Mouthwatering Munchies for Teens at Camas Public Library

I had a blast today at the Camas Public Library hosting Mouthwatering Munchies for teens. It's always a good time showing them how simple and fun cooking can be. I have the coolest "job" ever!

We whipped up delicious snacks using whole foods:

- Blueberry Kale Banana Smoothies
- Oat Energy Bars
- Brown Bag Popcorn

This event was part of the 2014 Summer Reading Program at the Camas Public Library. Now, that's super duper cool!

Farewell Fatso! Celebrates 4 Years

July 2010: I began penning my lifetime battle with obesity in a blog, Farewell Fatso! I never imagined all the places blogging would take me. Nor the doors of opportunity that would be opened for me because of my willingness to share my story and take chances on myself. To all of you who have supported, encouraged, and followed me  -- this one's for you!



My journey of health, fitness, and weight loss began four years ago. After a battle with depression and an awful period of self-loathing. One afternoon, I was abruptly awakened from one of my sleeping pill induced comas by a nagging voice that loudly told me, “Go outside and take a walk!” I grudgingly followed the order.

The first walks were foggy, but I soon found the walks to be cathartic and began enjoying and looking forward to them. The walks were a time I could think clearly, breathe fresh air, and begin working on my inner and outer self.

At the time, I wrote about my walks on my Facebook page. Many of you would comment on these postings saying, I was “encouraging” and “inspirational.” Your comments encouraged me too. I’ve always loved to write so I decided I would pen my battle with obesity — openly and honestly in a blog, “Farewell Fatso!” It was/is my way of further sharing my story with you and much needed therapy for me.

Oh my, here we are four years later. What a bumpy, amazing road we’ve traveled. I’ve learned so much about myself through this process. I’ve learned so much about the process. Most importantly, the course is not linear. There is no straight, clear path to the finish line. There is no finish line. I take two steps forward and three steps back. Such as life!

I could go on about my failures and successes, but no need — most of you have been here every step of the way with me. I want to take this time to say: THANK YOU for traveling this road with me. THANK YOU for encouraging me. THANK YOU for celebrating me. I’ll even pause to say THANK YOU to those who haven’t celebrated me. THANK YOU to those who have put road blocks in my way. You strengthen me too!

Last, but in no way least, thank God for giving me the strength, courage, and tenacity to fight this battle. It’s long from over, but I know that with His continued guidance I can do anything. I’ll close by saying, this journey has not been about what I’ve LOST, but about EVERYTHING I’ve GAINED.

Much love,

Chrisetta

Catering by Chrisetta: United Way Retreat

Today, I catered breakfast and lunch for 60 United Way employees. Since they requested a simple, fast lunch we opted for box lunches. Here's what I came up with for a menu:

All orders included their choice of cookies or apple, chips, and a beverage

- Albacore Tuna Salad Sandwich on Multi-Grain
- Roast Beef Sandwich on Dark Rye with Horseradish
- Turkey Avocado Sandwich on a Ciabatta Roll (most ordered)
- California Veggie Sandwich on Multi-Grain
- Waldorf Chicken Salad
- Albacore Tuna Salad
- Chopped Santa Fe with Lime Vinagrette
- Asian Chicken Salad with Lime Ginger Sauce (most ordered)

Shh...Before today I never catered box lunches. Instead, of shying away from the opportunity I jumped at it. Hey, you have to do something for the first time, at some point. As the saying goes: "Fake it until you make it." 

Cully Farmers Market

 

The next best thing to having a garden of your own, is buying fresh produce from the Farmers Market. The Portland area has an abundance of Farmers Market. Buying from the Farmers Market pretty much guarantees that your buying fresh, local, and organically grown produce. Since, I now call Portland home again, I've decided to make it my mission to visit all the neighborhood markets.

My first trip was to Cully Farmers Market located in NE Portland. It's a small but lively market.  I found a stand (Mt.View Fruit Stand) with the SWEETEST cherries and BEST apricots I've ever eaten. Here's a few photos of the beauty I encountered...

Meatless Monday: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Today is Meatless Monday! What is Meatless Monday? "Meatless Monday is an international campaign that encourages people to not eat meat on Mondays to improve their health and the health of the planet."

Here's a delightful Meatless Monday recipe for you to try:
 
Strawberries are in season! This is a delicious way to enjoy them.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients

1 bunch fresh spinach
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Combine the spinach, strawberries, and almonds in a large bowl.
2. Stir the balsamic vinegar and honey together in a bowl; slowly stream the olive oil into the mixture while whisking continuously. Season with salt and pepper.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

Recipe and photo by Chrisetta Mosley