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.

"All the things I like"

Marissa -- OUTSIDE of the Box

I was hangin' with my friend, Patricia, and time flew by as it often does when I'm with her. Something about me and her we just have this special bond. Anyhow, before we knew it our play time was up. She needed to pick up her youngest daughter, Marissa from preschool.

As soon as Marissa got in the car she says, "Mommy, I'm hungry." Patricia offered to stop to pick her up a bite to eat. It was like a symphony. Music to my ears...Marissa said, "No. No. I want to go home so I can have all the things I like." How sweet is that? Super sweet!

Little Marissa could have chose to eat out. The offer was made, but she declined. Instead, she wanted her mommy to make her food in their kitchen. She wanted to eat and enjoy food in the confines of her home. Good job, Patricia. You make me proud. You are creating lifetime food memories for your children. At the young age of four, Marissa is already OUTSIDE of the Box!

Parents: A child's food preferences, habits, and his/her relationship with food are determined at HOME. Remember, you set the standards. Set them high. You create their food memories. Choose wisely.

 

The things she likes

Why cook?

I'm super-excited about my upcoming cookbook, Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box.


Here's a sneak peek of a section from the book:

You owe it to yourself to cook. Cooking at home in your kitchen using fresh,whole ingredients is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Remember, “You are what you eat.” So, fuel your body with fresh food prepared in your very own kitchen. Also, consider the following facts:

• Cooking gives you freedom. You are free from the boxed, processed foods and restaurant fare which can be low in nutrients and high in calories, sodium, and other additives. By cooking meals from scratch you take the guesswork out of reading packaged labels – you know exactly what ingredients are used.

• Preparing meals at home can save you money too, and in the long run -- time. You’ll want to set aside time in your schedule to grocery shop, prep, and cook. It’s easier than you think – you just have to make a plan and stick to it. Think of grocery shopping as a hunting/gathering adventure and you’re out to find the best ingredients at low prices.

• Cooking can be a social event. You can show off your culinary skills by providing a meal for friends, and perhaps enlist their help prepping the vegetables. There’s nothing like preparing and sharing a good meal with family and friends while chatting and laughing.

Cooking is a creative process so let loose and have fun! Use the recipes in this book as your guide and as you gain confidence. Feel free to experiment – that’s how some of the best dishes are created.

Never cooked much? No worries. This book is designed for any beginner in the kitchen and will show you how to shop, prepare, and cook delicious simple meals: Outside of the Box.

Happy shopping, cooking, and eating!


2012 © Chrisetta Mosley