No worries. This book is designed for any beginner in the kitchen and will show you how to shop, prepare, and cook delicious simple meals: Outside of the Box.

Happy shopping, cooking, and eating!


2012 © Chrisetta Mosley

SOUPer Sweet

What a SOUPer Sweet weekend!

Get it while it's hot!

SOUPer Saturday:  New Seasons Market - Fisher's Landing introduced my Simply Unforgettable Tomato Soup in their deli and Grab n' Go section. I was there celebrating with a smile, serving up samples, chatting with folks, and signing cookbooks.

It was a special, special day. To see my name on the New Seasons Market label "Chrisetta Mosley's Tomato Soup." Surreal. To hear folks rave over the taste. Fabulous. To see them grab a container and head to the register. Awesome. I ♥ New Seasons Market!

Sweet Friday: I hosted a cooking class at Chuck's Produce and Street Market featuring three Sweet Potato recipes for my upcoming cookbook, Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box. We had a fun time testing the recipes together. The Sweet Potato Bisque was the star attraction. Although I think my favorite was the Baked Sweet Potato Fries. Good times. Good food shared with good folks. 

Not only was my weekend SOUPer Sweet, but my life is SOUPer Sweet. Everyday in some capacity or another I have the pleasure of sharing my passion for food, life, and health. Thanks to everyone who supports and encourages me.

Here's some photos from both events -- enjoy!

Signin'

Samplin'

Oh, snap my name is on the label!

Beyond the scale

Hopped on the scale this morning, and I did NOT like the bright red number staring back at me.

I'll admit, I'm still kinda inclined to tie my fitness and health to the number on the scale. I've read plenty of articles that tell me not to get attached to the number. I've even had personal trainers tell me the same. But, for some reason I just keep hopping on the scale. Obsessing over the darn scale. I have even written a few blogs about my scale obsession in the past -- claiming I was going to free myself of the obsession. The scale obsession. Why? Oh, why? Am I still obsessing over the numbers, the scale. Honestly, I don't know.

What I do know: I've been cycling like crazy the last several weeks and I have cycling buns to prove it. Yup, that's right my tush is getting tight, my legs are toning up, and I can see a nice definition in my calves. And I feel good. So whatever scale. I can't and won't be detoured. I'll keep riding. Riding hard, and one day not only will I have the sleek, toned body of a cyclist, but the numbers on the scale will decrease too.

In the meantime, I'll keep reminding myself: Everyday I cycle and eat right I'm becoming fitter, healthier, and stronger. It's time to look beyond the scale.

.

Looks can be deceiving

I’m instantly attracted. What’s not to like? It’s bright, shiny, and beautifully orange. I place it in a bag. Then, I smugly, pick a few more with similar qualities. I have the pick of the batch. I can’t wait to get a taste. Once home, I peel one. To my dismay, the orange is pithy, tasteless, and dry. I’ve had one too many bad experiences with selecting the best looking piece of fruit to discover that it’s not the best.

I started a little experiment. I chose oranges and grapefruits that aren’t particularly the best looking and have a few minor blemishes. Surprisingly, I’ve had some really good luck with these picks. I read somewhere that oranges are sometimes sprayed with color. Spraying the oranges with color makes them more attractive. When consumers think of an orange, they typically think it should be deeply orange and shiny. But, that’s not always the case.  For a number or reasons, oranges don’t always have a deep orange hue. Since most consumers haven’t seen oranges straight from the tree or very closely thereafter -- we’re clueless on what a freshly picked orange looks like. Our notions are preconceived.

Our notion of food comes from perfect packages and boxes. Those Nabisco snack crackers were manufactured, and always have the same shape and taste. So, it’s a little understandable, but unrealistic to expect fresh fruit to have the same perfect, appealing look. Fruit is a product of nature: Each piece, each berry has grown in soil and under different conditions.  It’s especially hard to pick fruit now-a-days because it's shipped from far away and seasons don’t really matter much. Which alters the appearance and even the smell of the fruit. Sure, we can expect the taste will seemingly be the same, but you just never know when choosing fruit.

In putting together my upcoming cookbook, I asked an outside contributor for her Berry Freezer Jam recipe. She obliged and even added this nice anecdote: "It goes without saying (but perhaps you should add it anyway) that fresh, ripe, in-season fruit is the best way to go here. And usually the berries that are the most hideous looking taste the best. The big red strawberries at the grocery store pale next to the tiny, bright red misshapen yet perfectly flavored berry farm berries. It's not all about looks on the berry farm."

Caution: When selecting fruit. It's not about the looks. Looks can be deceiving.

Where Everybody Knows My Name

Challenge board at NWPT

This morning, we welcomed Hunter to the team. The Northwest Personal Training team. He started working out with us on Friday. Today, was his first cycling class. I learned all this from our warm-up together. 'Cause that's the way we roll. It's an intimate setting. We all take time to get to know each others names and a little or a lot about each other.

In early March, when I started working out with NWPT I was coming from a big corporate gym. I was burnt out on the scene and was losing motivation (only a little). The smaller, intimate studio has been the change that I needed. Small group classes (more like group personal training) and trainers who not only know their stuff, but know my name too. "Hey, Chrisetta."

They also know my background. So they make sure to modify some exercises for my still healing fractured leg. If I miss class  (never) they'll follow up with me to make sure everything's alright. If my form is a little off -- they're right there to help.

It's not just the trainers. It's the folks that train alongside me, with me. During class we encourage one another. Root for one another. Feed off each others energy. It's the coolest thing. We all are in this together working towards fitness and health.

It's no wonder we are all excited. It's contagious. It comes from the leader of the pack, Sherri. She promotes fitness  beyond the studio. She promotes a lifestyle. It's not just about the few hours a week that we're in the studio. It's more. She keep us engaged. Interested. Cycling and Hiking clubs, Running /Walking Events, Nutrition Seminars, Fitness Challenges...

I could keep on and on about NWPT and their awesomeness. I'll just end by saying, if I have to workout, and I do. I wanna workout at NWPT, where everybody knows my name.