TBT: Cooking class fun

Throwback Thursday. Wow. These photos take me back to a happy place. What fun we had on this day! I didn't expect Roasted Vegetables to draw such a crowd but the class was packed!  The energy in the room was electric. I've said this before I love to speak and share my story, but when I speak and cook at the same time -- I come alive! This was the first class at Chuck's where  I had Clark College students in the house!

This was also the day Cari Hachmann (former photographer from The Portland Observer) shot the photos for my first cookbook "Bringing Cooking Back" and lots of the photos for my second cookbook,  "Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box." including the popular cover.

I taught upwards of 40 cooking classes at Chuck's Produce & Street Market over a two year span and this was one of my top three classes. Delicious fun!

Start

When I started my weight loss and get fit journey. I guess this comes as no surprise, but my diet and exercise regimen were totally different than they are today.

Back then, my idea of healthy eats were frozen Lean Cuisine meals, Broccoli & Beef from the Panda Express menu, and if and when I ate raw vegetables, they had to be dipped in Ranch dressing. I've come along way.

Today, I'm repulsed at the idea of any store-bought frozen meal, anything from Panda Express, and I gladly eat my veggies dip-less. On a personal note: I have taken control of my health in my very own kitchen, by preparing 99 percent of my meals at home using fresh, whole ingredients. Not only do I eat healthfully, I've taken it a step further: I've authored two cookbooks and I've held numerous cooking classes around the community. Where I am today, wouldn't have been possible without me, starting.

My exercise routine used to consist of a 15 minute normal paced walk outdoors. You heard the saying, "You have to crawl before you walk." Everyone has to start somewhere.
Walking for me was a safe effective way to get me jump started. Once I became comfortable walking, I made my way to the gym. Today, my workout routine looks quite a bit different than it did in 2009.

So, the point of this all... Don't worry so much about where you want to be. Don't over-think it. Keep it simple. Start where you are. Where you are today will inevitably look different in a few weeks, a few months, a year.

No one starts out preparing 99 percent of their meals at home from scratch. No one runs a marathon without first running a mile. Keep in mind, there'll be twists and turns a long your journey to health and fitness, but keep going, you're worth it.

Start.

Slowly but surely

A couple years ago, heck, even two months ago, I would have been beating myself up pretty bad about my current state. You see, the past few months I've been very busy in the community: Motivational talks, lectures, cooking classes, on and on. So, busy that truthfully I haven't been as dedicated to my fitness and weight loss goals. I can't recall the last time I worked out at the gym and I haven't recorded a decrease on the scale in umpteen months.

I'm 40 years old and have been overweight my entire life. I've never been what you called a "normal" size. I'm not sure what the statistics on beating childhood obesity are, but I'm sure they're slim (no pun intended). Despite what the statistics may be, to date with a conscious change to my diet, mindful eating, and exercise I've lost 170 pounds. I am proud of myself for what I have accomplished.  But I also can be pretty hard on myself for what I haven't accomplished.

The more mature, intuitive Chrisetta, recognizes that it's pretty unrealistic of me to think that I can make obesity go away overnight or even in a span of a few years. The Chrisetta of the past would have beat herself up for being in this current state of flux. Called herself names. But no longer. I'm a place in my life, a place in this journey where I'm not going to let those negative thoughts consume me. That's a part of the battle -- learning to not think and speak negative thoughts, learning to be kinder, more flexible and forgiving of myself. Does that mean that I am giving up on my goals? Quite the opposite. It just means that instead of pushing myself so hard, focusing so much on the destination.  I'm going to ease up -- live a healthy, fulfilled life, and enjoy the journey.
 
Today, I'm healthier, happier, more peaceful and content. Oh, and 170 pounds lighter. Slowly but surely, I'm saying farewell to my old childhood nemesis, obesity.

Outside of the Box: Salads with Whole Grains

I love teaching cooking classes. It's the best of both worlds. I love food. So talking about food, good real food, cooking food, and then feeding an eager crowd - score! Today, I showed a lively group how amazing salads can be.

On the menu: 

- Wheat Berry Spinach Salad (A bed of spinach leaves, wheat berries, red bell peppers, Feta cheese, sliced almonds). By adding the wheat berries, red bell pepper, and almonds the salad is naturally crunchy so replacing the desire for highly caloric, nutrient deprived croutons.
- Chopped salad (Bed of romaine lettuce, tricolor quinoa, blanched asparagus, cucumbers, mushrooms, red onion, grape tomatoes, black olives, and mozzarella cheese).  All the fresh vegetables give this salad a crunch and adding the quinoa gives it a boost of plant based protein.
   
The consensus among the group, the made from scratch lemon vinaigrette and honey mustard dressing elevated the wow factor. I loved hearing them ooh and aah with each bite. I loved how by the end of class they were all thinking OUTSIDE of the Box: They were chatting about ways they could tweak the salads for their loved ones or how excited they were to share the salads with coworkers at their upcoming potluck. Just like that another group -- Outside of the Box!


Doing what I love, loving what I do!

Be the change

When I began this amazing journey of self-discovery and weight loss in 2009. I simply was trying to find myself. I did not like who I had become and so I set off on a quest to become a better person inside and out. I spent a lot of time reflecting, walking, sitting still with myself, and sharing my daily trials and triumphs with you. At the time, I was sharing because it was helpful for me. Little did I know, my words and actions would inspire, encourage, and help others.

Fast forward: Friday, March 8, 2013. Not only have I found myself, I've recreated myself. Today, it's so clear to me that this journey hasn't only been about me, but instead how I could help others -- blogging, motivational talks, cooking classes, and authoring cookbooks. Today, though I'm still working on myself, I've also become a health ambassador to you all. I inspire, encourage, and help you to eat better, live better, be better.

As I reflect, I think of this famous Gandhi quote, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” All of us have special talents and gifts. When you tap into them, when you share your gifts, no matter how big or small...I tell you, it is the greatest reward and feeling. I'm reminded of that every single day through emails, FB posts, or when I meet you at a class, presentation, or for coffee.

Yesterday, I met with a fella, Joe for coffee. It was a business meeting, I had never met him before. Him and I chatted about my needs, my ideas. If you've ever heard me talk, I'm pretty passionate about my ideas. Anyway, we talked for over two hours and as the meeting came to a close, Joe said to me:  "I like talking to you, you make me feel good." Ahh... Life is so much more fulfilling when you share with others, give to others.

Throughout this self-discovery and weight loss journey, I've discovered what I'm passionate about, what makes me "feel good" actually helps others. So, today, I share, share, share in any and every way I can.  I want all of us to be healthier, happier, and live better. This is not just my journey, it's yours.

Joe - feeling good -- Outside of the Box!

The Jensen's: Outside of the Box

Jennifer admittedly can't cook. It's not that she doesn't have a desire to cook. But her parents didn't cook and so she never learned.

As an adult and now a mother of three, Jennifer realizes the importance of home cooked meals. She doesn't want her children to grow up eating restaurant fare and boxed, processed food. She wants to  feed her kids, her husband, and herself real food. She wants to pass down loving food memories from the comfort of their kitchen at home.

So rather than sit on the sidelines. Jennifer decided to take control and she's involving the entire family: Josh her husband and her beautiful kids, David, Bella, and Sarah. She discovered the free cooking classes offered at Chuck's Produce & Street Market and decided to give the classes a try.

I had the pleasure of having them for their first ever cooking class a couple of Sunday's ago. What a delight it was to have them.  The kids added real spunk to the class. Bella is the cook of the the family and she was just too cute. After class they hung out a little longer than most of the crowd.  They purchased a copy of my cookbook, we chatted, took photos and away they went. Or so I thought...They showed up again this past Friday for my Soup & Sandwich class. It was such a surprise to see them all because this class was during the mid-day. Typically the kids would have been at school, but they so happened to have a half-day. They could have been anywhere, but they were spending their afternoon with me. Learning how to cook. Heavy, heavy sigh. The pure joy of what I do!

I barely know Jennifer, but I am very proud of her for stepping OUTSIDE of the Box, taking control of her family's health, and ultimately passing down the art of cooking to her children. I'm confident that you'll be whipping up meals at home in no time, Jennifer.

The Jensen's are OFFICIALLY Outside of the Box!

Lucky

When I lost the marketing assistant job I held in 2009 I was confused and distraught. I kept finding myself unemployed and I really didn't understand why. My girlfriend, Carmen -- rest in peace, said to me "Maybe you're not supposed to work in marketing. Maybe you're not supposed to work a traditional job." I thought, nonsense... I have a degree in Journalism with a background in Marketing Communications, and I like what I do. Fast forward 2012: Man, oh man Carmen was right!

Today, I do everything I love. There's no job description for what I do. I'm OUTSIDE of the Box. A typical day in the life of Chrisetta could include any combination:

- Blog
- Update Facebook (multiple times throughout the day)
- Work out
- Host cooking classes
- Facilitate groups
- Speak to crowds
- Author cookbooks
- Gather goods to create fresh meals
- Cook delicious meals for myself 
- Etc., Etc., Etc.

Everything I do is on my own schedule. I pick and chose the events I participate in. Most of the time I plan my events in my pajamas from the confines of my home. I can chat on the phone with my girlfriends while I work. If I get tired of working, I can take a walk, a nap, or close it down completely. I don't have all the stressors of working for someone else. I have time to take care of myself -- cooking from scratch, resting well, and exercising. What's more, I get to share with people. Help people. There's no greater feeling.

 "You seem to be having so much fun when I peek in there (kitchen classroom)!" Margaret a cashier at Chuck's  observed. A fellow workout buddy said" You are lucky to be able to do what you do. Most people don't get to do what they love."

I'd have to agree. I am lucky. I'm not supposed to work a traditional job. Instead, I'm supposed to have fun sharing my passion for good food, life, health and fitness with you.

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. 

Mirror Mirror

I've been obese my entire life so it's a little absurd for me to believe I can erase the years and years of unhealthy behaviors overnight. For goodness' sakes I use to weigh a mortifying 388 pounds.

Today, I'm 170 pounds lighter, healthier, and happier. But, it's been a while since I've recorded a lost in weight or inches. The good news is I haven't gained any weight or increased in inches either. So, it's safe to say I'm able to maintain, and the practices I've adopted in my life are sustainable.

I tell myself, maybe I'm suppose to be here in this space. Maybe this is what's comfortable for my body right now. And yes my thoughts are sort of contradictory, but like I've said before my blog is my diary and you just so happen to be privy to read it. Bear with me.

I have to remind myself, this is no yo-yo, fad diet. I'm not seeking a quick fix. I'm creating a healthy lifestyle for myself by eating a wide variety of fresh, whole food, discovering new things beyond food, exercising, and reaching out to the community along the way. I'm proud of myself. It's taken an awful lot of discipline and deep inward stares at myself to lose and keep the weight off.  I've taken a whole lot of negative and turned it into a whole lot of positive.

Yet and still, the other day when I caught my reflection in the mirror, it caused me to pause and ask myself "Are you  giving it your all?" Sure, I've been busy, busy, writing my latest cookbook. Sure, I've been busy facilitating community meetings, speaking at various events, and hosting cooking classes. But those things encompass my life. Shouldn't I be able to balance it all? Heavy sigh. I'd like to think -- yes.  I'm going to have to figure out a way to make them all fit together and still work towards my fitness and weight loss goals.

Because of my weight loss success, folks, ask me all the time, "What makes me stay with it?" It's simple, I look in the mirror. A journey of this sorts takes a consistent commitment. Evaluation of self -- onus. Discipline. Accountability. I've come this far by being honest with myself, about my goals, whether or not I'm giving 100 percent. If I find that I'm not giving 100 percent. I call myself out, confront myself. I'm a no non-sense type gal, who doesn't make a lot of excuses. So my latest glimpse in the mirror has me on a new mission. A mission to put all the pieces together.

Mirror mirror I seek balance. Balance so that I can do all the things that I enjoy: blogging, authoring cookbooks, hosting cooking classes, speaking to the community, all while I continue to work on my health and fitness goals.

A look at my transition over the years...

It's more than the physical weight I've lost. It's more about the inner strength and peace I've found.

Like Bree Van deKamp

Folks who know me, know...It's all about the presentation. The ambiance. I'm a great hostess, so if you're coming by my place for a gathering. You're guaranteed to be spoiled and eat good. I love cooking and sharing my passion. I think for most people who cook, it's just natural to want to entertain. A good meal is better shared over conversation and laughter.


Entertaining is when you showcase not only the food, but you get to set everything up just so. Depending on the time of day or type of the occasion, here's a few things I do to create a feel-good atmosphere:

• Fresh cut flowers on the table and/or candles
• Fun or classy table runners depending on the food served
• Tableware -- I'm partial to white because it highlights the beauty of the food - I do stray though
• A bowl of seasonal fruit and/or some type of light snack
• Good eclectic music

We see food with our eyes first, then we smell, and finally we taste.  So, I don't slap anything together. I want the food to look appealing, inviting.  Those who have taken my cooking classes see it in action. It's all about presentation (kind of the case with everything for me). When in class, I showcase my food on beautiful platters and bowls. If sauce drips on the side of the bowl, I take time to wipe it off. It's the little details that make the experience, enjoyable and memorable.

I often joke that I'm kinda like Bree Van de Kamp from Desperate Housewives she was known for throwing the best gatherings/parties. She was so fussy, down right persnickety. Everything had to be just so. For a long time, when I watched the show, I so didn't like her character. I came to realize the reason I didn't like her much was because I'm just like her when it comes to entertaining. Everything has a place. Everything has to be just so.

Real example

I've been there, done that -- am doing that. That's why most of you can relate to me.  I'm not a Biggest Loser contestant on TV being worked by a staff of personal trainers and fed by personal chefs. I'm not an airbrushed Weight Watchers celebrity spokesperson. I'm not a health professional who has all the book smarts, but none of the real gritty insight of battling obesity and life at the same time. I'm your real example.

I'm the gal at the gym working out along side you. I speak to you and with you at community events. I host fun, informational, cooking classes locally. If you see me at the grocery store I'll chat with you. If you shoot me an email I'll respond. I'm here, there, everywhere. I'm accessible. I'm your real example.

Real example: I met Judy at my cookbook
signing at New Seasons Market last week. She reads my blog in print in The Columbian. After reading my blog posts for a few weeks she came to my cookbook signing all jazzed up to meet me. We had a nice conversation at the cookbook signing. About a week later, I ran into Judy while I was out picking up a few grocery items. I stopped and chatted with her. She was so excited to see me again and was impressed that I remembered her -- though I did admit at the time I couldn't recall her name.  Judy told me that she loves reading my blog:  Admires how honest, open I am.  She really feels connected with me and can relate to me. She said, I am a real example, a real inspiration.

I am honored, grateful, and lucky to be your real example.

Back to basics

For the past several weeks, I've been busy, busy, busy. Fitness trainer classes, writing and self-publishing a cookbook, teaching cooking classes, motivational speaking, and planning future events. It's no wonder something had to give, that something was me. I made it to the gym all of three times and my eating habits were a little questionable too. I'm happy to say, I was able to maintain my weight and did not gain. It's good to know that I can withstand life events and maintain my weight. But with my goal to lose 70 more pounds I can't rest my laurels here. I still have work to do, plenty of work to do.

One of the things that has changed about me throughout this journey is knowing when I need help and not being afraid to ask for it. I have the desire, motivation, but I need folks to help guide me through. Battling obesity is a tough battle, a battle not to be fought alone. Since I'm a little out of sync yesterday I called my coach to help dial me back in. Him and I came up with my game plan and now it's time I execute. I need not worry about the past several weeks. I need only to refocus my efforts and go back to the basics.

I've said this before I'm no contestant on an edited reality TV show. I'm not farmed away at some camp where I have chefs preparing my meals and personal trainers working me out around the clock. Nor do I have the luxury of not dealing with everyday life in the process. I'm right in the thick of life. Trying to create a healthier, fitter life all while maintaining life. There are bumps and I have to learn how to maneuver them. 170 pounds lighter and I still find myself having to come up with new ways to maneuver the bumps. Truthfully, the more weight I lose, the fitter I become the bigger the bumps.

What I know for sure: I can and will overcome any obstacles. I get to ask for help. I get to have periods of time when I don't workout. I get to not eat healthy all the time. No matter, I will never, never, never give up. It's time I go back to the basics.

A gift from God

My debut cooking class @ Chuck's

A few months ago I spoke to a group of spry seniors at a Men's Breakfast. After my speech, a 99-year old man approached me with teary eyes and said, "Your message is a gift from God." I never thought of sharing my story as such. I mean, it's just my story. I never imagined that by sharing my story, I would motivate, inspire, and encourage others.

When I started this blog, back in July 2010 I simply began writing as a way to document my journey. I never imagined that penning my lifetime battle with obesity wasn't about me. What I've learned, however, is it's really only a little bit about me and more about helping others. That's why I was given the voice, the passion. I went through all of my life experiences good and bad-- so that I could share my gift. Plenty of people have lost weight so I'm not extra-ordinary in that way. But, I recognize now that what separates me from others is my ability to tell the story, share the story. Blogging, cooking classes, cookbook writing, motivational speaking those are my gifts. I plan to share, share, share. That's what it's all about, listening to your inner voice, finding your passion, and sharing it. The rest will follow.

Labor of love

It's an exciting day for me. This afternoon, I will pick-up my very first cookbook from the print shop. I created, designed, and am self-publishing the book. It's truly a labor of love.

As I reflect on the year, and the last couple of years. It's amazing to look at my progress. I decided in the fall of 2009 I did not like the person I had become and since have been on a mission to change myself into the person I want to be. It's been a challenging yet rewarding journey. I'm so glad I put my tennis shoes on that cold, dark day and went outside for a walk. That walk, lead to more walks, and eventually to the realization that I could change. And, I was worth the fight. In the midst of changing myself, I've shared my story with you, which has turned into a reciprocal relationship. You say, I motivate you, and you give me strength on days when I can't find it internally.

I've been on a mission to share my knowledge and passion with you in a variety of ways: blogging, motivational speaking, cooking classes, and now in the form of a cookbook. I feel so very fortunate to have the opportunity to share my gifts with you. I'm proof that "You can do anything you set your mind to," and "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."

 My hope is to continue fine tuning myself and inspiring you a long the way.

Hello, December!

What's for ME

As October comes to a close, I'm encouraged. There were a couple of snags this month, but I've come to learn -- what's for me is for me. I don't have to force or try to manufacture things. So the business deals that didn't go through. Oh well. People who come in and out of my life. Toodles. I don't want to seem flip about it, but it is what it is. The universe works it all out.

Here's the positive from October:

• Hosted two successful cooking classes 
• Delivered my third motivational speech
• Six weeks into the Fitness Trainer Program
• Over 13,000 visitors to the blog
• eHow..com featured a blog post, "Sugar: Don't be fooled."
• 325 + FB "likes"
• Dates booked into March 2012
• Officially received notice that I'll teach a series of classes beginning January 2012
• Secured my biggest speaking venue to date for February 2012
• Working on a super delicious project -- details soon to be announced 
• I'm healthy, vibrant, and loved                                                                                                                                                              

I don't sweat the small stuff. What's for me is for me. I'm right where I'm suppose to be doing exactly what I should be doing. Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride. Bye-bye, October you were good to me. Looking forward to November.

Priorities

The other day, my instructor mentioned in class that perhaps we should re-frame our way of thinking. Instead of saying we don't have time to __ we should say I don't make it a priority. She's right. There are only 24 hours in the day. You only have 24 hours. I only have 24 hours. It just comes down to how we choose to spend our hours.

If you're like me when you really want something you find a way to make it happen. You make it a priority. Well, I have quite a list of things I want. So it's been rather challenging to prioritize. Blogging, speaking events, cooking classes, book writing, taking classes in the Fitness Trainer program, and oh yeah, trying to live a better healthier life.  After all, I'm the gal who publicly declared I'd be "Fit by Forty". Ha.

I have good intentions to keep up with my workout schedule, but over the last few weeks it has become less of a priority. Rather than beat myself up about it I focus on the big picture. This folks is life and I'm doing my best to balance it all. Sometimes I have to make adjustments. Currently, I've moved my workouts down a few notches on my priority list. I'm still dialed in on my nutrition, and I figure I do get a workout in, in my Exercise Technique class. Surely, my priorities shift from time-to-time, but the ultimate goal remains the same: To live a happy, fit, healthy life, and sharing my story to help others do the same.