Bananas
It took me while, but I’ve finally come to the realization that I only sorta like bananas. I only like to eat them when they just turn ripe. Right after the green is gone. I struggled with rather or not I liked bananas for umpteen years because they do have a certain appeal. They wear a cute little yellow jacket and they are portable, versatile snacks that are high in potassium and other vitamins.
The other day, I was all ready to grab a banana for a post-workout snack and wouldn’t you know it the ‘nanas had brown spots on them. Yuck. I did try and eat one, but it was just too sugary and ugghhh… What to do? I had about five over ripe bananas. Surely, I couldn’t just toss them. Oh yeah, I could make some banana bread –old habits die hard. I had all the ingredients. So I took out a stick of butter and two eggs. Once the butter and sugar were at room temperature I was set to get baking. But, as I reached for the mixing bowl I started thinking how ridiclous I was being. I guess, it’s safe to say, I temporarily went bananas. I mean, I almost baked a loaf of banana bread (which would contain approximately 3000 calories for the loaf). Instead of just tossing the bananas which cost no more than one buck. Really. I put everything back in the fridge and tossed the bananas. I’m on a mission to be Fit by 40. Banana bread be gone.
Chrisetta Mosley
I am a product – and now a survivor – of childhood obesity. As a child, my family always told me that my extra weight was merely baby fat and I’d eventually grow out of it. I never did. Instead, my childhood is filled with memories of not being able to ride a bike, flattening its training wheels from being over the recommended weight, and avoiding P.E. classes by any means necessary. For years, I wore my fatness like a wounded soldier wears a Purple Heart - with pride. I owned the look. I dressed it up. I worked the room. There wasn't a skinny girl who intimidated me. I made sure my hair was laid just right. Nails polished. Outfits coordinated to the tee. Accessories to compliment every outfit. But everyone has a breaking point, and mine came in the spring of 2004 when I tipped the scale at nearly 400 pounds 388 to be exact. I was MISERABLE trapped inside of that body. I no longer wore my Purple Heart with pride. Rather, I was ashamed and frightened. Ashamed that I had allowed food to become my everything – frightened I would die because of it. Drastic times called for drastic measures... Today, I’m bound and determined to live a better, healthier, active lifestyle. I realize I’m no longer a passenger in my life, I’m the driver. I’m overcoming my inhibitions and I’m slowly but surely saying farewell to my old childhood nemesis, obesity. For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!