Helping folks step Outside of the prepared food box — the coolest “job” without a doubt! Doesn’t matter what mood I’m in it all seems to be better when I’m presenting and cooking. Last night’s “Mouthwatering Munchies for Teens” demo was one of those times. I was a little down, but as soon as I entered the library all was well.
The youth and teens are our future. And, I’m proud and honored to help them make better, informed food decisions. I tell you — it’s the most AWESOME feeling, to look around the room at young enthusiastic faces and see their bulbs shining brighter and brighter as I introduce ingredients and talk cooking techniques. My message is simple: Any and everything that is in a box or package can be made at home using fresh, whole ingredients.
To illustrate my point I showed them simple, healthy snacks they can whip up: Hummus served with Crudités (raw vegetables), Fresh Salsa and Guacamole served with Tortilla Chips (store bought), and Granola (made from scratch) Berry Parfaits.
Knowledge is power. A big part of my presentation is educating about food. How food relates to our health, where food comes from, seasonal produce, etc. It’s a bonus to do presentations at the library because I can tie in reading materials and videos that the guests can borrow from the library.
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It’s always a good time hangin’ with the teens. Thanks to the teens that came out and the adults too. A huge thank you for helping me make the program run smoothly, Linda Landi — Teen Librarian. An extra-special thanks to the Cascade Park Community Library for their continued support. Happy Shopping, Cooking, and Eating!
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!