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!

Bananas

It took me while, but I've finally come to the realization that I only sorta like bananas. I only like to eat them when they just turn ripe. Right after the green is gone. I struggled with rather or not I liked bananas for umpteen years because they do have a certain appeal. They wear a cute little yellow jacket and they are portable, versatile snacks that are high in potassium and other vitamins.

The other day, I was all ready to grab a banana for a post-workout snack and wouldn't you know it the 'nanas had brown spots on them. Yuck. I did try and eat one, but it was just too sugary and ugghhh...

What to do? I had about five over ripe bananas. Surely, I couldn't just toss them. Oh yeah, I could make some banana bread --old habits die hard. I had all the ingredients. So I took out a stick of butter and two eggs. Once the butter and sugar were at room temperature I was set to get baking. But, as I reached for the mixing bowl I started thinking how ridiclous I was being. I guess, it's safe to say, I temporarily went bananas. I mean, I almost baked a loaf of banana bread (which would contain approximately 3000 calories for the loaf). Instead of just tossing the bananas which cost no more than one buck. Really. I put everything back in the fridge and tossed the bananas. I'm on a mission to be Fit by 40. Banana bread be gone.