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!

Happy Healthy New Year Eating: Black-eyed Pea Succotash

Black-eyed peas are known by many cultures as “Lucky New Year food.” Since the peas swell once they cook, it is said they bring prosperity.

Traditionally, my mother would make them with smoked pork and serve them over rice with corn bread and fried chicken. Gone are those days…I’m starting a new healthier tradition at my household, “Black-eyed pea Succotash.” To complete the meal, I served it with sautéed collard greens and garlic, and baked True Atlantic Cod with fresh lemon juice.

Happy, Healthy Eating -- 2012!

"Not Afraid"

When I look at photos of myself as a morbidly obese woman. I don't really even remember being that person. I don't really know how I became that way. Well, I do. I ate gross, fattening food and no exercise.  What I mean to say, I have no idea how I let it get so out of control. At my heaviest, I weighed a whopping 388 lbs. What I'm sure of,  "I had to go to that place to get to this one." 

America is in trouble. Obesity is an epidemic. There are many contributing factors: crappy inexpensive so-called food, lack of knowledge, lack of exercise. But, I've taken a stand. Today I'm healthier, happier, fitter, and sharing my story in hopes it will help others. I will tell my story to anyone who will listen and those who are not ready to hear it well...

I'm not afraid to publicly share my story. If I can touch and change lives than maybe, just, maybe that's why I went to that place.

From Eminem:

I'm not afraid (I'm not afraid)        
To take a stand (to take a stand)
Everybody (everybody)
Come take my hand (come take my hand)
We'll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just lettin you know that, you're not alone
Holla if you feel like you've been down the same road (same road)

Yeah, it's been a ride
I guess I had to, go to that place, to get to this one
Now some of you, might still be in that place
If you're trying to get out, just follow me
I'll get you there

Just ask and you shall receive

I'm sure I'm stating the obvious, but beyond my pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. I also am dealing with normal everyday life: Single mother raising a teenage daughter who graduates from high school in two weeks, juggling finances, household chores, and of course in the midst of all this rehabbing a fractured leg while trying to stay focused on my nutrition and stay active. It makes sense every now and then my system crashes. So last week after discovering "I'm NOT what I use to be" I decided to take some time to regroup, refresh, renew. Well, it turns out I spent most of the time self destructing: Sleeping too much, eating too much, and being highly self-critical. It wasn't until yesterday when I finally decided - enough.

One of the things that has changed about me during this transition to a healthier lifestyle is my snap back time. If I  encounter a bump in the road, I don't sulk long and I'm not afraid to seek help if I'm feeling vulnerable. I recently read an article that discussed the importance of weight loss support groups - that's one of the reasons groups like Weight Watchers are so effective and popular - the support system. Some folks like the accountability, receiving advice, and praise.

So yesterday, a week into my state of funk I knew I was at an all time low. Normally, I can self-motivate. I mean, who better to pump me up than me? Well, it wasn't working. My system had crashed and I needed to reboot. Instead, of continuing to eat, sulk, eat. I called the help desk and got my assistant coach, Steve (Personal Trainer) on the line for some much needed support. I met Steve at 24 Hour Fitness several months ago and he instantly started helping me with nutrition, exercise tips, and he's one heck of a motivator. One of the things I like about him is he's non-judgmental. I can tell him exactly how I feel -- and boy do I tell him. He never looks down on me (He seems to understand a big girl's plight). He turns my negativity around and pushes me in the right direction. Yesterday was no different he reminded me of all that I've accomplished and gave me a gentle push.What stands out most from our conversation was him saying " It's really is a battle of you versus you." By golly, he's right I'm in control of my own destiny. That's exactly why I called him. The old me would've stayed in the self-destructive state and not have asked for help. The new me recognizes I can't do this alone nor do I have to. I have a team of supportive, encouraging people who are willing to help me. Just ask and you shall receive.

My story, our story

I'm actually about 10-15 lbs. lighter than Now photo

It doesn’t only have to be about me. My story could very well be your story. Whether you have 5 lbs. or 50 lbs. to lose, you too can shed the pounds and lead a healthier, fit lifestyle.

Sharing my story of losing over 160 lbs. is cathartic for me. I’ve said it many times before losing this amount of weight can’t be done in silence and so I write. Not only does sharing my story cleanse me, but I also share my story in hopes to reach others who struggle with weight, health, and self-esteem issues. I share my story to inspire, motivate, and encourage others. I share my story because I want people to realize that it’s doable – it’s within all of us. We all have the capacity to change. That’s the beauty of life – second chances. I’m no superhero (Okay, okay maybe I do have a few superpowers). Point is my story can very well be your story.

Since the inception of Farewell Fatso! a number of people have written to me for advice as well as to acknowledge how my story has helped them. One person in particular has been following me since the very beginning and she has recently just begun changing her lifestyle and creating her own story. She credits me for jump starting and inspiring her. Here’s a snippet of an email she sent to me the other day, “I wanted to let you know....I'M DOIN' IT. And thank you so much for sharing and inspiring ... I am living better and better and trying to pass it on to the family. Gotta start with me.”

I’m so honored and proud to have inspired her to action. Farewell Fatso! isn’t just for or about me, I hope to touch others lives as well – maybe even yours. Let my story be our story.