Life happens

It was nice to see that I'm still on the Wall of Success @ 24 Hour

A hiatus. A bump in the road.

Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months. Now, I'm looking at my calendar, realizing -- I haven't worked out at a gym since November. I know. That's insane! Since I started my bid to weight loss and fitness three and a half years ago, working out had become like breathing air for me. But somehow everything else in my life became a priority and time slipped away.

Here's what I know:

- Life happens. When it does we make adjustments. We grow. We move on. It was a bump in the road, but nothing that I can't overcome. Heck, I'm the gal who lost 15 pounds while rehabbing a broken leg. This ain't NOTHING.

- This isn't a fad. I want to be healthy forever. I don't measure my success in the span of days, weeks, or months -- see previous blog post. This is my life. My entire life. I'll keep working at being healthy and fit.

- We all need folks in our lives to keep us on track, keep us accountable, and help us be the best we can be. I'm fortunate to have an awesome support system.

Fitness and optimal health require a commitment. I'm committed. I was off track a little bit, but now I'm ready to get back on course. I've re-enrolled at 24-Hour Fitness and am ready to get back in action! Plenty of workout updates forthcoming...

I'll miss my friends at Northwest Personal Training, but this is the best choice for me, right now.

Outside of the Box: Breakfast

Thanks to those who came out today to start 2013 OUTSIDE of the Box with me! As always it was delicious fun. On the menu: Fruit Seed Wheat Berry Bowls and Open Faced Egg Tomato Sandwiches. 

Oh, what a surprise to have Mary who I met at LA Fitness a couple of days ago, Donna a client from Northwest Personal Training, June and her daughter Jessica I met them in the store during my holiday promo, Ginger who I haven't seen in umpteen years and her son, and all of my loyal followers! 

Again, I say, I LOVE what I do!

Northwest Personal Training: Steps OUTSIDE of the Box

It's always a fun time when Northwest Personal Training (NWPT) hosts an event. Last night, was delicious fun and I just so happened to be the hostess. It was a great honor and pleasure to be invited to share my story, my love for good real food, and passion for health, fitness, and life with NWPT clients.

The cool thing about doing what I do, is no matter the audience I mostly always reach them with new information, inspiration, encouragement. The NWPT folks last night would prove no different. Sometimes it could be a tidbit:  Kale can be frozen. A new found kitchen gadget. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright flavor without any calories to a number of dishes.

The more events I host I realize my concept of being OUTSIDE of the Box is simply a reminder to folks. A reminder of how simple it is to prepare real food.  A reminder that Shopping, Cooking, Eating OUTSIDE of the Box allows us to not only take control of our health and our lives, but it gives us freedom. Somewhere along the way, somehow we got BOXED in, and lost our freedom and creativity.  It's darn cool to show folks how simple it is to step OUTSIDE of the Box.  It's even cooler to end the evening with a hug from a lady who you met only a couple of hours ago.

NWPT you are more than a training studio, and I'm proud to be a part of the NWPT family. An extra-special thanks to Kristin for organizing everything and Cindy for being my personal assistant. You two are AWESOME.

NWPT is officially OUTSIDE of the Box.

What's Cookin' in November

For the past couple of months I've been out and about -- here, there, everywhere signing cookbooks like crazy and encouraging you to step OUTSIDE of the prepared food box.  For the month of November -- I'm going on a cookin' frenzy. It's time for me to show you how to whip up the simple, delicious meals from the cookbook.

I'm super-duper excited for this opportunity...I'll host PRIVATE store tours and cooking classes for 100! Clark College  Yes, 100! "Food and Your Health" students at Chuck's Produce & Street Market. This is the first class of this type for the college, the store, and me too. 

First up, I'll take the students on a grocery shopping tour and then we'll head back to kitchen for a cooking class featuring recipes straight from the cookbook. 

I'll host four private classes with 25 students each class -- two sessions on Friday, November 9th and two sessions on Friday November 16th. I'm honored to be a part of the college's efforts to "bridge the gap between theory and practice for the students." Stay tuned for more as the delicious fun happens.

I'm just warming up! I'll host my regular cooking classes at Chuck's. Back by popular demand I'll make my "To Die For Southwestern Chicken Soup" and Sweet Potato Bisque-- Sunday, November 18th, 2 -3:30 p.m. and on Friday, November 30th, 1- 2:30 p.m. I'll whip up my "Simply Unforgettable Tomato Soup" with Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Check the class schedule and call the store to reserve your seat -- classes fill quickly!

There's more...I may need a fire extinguisher! Tuesday, November 13th at 7 p.m., I've been invited to host a Healthy Food On-The-Go seminar at the BEST training studio in town -- Northwest Personal Training.

On the menu:

• Cashew Whole Food Energy Bars
• Blueberry Banana Kale Smoothies
• Veggie Wraps

Register for this event here.

I'm so looking forward to creating delicious memories with you. Hope to see you somewhere in the mix this November.

Happy Shopping, Cooking, and Eating!

---

For those who missed it, I started November with a  LIVE appearance on talk radio. I was  promoting Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box on KBOO's Black Book Talk.  Listen to the PODCAST here. Warning: I was really high strung it must have been the chia seeds. 

Healthy Looks

Confession: For a long time my weight loss efforts were tied to me achieving a certain look, and I associated being healthy with that look. It wasn't until I started working out at Northwest Personal Training (NWPT) that my attitude changed. 

Coming from a place of morbid obesity at the onset of my weight loss journey, I was losing the weight to save my life. I was so big -- 388 pounds, so miserable. I could barely walk, barely breathe. I was taking meds to control my high blood pressure and I was on the verge of developing a slew of other health problems. Once I started shedding the pounds and working out regularly my focus changed. I seemed to be skewing health and looks together. 

In retrospect, I now realize that working out in a corporate gym environment contributed to my skewed outlook. Sure, there were your average looking folks who were concerned with their health and fitness who worked out at the corporate gym, but mostly there were a lot of model like men and women. I started wanting to look like them. Be like them. I was pressuring myself to get to goal weight, obsessing over the scale, and trying to achieve a look. It was so superficial. So unreal. So unhealthy.

When I first started working out at NWPT in April, I had the same mentality -- get to goal weight, wear a size x and be healthy, fit. That wasn't happening fast enough and I was beating myself up. It was a conversation that I had with Sherri McMillian owner of NWPT that really started changing my focus. She told me that she wanted me not to worry so much about losing weight, but instead concentrate on getting stronger.

Months later, working out beside some of the strongest, healthiest folks at NWPT, I realize that healthy isn't about looks. Healthy is a way of life. Exercising. And not just exercising at the gym, finding physical activities that you enjoy and making them a part of your life. Eating well. Resting. Loving yourself. I'm proud to say, I no longer am focused solely on the way I look. Rather, I'm focused on putting all the pieces together -- it's a holistic approach. Sure, I still want to get to goal weight and by doing so inevitably my looks will change.  But now my focus is about truly being healthy and strong I'm not sure that really has a certain look.

Girlfriends Half Marathon 2012

Sherri McMillan (Owner of Northwest Personal Training and Fitness) does it again. Along with her staff she put on another great event for a great cause--  bringing together community -- vendors, food, and live music (Hit Machine), and of course a race.

I had a super fun time as a volunteer of the 2012 Girlfriends Half Marathon. Volunteering is a great way to get in on the action and support a great cause. Yesterday, I volunteered to snap photos and shoot video of the event. Being photographer allowed me to mingle with folks, capture the moments, and do what I love most  -- chat it up.

I chatted up lots of "girlfriends" who were on a mission to meet their own personal goals while helping raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. While mingling and snapping photos I also met Steve Valenta (Owner of The Mighty Bowl), ran into Steven Lane (Photographer for The Columbian), and Kristen Myklebust (Clark College's Food and Your Health instructor). Good times!

I'm proud to have been a part of such an awesome community event, for such a great cause. I hear there were over 2600 participants and about $75,000 was raised.

Here's a few of the photos:

And the video of Sherri crossing the finish line. Yes, she even participated in the race. Talk about AWESOME!

Reward

After a chill Labor day weekend, I was all set to return to my workout routine. It's Tuesday so that means time to get my Row on -- Bike & Row with Ted. Walked in the studio and it was rather dead. It's usually buzzing with energy. Peeked in the classroom, empty.

At ten after 12 it was apparent I was the only one coming to class. So, Ted decided to reward my efforts with a one-on-one personal training session.Yes! Just what I needed a kick-butt strength and cardio workout. Ted and I shared stories and laughed as he challenged my strength, balance, and my favorite part -- stretched me out.

Like most days, I had a slew of things on my to-do-list, but I made my workout a priority and low and behold I was rewarded for my good behavior. Sometimes it's the thing(s) we don't necessarily want to do, but do anyway that yield the biggest reward(s).

BTW, I love working out at Northwest Personal Training they really are the BEST.

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.

Stronger

I feel amazing, strong. This afternoon, I successfully intensely rowed for 50 minutes. I've rowed with the crew before, but today was different. I matched them stroke for stroke. With the same level of intensity.

It takes strength and great effort to row -- you want the the power in your legs. It took me a while, but today I felt it in my legs. The sound of the water: swish, swish. That was assurance -- I was in unison with the crew. The rowing crew.

A few days ago, I was chatting with Sherri (owner of Northwest Personal Training) about my fitness goals. Sherri advised me not to focus so much on my weight, but focus on getting stronger. She said, the stronger you get, the more efficient your body will perform. And eventually the pounds will drop. She used some other fancy training terminology, but that's the gist of it.

Working out is not only about physical strength -- it's more about the mental strength. I battle with myself often, but when I get out of my own way, I'm stronger, more efficient. Today, I feel stronger than ever. Thanks Sherri and NWPT for helping me get stronger.

Three weeks difference

This actually happened a few weeks ago right before I came down with the flu. A must share…
 
I was having a bad day. A really bad day. The last few days, my mind had been full of the negative self-talk combined with self-doubt. I’d been working out hard for weeks and eating clean as I possibly could. I was really questioning myself, my efforts.  Maybe this is it for me. Maybe this is goal weight and I just need to face it. Maybe there is no Next Level, Fit by Forty.

I lost five pounds the first week I started training with Northwest Personal Training, but then the scale was fluctuating and not necessarily in my favor. I looked in the mirror and wanted to smash it out of pure disgust. Especially, the studio mirrors. My goodness!

On this particular day I really, really didn’t like what I saw. Sorry. I know, I’m supposed to be your positive role model, your real example. I’d be remiss though not to share my true feelings. I’ve said this umpteen times it’s more than a battle of obesity it’s a battle of self. Day in, day out.  

Any of you who have met me, know how dramatic and animated I am. Well, if Kara, (Fitness Director at NWPT) didn’t know this about me -- she knows now. I ran into her outside the studio that day as we both were headed to our cars. Poor Kara, I went on a tirade about how this wasn’t working out. How I didn’t think I could do it anymore. How I’m sick of being the fattest person in the room.  Blah, blah...Kara entertained my crazy and let me get it all out. With a very straight, but warm face, she asked: “How long have you been working out with us?” 

Me: “Three weeks.”

Kara: “Oh, three weeks?”

When she repeated out loud “three weeks” I just started laughing. It sounded so ridiculous. I had been working out consistently and eating clean for three weeks. Three whole weeks. Sometimes I too lose sight of how much it really takes to shed the pounds. More importantly, to be fit, to be healthy.  Three weeks is not enough time to see the type of results I’m looking for. Deep down, I know better than that, but still sometimes I get caught up. I'm no different, in that respect, I want it now.

Kara went on to say, “Chrisetta, most people would give up. You though, you keep coming. You keep trying. We’re glad you’re here, trying.”  She’s absolutely right. Sure, sometimes I let the negative self-talk get the best of me, and I‘m a little unrealistic about where I should be.  The difference is, no matter -- I keep suiting up, I keep trying.

Takin' it to the streets

Surprise! Surprise! Mid-way through this morning's boot camp we took our drills to the streets. It was kinda cool. Refreshing.

Our first drill was to sprint a block then drop for 10 push-ups, repeat x 4. Back to the studio for drills including burpees, chopping wood exercises, and ski monologues (I think that's what Jenna called them). Then, back outdoors for another drill this time partnered up: Running up the hill with thick rubber band around our waist partner pulling behind us for resistance. These exercises can be performed indoors, but being outside changes the dynamics of the workout. The pavement has cracks and grooves. Making it a more challenging workout. It's kinda nice to mix things up and get some fresh air.

Never the same workout at Northwest Personal Training they are full of surprises. I'm diggin' my new training studio -- they take it to the streets.

Healthy and sick

I pride myself on working out, eating whole fresh foods, and resting -- the key ingredients to health.

Such as life, there are periods were my habits are better, more consistent than others. The last few weeks, I found myself really dialed in on all areas. I was feeling really good everything was going swell.  Working out hard with my new training team, Northwest Personal Training, really mindful of my food choices, and proper rest every night. I even made sure to take a day off from exercising mid-week. Being extra-cautious not to burn myself out.

I was on a roll. The blog's readership hit 25,000, working on a real huge project, cookbook signing at Clark College, and coordinating the FRESH viewing at the library.


Then out of nowhere...Bitten by the flu bug. Bitten hard by the flu bug. It's been awful. Not only the physical discomforts: Body aches, chills, coughing, fever, and loss of appetite. There's something about being sick that makes me feel so vulnerable. So weak.

I've been sidelined for the past two weeks. No interest in blogging, food, or much of anything.  I'm slowly regaining my strength and my smile is back too. Being sick has surely made me appreciate my good health all the more. Even the healthiest people get sick sometimes.

Tug-of-war

Squats. Lunges. Push-ups. Typical exercises found in most workout routines. We done plenty of them in yesterday's boot camp, but we also done a little something unexpected, something fun -- a game of tug-of-war. Whew!

When I saw Trevor grab that huge, thick rope my eyes lit up. I haven't played tug-of-war since I was a kid. We anxiously formed two teams, grabbed our spots in line, and started digging in. Tugging back and forth. Tug. Tug. Tug.  My heart was beating fast. It felt like it was going to pop out of my chest. But, I was having too much fun to care I just keep digging.

I never realized I was so competitive. I really started getting into it.  Round two I was first in line. Digging hard. We tugged and tugged. A few times the other team started pulling away from us. I was screaming "PULL." We pulled ourselves to victory that round.

Afterwards we were breathing hard, smiling, and laughing. Feeling like kids again. It's nice to do something different like a game of tug-of-war to break up the typical workout routine. Thanks, Trevor for the unexpected, fun challenge.

I'm really digging my new training studio Northwest Personal Training. It's kinda cool and different.  Wanna join in on the fun and get fit? Email me: farewellfatso@gmail.com for your complimentary pass.

Just Like That

It's such a simple theory. We often overlook it. Ignore it. Sometimes the simple things are the hardest to grasp. But, this theory is tried and true. Burn more calories than you take in and you will lose weight. Ain't that somethin'?

With the help of my new training team, Northwest Personal Training I burned plenty of calories last week, woo! I understood, my work was not over when I left the studio so I was conscious of my food choices. Alright, I was downright vigilant. Proud to say, as a result, I lost five pounds. Yup, just like that. Five pounds. The simple, tried and true theory does work. No complicated formulas. Just blood pumping, sweaty, exercise and take in less calories by eating wholesome fresh food.

Wait a minute. This simple theory could work if you even eat junk food. Right? Yes, It can.  But, if you're looking to improve your overall quality of health while losing weight than it's probably best to take in less calories by eating wholesome fresh food. On the simplest level: Eat less, move more. Just like that.

No Gimmicks. No Frills. No Magic Pills.

I'm looking forward to my second week with my new training team. Week two goals:  Gain more strength, build endurance, and duh -- to shed more pounds and inches.

Right here

I'm guessing that about right here is where most folks would give up. Throw in the towel. It's too hard, frustrating. It's not happening fast enough. You're eating right and have a solid workout regimen. It's been two weeks now. What gives? Ha. All jokes aside.

I've been plateaued for several months now. Well, I did lose three pounds a few weeks ago, but that's a small drop in the bucket.  This is a hard spot. It's pivotal. Two choices: Fold or persevere. If you fold you can guarantee you will never get there. You can't get there without being here. Being here and staying here for a while is a choice. And, then there's being here, right here, and finding strategies to get through these challenging plateau periods.

If I would've stopped here...

My response to my body's latest plateau: I've sought a team of personal trainers (Northwest Personal Training) to assist me with my workout routines and I am refocusing my attention to my eating habits. Plateaus are our bodies way of saying uh...I need you to do something different. I have your workout and eating habits figured out.

News flash: Fitness and weight loss don't just happen. They require work. Lots of hard work. Consistency. Determination. Tenacity.

...I wouldn't be here

Think about the ripped guy at the gym. He didn't get those pecks overnight. Did he have challenges? You bet he did. But, he stayed with it. Yours truly didn't lose 170 pounds overnight. I've had to work through all sorts of obstacles. But, I've never given up. I just find a different way. 

Folks, take it from yours truly, there are no magic pills when it comes to fitness and weight loss. Hard work, patience, and a never give up attitude is what it takes. I'm guessing, right here is where you are highly motivated to make the commitment to your fitness and weight loss goals.

Next Level

Should working out be this fun?

I've been at this for a long time -- battling obesity. The finish line is within sight, but the closer I get to it the harder reaching it seems. I'll admit, I'm at the point where I need help. I can't do this alone. My tool belt is empty and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Nor am I afraid to seek help. I started thinking...Hmm...A personal trainer is what I need. Someone to guide me, challenge me, gently kick my butt, and push me to the Next Level.

Score! Not only did I find a trainer, I found a team. I'm super-duper excited to be training with Northwest Personal Training. A small, upscale studio with a team of awesome certified personal trainers led by Sherri McMillan a leader in the fitness industry.

I'm confident that I'm in good hands with these folks. There are no gimmicks. No frills. No magic pills. Just them working me to my maximum potential. In turn, I'll give them everything I have every time out. But, my work doesn't stop at the studio -- when I'm away I'll fuel my body by eating fresh, wholesome food and getting plenty of rest.  The team will help me stay on track by reviewing my food diary periodically. On Friday, to jump start my bid to the finish line we recorded my weight and measurements. Now, we have a clear idea of our starting point and it's time to do this!

I got my dukes up!

The finish line seems closer with the help of my new team at Northwest Personal Training. I'm committed to my health and fitness and with their help it's time I push myself to the Next Level.

Check out their website for more info on their Vancouver and Portland studios :
http://www.nwpersonaltraining.com/

Found

Found: The gal with the go get it spirit at the gym. 

She's been spotted at: Northwest Personal Training, 24 Hour Fitness Columbia Tech, walking the hilly Mt.Tabor Park, and today there was a sighting of her laughing, shaking hips, stomping feet to "Boogie Wonderland" in Rodney's Funky Rhythms class at Firstenburg Community Center. 

It's been a while, but after stringing together two solid weeks of workouts consisting of a variety of classes in a few locations -- I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Over the past few months, I'll admit I had lost my way a little, but I want to make sure I'm clear -- I never, ever had given up. Battling obesity is a hard gig so sometimes these types of breaks are necessary. My health and wellness can't be measured in days, weeks, or months. I've made a conscious effort to change my life for the better -- I want this healthy lifestyle forever.  Today, I am refocused, refreshed, renewed and ready to go to the next level.

Thanks to the search and rescue team for finding and revitalizing me.