Health Hero Profile 6.25.12........The S.S.S ~Sherri Charleston

What is your age and where are you from?
I am 52 years young and am originally from Seattle, Washington

What was your beginning weight?

My beginning weight was 246….my current is approximately 218, with my goal weight being 160.

What is your current weight and how long have you maintained it? My current weight is 218, which I have been for the past couple of months.  My goal is to get to 160.

What made you want to lose weight and exercise; was there something specific that happened or was it a combination of things?

I’ve always enjoyed fitness, working out, playing sports, but I have never been consistent.  I would work out, lose weight, only to regain it and then some.  That’s the one thing that has been consistent, the cycle of exercise, weight loss, weight gain, exercise, weight loss, then regaining the weight.  What changed that for me is that I was diagnosed with diabetes.  I was on vacation in Atlanta, became extremely ill.  I called my son from the plane and told him that when we landed in Seattle I was going to need to go to the hospital.  He took me to the ER, where I was admitted to the ICU with a blood sugar of 1600!!  Mind you, normal blood sugars are in the 80 – 120 range.  Well, I was in the ICU for a week, and the recovery time was a few weeks.  I decided then, that I would have to do something differently.  I wanted to live for my children and grandchildren.  Plus, I have things I want to do…like play in the sun.  My doctors have told me that if I lose enough weight I may possibly be able to discontinue all my medications.  So I began eating a balanced diet, which means cooking for myself and reducing the fast foods.  I walk a couple times a week, do Zumba 3-4x week, train with Sporty Diva, Rose Coates whenever I can, and just attempt to stay active.

What diets, supplements, and fitness programs have you tried in the past?

I have never been a pill taker, so supplements are something that I have never taken.  I attempt to eat the right foods so that I obtain all the proper nutrients.  I’ve attempted several types of “training” programs, but have found that aerobic activity at least 5 days a week for at least an hour, is the best method for losing weight for me.  I do lift weights or use bands, but aerobic activity is what assists me with my weight loss.

How'd you lose your weight?

I know it may sound cliché, but I lost the weight through diet and exercise, plain and simple.  I know that the only way that I will continue to lose weight is through diet and exercise…I just have to keep on working on this, one day at a time.  Food is my addiction…well not food, but sugar and fat….I’m addicted, pure and simple.  I finally recognized that I have an addiction and I need to tackle it one day at a time.  I also recognize that relapse is part of recovery, so instead of beating myself up every time I relapse, I just have to get back up and get back on that horse.

Did you share your plans with other people? How did your family, friends and co-workers influence and support you? I have shared with my friends and family my intention of losing weight.  They have been so supportive, especially my youngest son who is an athlete.  He plays basketball overseas, and when he’s home he assists me with workouts.  My friends provide inspiration when I feel discouraged, let me know when I’m eating things that keep me from losing weight, and are generally just there for me. 

What were some of the challenges that you experienced on your weight loss journey?
 Well since my journey is not over, I’m sure there will be several other challenges along the way.  However, currently my greatest challenge is to not go back to eating for comfort.  I’ve had some familial stressors recently and for 2 weeks I actually ate like I was insane…hahahaha!!  I mean I ate everything I shouldn’t have, but luckily…I didn’t gain weight.  I’ve gotten myself under control and have started to use many of the other coping strategies in my arsenal.   As I’m completing this questionnaire, I’ve gotten back on track, am eating healthy again, and hopefully will start losing weight again. 

If you have dieted in the past and regained the weight, what did you do differently this time?

I think what’s different is my level of commitment.  I want to change my “LIFE” this time, not just my weight, which is an entirely different level of commitment.

In what ways has your life changed?

I must say that I am so happy with my life, even during stressful times.  I know I can do this now…I actually see myself slim and fit!!  My confidence and self esteem have improved tremendously and it is such an awesome feeling!!  I feel empowered!!

What are some moments-accomplishments that you are most proud of?
Well, I think I was most proud this past weekend when I was able to make it through a 3 hour mini boot camp and complete all that was requested of me.  This was on the heels of having eaten crazily for the previous 2 weeks, and only walking for exercise.   I was sooooooo proud of myself for making it through that workout!!

What are your ultimate "must haves"///favorites: foods, fitness routines, music and training gear?Well, I have become a Zumbaholic, so I must get to class at least 3x a week!!  I just bought some Zumba toning sticks which I love!!  I’ve been looking for Zumba wear, and I’ve ordered some online, but they aren’t really meant for us big girls…so will have to lose about 20 more lbs before I can find some that fits…hahahaha!!  Another goal!!  I love all types of music, so I’m planning on incorporating going out dancing with my girlfriends more often!!

Eating a balanced diet and exercise go hand in hand for permanent weight loss. What do you do for fitness-to stay in shape?

I walk a couple times a week, do Zumba 3-4x week, train with Sporty Diva Rose Coates whenever I can, and just attempt to stay active.

What motivates you to stick with your healthy lifestyle?

I’m lucky in that I work with Rose Coates Sporty Diva, so I have constant motivation.  She is always so joyous and her positive spirit is infectious!!  I also have so many other people in my life that are supportive of my weight loss and lifestyle goals.


What words of advice can you give to someone who is struggling to lose weight and exercise?
I would just say…never give up, no matter what!!

What are your best life lessons and the keys to your success?

I think my best life lesson was acceptance of self.  I accept and love myself unconditionally.  I’m over weight now, but this doesn’t have to be my destiny.  This is not what God has in his plan for me and I realize that it’s ok to love myself enough to do what I need for myself.  It doesn’t mean I love my family or friends any less…I just finally love me more!!

And lastly, do you have any short term (3 months or less) and long term goals?

Well, my short term goal is to lose at least 30 lbs by November because I’m going on a cruise and need to be bikini ready!!  Well, not really bikini ready, but swimsuit…..hahahah!!.   Additionally, my long term goal is to lose the weight, become fit and then become a Zumba instructor, teaching classes to those 50 and older.
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Rosie's Note:

Sherri has a wonderful personality, sense of humor and is a real go getter. Even though she has faced some personal challenges recently, she remains relentless and persistent in her pursuit of an active and healthy lifestyle.  You will make a SSS (Super Sexy and Sofisterated) Zumba instructor Sherri, because you are a tough cookie and a true Sporty Diva Powerhouse! Thanks for being an awesome friend and keep on keepin' on, RR

Rosie's Rant (I'm Just Sayin'101)......Sunblock....RR's Oven fried chicken wings and 35 miler

I'm Just Sayin' 101

I'm not going to sugar coat this- it's nerve racking to listen to someone who is on a " new diet"  and is "going to the gym" and is mad because she's  not losing any weight.

 

If someone is  going to the gym and on a "new diet" and isn't losing weight, maybe it's time to take a look at what and how much food is being eaten and to  examine if the "new diet" is to restrictive. 

In order to lose weight you've gotta eat a little bit less than you currently are and remember that exercise is not an option-it's a must.  Some people may be able to  lose weight one way or with a specific food plan.  But that  doesn't mean it will work for everyone. 
Take the time to find out what is going to work for you on an individual level and your lifestyle. Don't overwhelm yourself- take it one step, one meal, one workout and one day at a time.

I believe that our bodies will tell us what it want and needs if we are willing to listen to it.  Moderation is paramount and is the key to success. When we love ourselves, our bodies and love our lives,~magic really begins to happen.

Protect your skin while in the sun:

Being in the sun helps your body to produce vitamin D and with symptoms of depression, but make sure to protect your skin by using sunscreen. The two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation are ·UVA-they penetrate the skin and cause the most genetic damage ·UVB rays are the burning rays. Both can cause cancer.

Protect your skin while in the sun by using sunscreen. Sunscreen is a chemical barrier that helps prevent UV radiation from reaching the skin. Typically a sunscreen combines several different chemical ingredients in order to provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, read the directions and apply 30 minutes before going outdoors. It takes about 30 minutes to fully protect the skin. Reapply it every couple of hours, after swimming and heavy sweating.

What's your take on a school district's responsibility when children are severely sunburned after participating in outdoor activities during school hours?

http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/kids-come-home-school-bad-sunburns-responsible-172200498.html

 

RR's 35 miler on June22, 2012

It's done...it's done...it's done!  Started at 0500~ 112th/Pacific...to 24th St./Puyallup Avene.....thru Fife, Milton, Midway, Federal Way to Kent via Pacific Highway to Kent Des Moines Road.

Mile 08......bathroom 

Mile 12......started drinking water with electrolytes and eating red vines 

Mile 20..........stretching and a Diet Coke

Mile 25...........bathroom, changed into dry clothes, water, a donut and a NugoBar,           dropped off my back pack at Ron's job

Mile 30...........7Eleven for a Snickers bar

Mile 31............ ViSalus Pro energy drink and numerous WTF's

Mile 34............feet don't fail me now

Mile 35............grinned like a cheshire cat and enjoyed the car ride home with Ron!

RR's Oven Fried Chicken:

Spicy Oven Fried Chicken Wings

Preheat Oven to 450 degrees F

Ingredients:

Chicken wings

Criso Original Cooking Spray

Lawrey's Seasoning Salt

Lawrey's Garlic Salt

Ground Black Pepper

Cayenne Pepper

3 cups of all purpose flour

bag or bowl for the flour

2 Glass Pyrex Pans

Directions:

Pour 3 cups of flour into a bag or bowl

Spray the glass pans with the cooking spray

Wash the chicken wings and place them on a plate

Season them lightly with Seasoning Salt

then put them in bag of flour and shake them until they are completely covered with flour

place the wings into the Pyrex pans leaving enough room between them so they aren't touching

put them in the oven until they start to brown on the bottom (about 15-20 minutes.......then turn them over).

turn the wings every 10-15 minutes and if they are cooking to quickly, lower the oven temperature to 425 F

continue to cook them until they are cooked completely and brown on both sides (like fried chicken would look).

5 minutes prior to taking the wings out of the oven, sprinkle black pepper, cayenne and garlic salt on top of them sparinlgy

remove chicken wings from the pan and place them on a plate covered with a paper towel to allow the excess oil to drain off

Health Hero Profile 6.18.12.........Overweight Mind, Runner at Heart~Amy E. Gibault

What is your age and where are you from? 
35 Tomah, WI

What was your beginning weight? 

My weight was 212 at its highest. I usually averaged 195. The largest size I wore in high school was a 24. I now wear a 12/14.

What is your current weight and how long have you maintained it?

175 and it’s been  that for the past 2 years. I weighed 165 at the height of my running/training/marathoning.

What made you want to lose weight and exercise; was there something specific that happened or was it a combination of things?

I was always “the fat kid” for as long as I can remember. I was teased all throughout school about my weight and my sensitivity of it. I dreaded PE since I was always the slowest kid too.

At the end of my 2nd year of teaching I met a mom of 3 of my students who was recruiting people to run a half-marathon with her. Running the mile in high school was torture, but many things I had expected to dislike as an adult turned out to be things I LOVED. Why couldn’t running be the same? Amy Anderson was the ultimate trainer. She focused on slowly building up pace and mileage. She was of the Jeff Galloway run/walk philosophy. Amy also would constantly remind how DOABLE running was and how ANYONE could fit 30 minute work-outs into their daily routine.

I’ll never forget running 5 miles on my own for the first time. It was awesome. My very first race was a half-marathon. How crazy was that? Amy and I finished in 2:50 and I was thrilled.

While running was certainly making me healthier, I didn’t start to lose significant weight until I changed my eating habits. Food was a reward for me and I’d celebrate with food when I ran further. In the summer of 2007 I had a very rigorous summer job and didn’t have the time to think about food because I was so busy. Lo and behold pounds started to come off. It was awesome. I finally made the connection and decided that I needed to change my eating habits for good.

What diets, supplements, and fitness programs have you tried in the past?

I’ve never been a fan of diets. I’ve seen too many people lose weight and gain more back. The few times I tried diets, I’d last maybe a week since I’d cut out too many calories.

I’d lose 5-10 lbs, but it always came back. I am an emotional eater and when I’d be stressed out, food was always a friend. I also come from a family that “loves”  food.

I’ve mostly tried to get my friends/co-workers see how easy it is to fit exercise into their day. As a teacher, I KNOW how important it is to find ways to decompress and how important our physical health is to our emotional health.

Over my lunch, I walk 3-4 times a week for a 30-45 minutes. I also recruit other teachers and support staff. I have a couple loyal walkers, who are of a…similar healthy mind-set. Everyone knows I walk at lunch and even if they don’t go with me, I regularly hear how great they think it is.

Five years ago, at the height of my marathon racing, I started a running club at my largest school. I had a student, Andy, who was very talented in art (I’m an art teacher), but who was very angry at everything. His mother had walked away from his family when he was 4 and his dad had remarried that school year. I felt terrible for him. I knew he needed an outlet, bigger than art, for what he was going through.

After talking to the PE teacher, I found out that he was one of the fastest kids in his class. Once I knew that, I came up with my running club idea and recruited some other kids in his class. We ran/trained twice a week after school for 30-40 minutes and I found a 5K for us to do. We called ourselves the Art Runners, quite cleverly. There were 5 kids in this group.

The Art Runners have been together for 5 years now and 3 of them ran their first half-marathon in Madison, WI over The 2012 Memorial Day weekend. It was AWESOME!

Also, last year I started another running club, which now consists of 22 kids ranging in age from 8-11. Some play soccer and other sports. Some of them have never done any other athletic activity besides this. After school they run for 30-40 minutes, which for most of them is 2 miles. They train once a week and competed in 3 5K races this past year, including a memorial run for a teacher in MT we learned about who had been abducted and murdered while out on a morning run. They also raised $ for her family as well.

My entire 5^th grade runners took between 30 seconds and 3 minutes off their 1-mile run time in PE! We are also training this June for another 5K in Tomah even though school is over.

 

What were some of the challenges that you experienced on your weight loss journey?

My family, particularly my mother, questioned the “health risks” of running when I started. She would tell me she didn’t think it was good for me. She would question the mileage I was putting in, which was interesting since she had ALWAYS been supportive of everything else I’d done in life.

Once I finally lost weight, she would me I was “too skinny.” Then she would try to feed me everything in the house. It was very strange. It was also interesting to look at the food environment that I grew up. There were treats and baked goods on every surface. It’s no wonder I was overweight.

My biggest challenge occurred in 2009. While I was training for the Portland Marathon, I began having problems with my right hip. I’d experience new pain in it that never quite went away.

Before the race I had it checked out and learned that I had a genetic hip defect. The ball joints in both hips were more oval than round and all the running I had been doing had brought on bone spurs and osteoarthritis at the age of 32. While there was a new surgical procedure they could do to “fix up” my hip, it wouldn’t reverse the deformity.

I was advised by all the orthopedic surgeons I saw to quit running for good, which felt like a death sentence. I was devastated. My healthy thinner identity was tied to long-distance running. I also LOVED to run and couldn’t imagine my life without it. I worried that I’d gain tons of weight back and spent every day freaking out over what number would appear on the scale.

After my hip surgery, I DID get back into running to prove to myself that I could still do it. I completed a half-marathon 5 months later and a few smaller races as well.

Slowly but surely I have grieved the loss of running and accepted my body’s new limitations. It’s been extremely hard, but it’s getting easier. This year I began doing yoga, which I fell in love with. I am also content to walk—super fast at that.

While I HAVE gained 10 lbs since giving up running, I feel quite content with my body and self-image. I have learned that I am NOT the unhealthy self I was once was and that while running certainly helped create this new and improved Amy, there is a LOT more to it. I’m a different person on the inside now.

In what ways has your life changed?

It has been so wonderful to finally accept my body and take responsibility for my health and happiness. I am no longer the “fat kid.” Also, looking through old pictures, I realized that I was far heavier in my MIND than I actually was. I wish I could tell my old self how amazing and beautiful I was back then. Thankfully I know that NOW.

I realize that I am a…role model for my students and my co-workers alike. They know how seriously I take my health and exercise. No one sees me as a “former runner.” They see me as an athlete…and as a go-to person for exercise questions.

What are some moments-accomplishments that you are most proud of?

My first marathon in Chicago in 2006 I ran with Amy Anderson, my trainer, and it was amazing. It was her last marathon and she was there with me. The whole experience was surreal and I was ready to do another right after I finished. It took me to a whole new level of running.

At the Flying Pig Marathon in 2008, I ran 18+ miles with bloody, scraped up knees and arms since I tripped at mile 8 during the race. I even met my goal time that day. It will always be my favorite marathon.

I watched the love of my life, Trieu, finish his first half-marathon in 2009. I have never screamed and yelled so much during a race or cried my eyes out afterward. I was SO proud of him. He has run faithfully with me and my runners since we met too.

I am so incredibly proud of my runners at schools for their training and races they’d done. They are doing things I never would have dreamed of at their age. They blow me away every week.

In July of 2011 I did my first and hardest trail run ever in Devil’s Lake Park in WI. It took me almost 2 hours to complete 6.2 miles and I was damn happy to see a MEDAL at the finish line. Halfway through the course we had to go up a ski hill, which was hard to even stand on.

Last weekend I did NOT do a 10K in Madison that I was registered for. My hip was sore and I didn’t want to risk more damage during an arthritic flare. I left my shoes and gear at home so that I wasn’t tempted later to run. I cried twice over it, but I am proud of FINALLY listening to my body when I should.  By nature, I’ve always pushed boundaries and limits, so it’s hard to back off and switch gears. I DID IT though and it was okay.

What are your ultimate "must haves"///favorites: foods, fitness routines, music and training gear?

Shoes: Asics for running. Keen sandals for walking and hiking.

Shorts: Champion C9 series at Target

Food: oatmeal, fresh fruit, hearty bread (multi-grain), cheese, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (treat), almonds, peanut butter, hummus, and food that requires a lot of chewing. I can’t “drink” my meals.

Eating a balanced diet and exercise go hand in hand for permanent weight loss. What do you do for fitness-to stay in shape?

I plan out my work-outs at the beginning of the week based on schedule. Even if I have to change my plan, it’s far easier to do that when you’ve thought about it ahead of time.

I walk 3-5 miles, 5 days a week. I do yoga in the fall/winter 1-2 times a week. I also bike and lift weights periodically too.

**Movement is a NECESSITY for arthritis. Sitting and doing NOTHING makes joints stiffer.

What motivates you to stick with your healthy lifestyle?In my family we have every bad disease you can think of from cancers to diabetes.

While genetics plays some role in disease, life-style plays a HUGE role.

Diabetes took so much of what my grandma loved away from her. She couldn’t even walk to the mailbox eventually. I want to be as healthy and strong as I can for as LONG as I can.

I am also motivated to stay healthy because I LOOVE feeling this good and I never want to rely on food for comfort again. Don’t get me wrong—I love to eat and love food. However, it’s all about moderation—not elimination.

As a teacher I am also aware of my influence on my students. Exercise/running brings so much confidence to kids and I want to pass that on to as many as I can. Obesity rates in children are on the rise and I want to combat that since I know how weight impacts self-esteem.

Tomah is also a pretty small town and I am constantly running into people who say they saw me running by the lake or…wherever. Most of them don’t know that I was WALKING—no more running—but the impact is huge. They KNOW I was working-out. They KNOW I care about my health and it’s wonderful to have it acknowledged.

Do you have any positive quotes you'd like to share?

“There are no shortcuts to a place worth going.” Beverly Sills

"If there is no struggle, there is no progress."  Fredrick Douglas

"Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone." Pablo Picasso
"Poor is the pupil who does not surpass their master."  Leornardo da Vinci

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over it became a butterfly." Anonymous

"If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, they can surely make something out of you."  Muhammad Ali

What words of advice can you give to someone who is struggling to lose weight and exercise?

You have to pick one or 2 things to do—small goals—and start doing them. People who start out with plans that are too lofty or ambitious tend to burn out fast.

You also have to start with “where you’re at.” You can’t change anything that you don’t acknowledge.

I work out to feel STRONG and to relieve STRESS and to enjoy NATURE. I don’t just do it for weight loss. You have to commit to a life-style change and a mind-set change for weight to stay off.

**Keeping off the weight is far trickier than losing it and you gotta have a plan.

I think races are fantastic ways to set exercise goals and to be inspired by other healthy people and yourself. I’ve never seen crabby angry people at races. They are excited and motivated…tons of positive energy.

Also you have to accept that you WILL have set-backs. You will miss a work-out or eat too much from time to time. You just have to hit the reset button the next day and start again. Some work-outs also will be hard and your legs will feel like lead, but there are the awesome ones too.


Amy and Dick Beardsley




What are your best life lessons and the keys to your success?
I’ve been successful because I fell in love with exercise first, which for me is easier than managing my eating. The food part, which is ultimately the key for me, came second. Both are a necessity for a healthy life style.

Working out with other people and encouraging others also is a huge part of my success. I don’t “sell” anything to anyone. However, I look for ways to help people get motivated, especially with exercise. I was given a gift by my dear friend Amy...the gift of running. I know how it changed my life and how could I not want to share that with others?I am healthier now than I was in my early 20s and have no intention of going back to my old ways. I’ve come too far and know too much. As Maya Angelou says, “When you know better, you DO better.” That’s where I’m at.

And lastly, do you have any short term (3 months or less) and long term goals?

My goals are to keep up my work-out routine this summer…maintain a 15-20 miles a week of walking. I’d like to bike more, but I AM a runner at heart.

I want to compete in the Devil’s Lake 10K again in July and finish faster than last year.

I want to compete, eventually, in a 90 mile bike race around Lake Winnebago in WI.

I want to take more yoga classes and possibly teach yoga someday…make a bigger transition from running to yoga.

I’d like to lose 5-10lbs this summer or maintain my current weight for the rest of my life.

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Rosie's Note:  Amy is an incredibly beautiful, generous and mutlifaceted person.  She's used her love for movement-running and nutrition to influence people in her community and started a running revolution/group with the children that she teaches.  Amy and I have been sister friends since 2009 when we met at the Portland Marathon and meet up somewhere every summer.  Amy, you are a bright light and true powerhouse of inspiration.  Thank you for your continued dedication to our youth.  I look forward to seeing you in July and meeting some of your tack stars!!!  Love and hugs, RR

Health Hero Profile 6.11.12.......Hot Chocolate's in the House!~Carmella Frazier

What is your age and where are you from?
I am 43 years old and I was born and raised in Seattle, WA

What was your beginning weight?
My beginning weight was 196 pounds

What is your current weight and how long have you maintained it?

My current weight is 160 pounds and I have maintained that weight for about the past 9 years, give or take 5-10 pounds.

What made you want to lose weight and exercise; was there something specific that happened or was it a combination of things?

I got really tired of feeling overweight.  I was so frustrated with trying to find clothes that fit and looked nice on me.  I also realized that the extra weight was very unhealthy for me.   I was always tired, and lethargic. I just wanted to feel like I has some energy.

What diets, supplements, and fitness programs have you tried in the past?

In the past I tried all sorts of different things, slim fast ,diet supplements pills, starvation, fruit only diets, the list goes on and on.

How'd you lose your weight?

Eventually I joined Weight Watchers and I was very successful on that program.  One of the biggest tools for me was learning about portion control.  Also learning to eat until I am satisfied not stuffed.


Did you share your plans with other people? How did your family, friends and co-workers influence and support you?

I did share my success with others because of course people wanted to know what I was doing.  My family and spouse played a huge role in my success by encouraging me to keep going.  My husband helped me with my workouts and we started and still do talk about and plan what we are going to eat for the week.  Planning was a great tool for success.  It's something about knowing what you are going to be eating in advance that helps you feel in control of yourself.

In what ways has your life changed?
I love having energy, I love feeling even more beautiful than I did before, and my most favorite thing is to buy a pair of  size 10 jeans and not have to try them on cause I already know they are going to fit!! I love it!

What were some of the challenges that you experienced on your weight loss journey?

Staying focused,  and being patient. I learned weight-loss is not going to to happen overnight or in 6 days.  My biggest challenge was staying consistent with the workouts, planning the meals, and continue to believe that I could do this.  I did!  

If you have dieted in the past and regained the weight, what did you do differently this time?

This last time I finally realized that this was not a actual diet, it was going to be a life changing continuous event.  I finally learned that I need to make a complete life change with the way I ate and exercised, and how I thought and felt about food. 

What are some moments-accomplishments that you are most proud of?

My consistency with my workouts, and my meal planning.  They are total keys to success for me. I ran and walked a half  marathon and it was so uplifting!

 What are your ultimate "must haves"///favorites: foods, fitness routines, music and training gear?

I must have music when I workout.  It provides energy, and also makes me feel good!.  I also love a nice pair of Yoga pants!  I could wear those everyday and be happy! My favorite must have as far as a meal is a wonderful Cobb salad! I love all the flavors, and I really like that it is a good food choice.

Eating a balanced diet and exercise go hand in hand for permanent weight loss. What do you do for fitness-to stay in shape?

I love cardio! So at least 5 days a week I am doing some different type of cardio exercises.  My favorite is the stair climber, after an hour on that machine I feel totally rejuvenated! 

What motivates you to stick with your healthy lifestyle?-My motivation is waking up everyday and feeling good! Everyday I want to live my best life!

What words of advice can you give to someone who is struggling to lose weight and exercise?

To just start.  Start something  as far as movement, and getting your eating under control. Start to change the way you look at food, and to think about what food means to you.

What are your best life lessons and the keys to your success?

Love yourself no matter what. Always be true and honest with yourself about your life.

And lastly, do you have any short term (3 months or less) and long term goals?

Long term I just want to stay committed to my weekly workouts, and to continue to push myself  to a higher level. 

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Rosie's Note:  Carmella is a wonderful  friend and co-worker.  She is beautiful, outgoing and energetic and is on target with her dedication to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.  Thank you so much Carmella for sharing your journey and for continuing to be an example  and  holding it down.  You are so awesome and I am proud of you, RR

Rosie's Rant-(Self Defeating Behaviors), Couscous Recipe, R2R and 9.1.12 Goal

Self Defeating Behaviors:

My behavior begins///began with a choice and so does yours. 

Self defeating behaviors are actions and or attitudes that once helped us to deal with stressful situations but are currently stopping us from responding to life in healthy ways.

The behaviors lead us to make the same choices repeatedly in most areas of our lives and  they sustain the cycles of failure and defeat.  Self defeating behaviors can be disastrous and are developed because they are reliable patterns that offer comfort and protection at difficult times.

Why do we invest so much time and money into building a plan of action and then fail to follow it?  Could it simply be because it is easier to continue with the behavior as it is familiar and easier to continue with the way things are rather than change? 

When the behavioral choice reduces stress, it is likely that the same behavior will be used the next time that stress appears.

Do you have any self defeating behaviors?  If so, please share how are you dealing/ overcoming  them?

Rosie's Recipe Box:

Tri Colored Mediterrean Couscous with Diced Tomatoes and Blackbeans

Couscous is similar to pasta and originated in North Africa.  Couscous can be found in a lot of dishes throughout the world. Instant couscous is really easy to make because the dried couscous is added to a pot of boiling water and the water is absorbed into the couscous in about five minutes. And all you have to do after that is add various seasonings and mix-stir and fluff with a fork. This is a quick and easy side dish and goes well with chicken, pork or fish. I tend to like mine very spicy and will eat couscous hot or cold. .

Ingredients:

1 12oz. package of World Market Tricolored Mediterrean Couscous

1 15 oz. can of black beans

1 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes

a sprinkle of salt

1 tablespoon of garlic powder

1 tablespoon of onion powder

1 tablespoon of cumin

2 tablespoons of curry

2 tablespoons of red pepper-cayenne powder

1/4 cup of dried onion bits

4 cups of water

Directions:

In a large pot bring 4 cups of water to boil.

Then stir in salt and couscous. Cover and remove from heat-let stand for 5 minutes

Add in the seasonings and dried onions. Stir- fluff with a fork.

Open and drain the cans of beans and tomatoes and add them to the couscous- stir in and fluff with a fork

Rainier to Ruston 50k (R2R) on 6.2.12 

It was character that got us out of bed, committment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow thru........Zig Ziglar

I'm always to excited to sleep the night before a race and got up at 3:45 to prepare for R2R.  After drinking coffee and sipping a ton of water it was time to board the  the shuttle  to Mount Rainier.   
Little did I know that this event would be totally out of my element with bugs, cliffs, a river and some serious mud. 
I was feeling a little antsy on Mother's Day because I will be turning 45 this year and didn't have any big plans or goals scheduled yet to celebrate. I always like to have a goal to work on. Sooooo, I instantly decided to sign up for a local 50 mile race in September or October. Well, as luck would have it, I wasn't able to find one and ran across R2R while searching and decided that I'd do the 50k and it would serve as my first 50m training run.

The first 5 miles of the race were incredibly sweet- downhill and all road. BUT the next 10 or so was pure freakin' trail. I swear I've never run a course like this one, so not into the trail thing. It was like Survivor on some serious steroids. I tripped, slipped and fell so many times it was like taking a pure WWF ass whippin'-smack down.... After stepping thru what seemed to be the 10th pile of knee high mud--I thought the lone diva was going to go down for the count and had a pure out crying jag. Then 3 guys showed up out of nowhere and told me to stay with them!   Many, many thanks to Kenny, Bob and Steve for distracting me and letting hang with them. We separated around mile 16 because they ran the 50 mile race. I went thru  hell and back in one day and finished the race.

Dead-last finish is better than did not finish, which greatly trumps did not start!!!!!

Success is often a goal that's been met and soon to be replaced with another new goal. My gears have shifted, and I truly believe that  life is simply about pushing the envelope and exceeding limitations.

On September 1st, I'm venturing on the far side of 26.2 to run my own 50 mile race and calling it.......My Day, My Race and I'm Doing it My Way. I will be running thru Parkland, Puyallup, Tacoma, Fife, University Place, and North Tacoma. Because I want to celebrate my day it with the challenge of going a longer distance and testing my mental and physical limits.

When I am asked why do I run like I do. My answer is: it's simple- after spending the first 34 years of my life struggling with my weight..... yo yo dieting, starving myself , using diet pills and laxatives, being depressed and compulsively overeating and suffering from low self esteem, I am choosing to do things differently now. I manage my weight by remembering all of that and running. And that I am responsible for my health and well being and that I can't spend the rest of my life blaming other people for my mishaps and circumstances. Setting goals and running is really, really, really easy.   I have a choice and my choice is to not return to my former self.  I keep a healthy balanced approach to eating by remembering that no foods are off limits and to stay within my calorie range.

For me exercise is not an option for me-it is an absolute must.

My goal....vision....dream....wish and prayer is to continue to reach folks with my personal story and to help motivate people to pursue a healthier and active lifestyle. And to show that perfection doesn't exist but thru trial and error they can get whatever their "it" is.