Healthy Cooking 101: Vegetables
I love teaching cooking classes. It’s the best of both worlds: I am able to share my weight loss story and knowledge about healthful eating/cooking. When I speak to a group there’s a certain rush, but when I speak to a group and cook — a whole ‘nother level. Yesterday’s class was an enthusiastic group of 25 folks seeking ways to prepare vegetables. We had a great exchange of ideas and dialogue among us. The energy in the room was electric. We had a grand time as I showed them how to whip up:Roasted Asparagus with Garlic, Roasted Carrots with Thyme, Sautéed Broccolini, and Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic.
As if the classroom experience wasn’t rewarding enough. I came home to find this email from a lady who took my class for the first time. She also purchased a copy of “Bringing Cooking Back.” Seriously, I love what I do!
“Sunday January 8 – went to my first cooking class by Chrisetta today. Amazing – I went and bought collard greens and Brussels Sprouts for first time in my life after class and getting her cook book. Wonders never cease – a true inspiration for me. Perfect timing – this is MY year to get ME healthy!!!! Love the energy you exude.” ~ Patty
When you love what you do it is not work. I did not work yesterday.
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!