2012 Outside of the Box

First and foremost, all Glory and Honor to God for without Him nothing is possible. I'm so highly favored and blessed.

Phew...Where to begin. 2012 has been a remarkable year. Oh, the places I've been. The people I've seen.

I've met lots and lots of people. I've been the guest speaker at many places. I've hosted upwards of 20 cooking classes. Formed a women's group. I've shared stories with you, recipes with you, and offered my tips for a sustainable healthy lifestyle. I authored not one, but two cookbooks. One of which, "Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box" is a required textbook for Health 100: Food and Your Health classes at Clark College. Seriously!

"Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box" is in circulation at two library systems: Fort Vancouver Regional Library and Multnomah County Library -- earning me not one but two Dewey Decimal numbers. 641.563 MOSLEY and 641.563 M912s 2012. Woo hoo!

I'd have to say of all the great things I've done this past year. My greatest honor was writing "Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box." Authoring that cookbook has opened up countless opportunities for me and in turn I've been able to  help, inspire, and encourage more of you to eat healthy and outside of the prepared food box.

Thanks to every single one of you who bought a copy of "Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box"! And, thank you for your willingness to embrace my ideas and supporting your own healthy lifestyle.

Thank you! Merci! Gracias!

Extra-special thanks to:

Clark College, but especially -- Veronica Brock, Kristen Myklebust, Jeanne Hoff, and Marti Earhart.
Chuck's Produce & Street Market -- Angee Murray for making things happen.
Fort Vancouver Regional Library -- Teresa Torres of Cascade Park Community Library for her help and support with my ideas and of course getting my cookbooks in circulation.
Multnomah County Library -- Patricia Welch for her determination in getting my cookbooks in circulation.
LiveWell of The Columbian -- for putting my words in print. I met so many people who say they follow me regularly in the paper. Cool beans!

Northwest Personal Training, Minuteman Press, Mother's of Preschoolers, Vancouver Community Library, Cascade Athletic Club, TOPS Weight Loss Support Group, Fisher's Landing Assisted Living, Professional Connections, Focus Group, Courtyard Village, New Seasons Market, The Skanner, The Portland Observer, The Independent, KBOO Radio, Lydene Robertson Photography, and Camille Goldy Saari.

MOPS: Steps OUTSIDE of the Box

One of the reasons I love what I do is that I empower people to make changes. I empower them to step Outside of the Box. Last Thursday, I did it again!

I was invited to be the guest speaker at Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group. There were nearly 60 women. A golden opportunity. Lots of potential to make changes. These women are raising the next generation.

I began the talk as I normally would sharing my story of self-discovery and weight loss. Coincidentally, I use to live in the area of the church I was speaking at. "I use to pass by here all the time on my walks." I said.

Next, I shared simple, recipe ideas. Urging them to go back to the basics. Cut up an apple, orange, and slice a banana -- a fresh fruit cup. Pleading with them to not introduce their kids to jarred baby food. "That's boxing them in at a very early age." I said. "Why not just mash up a banana?" I questioned. I challenged them to feed their children the same real food they eat. 

My message resonated with many of the women. Many of them spoke with me afterwards. Many of them purchased a copy of my cookbook. And, then on Sunday morning this email from Angie, mother of an infant and a toddler: "Hi Chrisetta! It was great to meet you at MOPS on Thursday. I've already been to the bulk section of Winco and made Quinoa for the first time (and baby food). I made fruit snacks from REAL fruit."

YES! She made baby food. And, fruit snacks even. All in a day's work. I'm so very fortunate to do what I do. Thanks MOPS for having me. MOPS is officially OUTSIDE of the Box!