The better part of my life

I'm always in a reflective state, but particularly so as 2012 comes to an end. Losing 170 pounds isn't easy and it didn't come without reflection. I blog about it all the time -- taking onus, accepting responsibility for oneself, and making a commitment to yourself.

By now, you have heard some version or another of my story. If not, here’s a synopsis: I’m a product of childhood obesity. At my heaviest, I weighed in at a whopping 388 pounds. To date, with a conscious change to my diet and regular exercise, I’ve lost 170 pounds. Yes, 1-7-0! Ideally, I still would like to lose another 60 pounds to meet my goal weight. That’s a total of 230 pounds. Yeah, I know, those numbers are inconceivable to most. Those numbers are not for the faint-hearted.

By far, battling obesity is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Today, 170 pounds lighter and I'm still considered obese. I started my bid to a healthier lifestyle in the late fall of 2009. Since then I've had many trials, triumphs, victories, and losses. But, battling obesity isn’t just about losing the weight. This is so much more than a physical transformation. It’s about finding myself and learning to love myself. It's about talking down the demons on a regular, "You're fat and always will be. "You can't." Every single day, I’m at war with myself emotionally and mentally, and boy do I the have scars to prove it.

I realize though that for the better part of my life I've been obese. So, I can't magically become healthy and fit with a wave of a wand. It takes work. Hard work. Dedication. Commitment. This is my life. My new life --  I'm creating it everyday. Sure, I'm not exactly where I would like to be, but I'm not where I use to be either. I will never, ever return to that dark miserable place. I find resolve in knowing that. I find victory in the fact that I found the courage to change, to battle obesity. I refuse to allow myself to wallow in self pity. I refuse to remain the same.

Sometimes I encounter road blocks. In fact, I haven't recorded a lose on the scale in months. Some would call this a plateau. I say, it's "Where I am now." I'll keep plugging away one day at a time. Tweaking my diet. Finding new forms of exercise. Silencing those demons. Loving myself. Truly loving myself. Beyond the scale, the mirror. In due time, I'll get there. I'll be there. One thing is for sure, I have never ever given up. Nor will I. There's no race to the finish line because there is no finish line.

I refuse to let the past forty years of my life determine my entire life. I have plenty more living to do. I plan to be a healthy, active beacon of light for others who are looking to make the necessary changes and to live a similar lifestyle. The best is yet to come. The better part of my life awaits me. I'm not into making new year's resolutions, instead lifelong resolutions. I'm claiming 2013 as one of my better years.

A Farewell Letter

One week from today, I'll turn 40...as I reflect this letter I wrote e a while ago seems fitting for today. 

Dear Obesity,

We’ve had some good times, or so at the time I thought they were good. Mainly most of my memories of you are not so fond. Truthfully, I’d rather have never met you. I’m writing this letter to tell you straight up our very unhealthy relationship has come to an END. I must admit after 38 years, I really can’t imagine life without you. After all, you are all that I know. I’m willing and ready, however, to find out what life is like without you around.

For my entire life, you’ve defined who I am, but no more. As I approach 40, I've decided it’s about time I find someone else to spend my time with. You just weren’t that cool to hang out with anyway. I always get funny stares when I'm with you and your name alone carries such a negative connotation. In retrospect, I’m not sure why I’ve been hanging with you as long as I have, it's clear you never had my best interest in mind. I guess sometimes when you're really close to someone or something it’s just hard to let go. I'm proud to say, however, I've finally come to the end of the road with you. This surely will be a painful journey to rid myself completely of you, but let's make sure I'm clear, I never, ever want to see you again. For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!

Sincerely,



Chrisetta


P.S. I've found someone new –- me and healthy living are doing swell.

Perfect, I am not

I am the best me yet, but in no way am I perfect. Beyond my journey to a healthier, fitter lifestyle. I am confronted with every day life and all of it's nuances. I choose to document my journey publicly, however, I do keep my private life, private.  With my name in the spotlight lately, my private life seems to not be so private. I guess, that's just part of it. I will continue sharing my motivation, passion, and zest for healthy living with you. I want to help, encourage, and inspire you. I will continue to do my best to be a better person, but, perfect I am not.

Raise Your Glass

When I created Farewell Fatso! last July I had a vision for it's direction. As a product of childhood obesity I wanted to do my part to help combat childhood obesity. My plan was to blog about childhood obesity related issues, reach masses, and create a childhood obesity movement. My blog and FB page were going to be so BIG that eventually our First Lady Michelle Obama would get word of it and ask me to start a local "Let's Move" chapter. What can I say? I think big.


Fast forward: One year and Farewell Fatso! is on a completely different course. So I started thinking what is Farewell Fatso? Well, the way I see it, Farewell Fatso! is a little bit of everything.  Relevant. Non-relevant.  Farewell Fatso! is where I chronicle my real life weight loss and fitness journey. Farewell Fatso! is a spot where I hang out and share my passion for health, wellness, food - good food. It's a safe place where I share  my daily successes, struggles about my childhood nemesis, obesity. Ultimately, Farewell Fatso! is about self-discovery, acceptance, love. It's the place where the fat girl FINALLY makes way for the beautiful, fit, confident woman. Thanks again for entertaining my crazy, embracing, and encouraging me. Raise your glass, here's to another triumphant year.


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As promised I've made some changes to the blog, I hope you like the new color and pattern. Per your MANY requests, I've added a "Recipes Galore" section (Right hand middle page). Currently, there are only a few recipes, but don't fret I'll continue to add more. And yes I'm partial to Martha Stewart's recipes. 


Also, please take a moment to read the new pages I've added under the "Pages" section at the top right.. I've even added a "Frequently Asked Questions" page.

• Cooking Back
• Emotional Eating...Just Stop
• Healthy Living: I Want This Forever
• FAQ

Don't worry, I'm not giving up on childhood obesity issues,  I'll still post childhood obesity related articles from time-to-time and there is still a"Childhood Obesity Resources" section as well.