MOPS: Steps OUTSIDE of the Box
One of the reasons I love what I do is that I empower people to make changes. I empower them to step Outside of the Box. Last Thursday, I did it again!
I was invited to be the guest speaker at Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group. There were nearly 60 women. A golden opportunity. Lots of potential to make changes. These women are raising the next generation.
I began the talk as I normally would sharing my story of self-discovery and weight loss. Coincidentally, I use to live in the area of the church I was speaking at. “I use to pass by here all the time on my walks.” I said.
Next, I shared simple, recipe ideas. Urging them to go back to the basics. Cut up an apple, orange, and slice a banana — a fresh fruit cup. Pleading with them to not introduce their kids to jarred baby food. “That’s boxing them in at a very early age.” I said. “Why not just mash up a banana?” I questioned. I challenged them to feed their children the same real food they eat.
My message resonated with many of the women. Many of them spoke with me afterwards. Many of them purchased a copy of my cookbook. And, then on Sunday morning this email from Angie, mother of an infant and a toddler: “Hi Chrisetta! It was great to meet you at MOPS on Thursday. I’ve already been to the bulk section of Winco and made Quinoa for the first time and baby food. I made fruit snacks from REAL fruit too.”
YES! She made baby food. And, fruit snacks even. All in a day’s work. I’m so very fortunate to do what I do. Thanks MOPS for having me. MOPS is officially OUTSIDE of the Box!
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!