"All the things I like"
I was hangin’ with my friend, Patricia, and time flew by as it often does when I’m with her. Something about me and her we just have this special bond. Anyhow, before we knew it our play time was up. She needed to pick up her youngest daughter, Marissa from preschool.
As soon as Marissa got in the car she said, “Mommy, I’m hungry.” Patricia offered to stop to pick her up a bite to eat. It was like a symphony. Music to my ears…Marissa said, “No. No. I want to go home so I can have all the things I like.” How sweet is that? Super sweet!
Little Marissa could have chose to eat out. The offer was made, but she declined. Instead, she wanted her mommy to make her food in their kitchen. She wanted to eat and enjoy food in the confines of her home. Good job, Patricia. You make me proud. You are creating lifetime food memories for your children. At the young age of four, Marissa is already OUTSIDE of the Box!
Parents: A child’s food preferences, habits, and his/her relationship with food are determined at HOME. Remember, you set the standards. Set them high. Set them OUTSIDE of the Box. You create their food memories. Choose wisely.
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!