A Fresh Start to Summer

 Originally Published in the Greenwood Daily Journal Saturday June 4th, 2011


It just takes the very mention of a trip to the mall to buy a swimsuit to set my nerves on edge.  I don't know what is worse, spending way more than I should on a swimsuit that will perform miracles or trying it on under the glaring fluorescent lights of the fitting room.  I would say it is a close tie.

Last summer I finally reached my goal weight that I had been working towards for the last 4 years.  In the beginning it was easy.  The first 25-30 pounds just fell off.  It was the last 40 that I had to literally work my rear end off to lose.  To make real changes in your life you have to understand the moment that it all became clear to you that you were headed down an unhealthy path.  Sometimes it takes 1 embarrassing event to wake you up and send a clear message that today was the day you were going to start a new life.

Over 4 years ago I was at a local theme park with my family.  It was my turn to ride with my youngest son on a roller coaster that I had been avoiding all day.  I was avoiding it for a variety of reasons: I didn't want to mess up my hair, I didn't want my glasses to fall off, I didn't want to feel sick...all excuses.  So, when I could avoid it no further I got in the hour long line with my son and waited.  There was a growing sense of unease as the line crept forward.  My son kept asking me if I was OK.  I was sweating, nervous and chatty (what I do when I am nervous).

See, I knew what was coming.  I knew what was going to happen and I was dreading it.  I hoped against hope that today would be a little different and that maybe something had changed.  I chanted "please let this go well....please let this go well" a few times in my head to calm down.

It was finally our turn.  My son was so excited because we were going to be in the front car, hence the hour long wait.  After the previous occupants of the front car exited  my excited child scurried across the deck to our seat.  He buckles in and waits with anticipation for me to climb on in. 

So the real reason I was so afraid to ride a roller coaster with my kids and why I avoided them all day was not  for the reasons (excuses I told my family) I previously stated, it was because of this :  As I climbed in the seat I confirmed my worst, deep dark fear.

  I could not fit.  Not by a long shot.

The ride attendant tried to discreetly tell me I could sit sideways a little and she even tried to push my hips down a little but to no avail.   The look on my son's horrified face broke my heart.  This was the single most humiliating moment of my life and it was on display for 100 strangers to see.  How could I not fit?  How did this happen?

I wasn't always heavy it just sort of crept up on me after the age of 22 or so.  A few pounds here and there, having kids and simply being too tired to exercise set me at a hefty 140 pounds overweight.  I think this happens to a lot of us who just get comfortable and the need to sleep outweighs the need to get up at 5 AM and workout.
So, I decided then and there that this had to end.  I could not let this define me. It was not that I had a poor diet.  I did drink most of my calorie's through coffee drinks and soda.  That was the first to go.  That was the easiest step.  I needed to move more and set aside a dedicated time each day that was devoted only to exercise.  I wanted to be a role model for my kids and I really needed the support of my family to make this work.  My husband and I joined the Mount Pleasant Community Life Center and started working out there 5 days a week.  I took up running again and forgot how much I actually liked it.

I also found that it helped to find a friend to join a class with.  Several of my co-workers and I attended a Zumba class held at the Greenwood Community Center With Zumba instructor Nancy McDowell.  If you have never tried it I highly recommend it.  It is so fun and is a great cardio workout for any skill level.  I also signed up for the 5:30 AM boot camp offered 2 days a week at Center Grove High School with Isabelle Vorhies and Kristi Geitner.  That is a serious workout.  I am in average shape and I had no problem keeping up.

Another great workout program that is local (Greenwood, Indiana ) is The Skinny Mom Challenge by Jennifer Sherlock .  Click on this link to get all the information, support and exercise/diet tips you will need!  She works out daily at Mount Pleasant Community Life Center as well.  What an inspiration!

Barbecued Salmon with Fresh Sweet Corn Relish

1large jalapeno pepper
1 large sweet red pepper
2 fresh ears of corn cooked and cooled
4 5 to 6 ounce skinless salmon fillets, 1/2 to 1 inch thick
barbecue sauce of your choice, I make my own sweet and zesty variety
olive oil
salt and pepper
1 tsp of crushed red pepper
juice of 1 lime (and zest if you really like the lime taste)
 1/2 cup diced red onion



Meanwhile, either on an outdoor grill or indoors, add the salmon to an lightly oiled skillet or grill surface and salt and pepper each side.  Cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side or until the fish is flaky.  Add just a coating of barbecue sauce to each side and remove from heat.

I served each fillet over a little bed of the corn relish and a nice green salad.  A great, healthy meal for a warm summer night.

Fresh, sweet, spicy and crunchy all on one palate pleasing plate!