Mme's Links | Actor Anthony Anderson Loses 40lbs, Talks Diabetes, Taco Bell Dieter Runs Marathon + 6K Salad Bars in Public Schools

1. Comedian and former Law & Order actor, Anthony Anderson has been making media rounds to spread awareness of National Diabetes Month. With recent stops on Tom Joyner and Yolanda Adams' radio shows, he spoke on diabetes prevention and management, along with his F.A.C.E. partnership - on the effort. Diagnosed with the Type 2 form of the disease, himself, eight years ago - it wasn't until last year that he began to make changes for his life's sake. In the process of incorporating a healthier diet and exercising - he has improved his diabetic status and dropped 40 pounds. | "Anthony Anderson Takes on Diabetes" (Access Hollywood)


2. Like Subway's Jared Fogle, Christine Doughtery, the spokesperson and alleged success story of the Taco Bell Diet, also competed in last month's ING NYC marathon. She strongly attributed her dramatic weight loss of over 50lbs, to her 4 hour and 30 minute race day chip time. In addition to running 4-5 times a week, cycling and weight training. However, Doughtery intelligently made no clear reference of her preparation diet or 'Fresco' menu endorsement. As I can assure you, if she claimed to have utilized anything from Taco Bell to fuel for that 26.2 mile trek ... the lie detector test would've "determined that, that was a lie." | "Taco Bell Dieter: I ran the NYC Marathon!" (InTouch Weekly)

3. A major 'move' for First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" healthily lifestyles campaign was announced this week. Nearly 6,000 salad bars are set be introduced to public school lunch rooms, nationwide. Details concerning contents, upkeep and of course, costs - are in development. | "White House to put 6,000 salad bars in schools" (Grist)


~PC

Personal Trainers Who Get Too Personal

As with anything positive ... there are some 'bad apples' when it comes to personal trainers. Short of calling them predators, in a field whose main focus is to have your wellness, safety and best interests in mind - ulterior motives can lurk. Hey, you're out of shape and they have "the answer." With this, some blindly follow the lead of a few wolves in sheep's clothing ...

While visiting an out-of-town gym, I placed my water bottle between my knees to free up my hands, so that I could tie my hair back. I'm talking nothing suggestive about the act whatsoever. I even had on pants (not that it should matter). And before I could lower my arms to retrieve the bottle, I heard a guy say, "I wish I was that bottle." I gave him the blank stare of all blank stares. My mission was to make him as uncomfortable as his comment was meant to make me. The kicker? He had on a polo shirt with the facility's logo! A trainer-specific garment.

Another instance happened when I began my journey. While walking around my business park, a man stopped me and advised that he was a personal trainer on the side. Showed me his business card and everything. He then went on to let me know how he admired my commitment to walking and offered up free training. I declined, mainly because ... I didn't know him from Adam. But, I didn't mind the company and friendly advice, when he'd catch me walking. Before I knew it, the conversations got away from workouts, form and progress and way too far into my personal life. In our finale conversation, giving me the 'your man can't love you like I can' spiel ... pump ya brakes bruh.

Now, in reality some clients welcome this kind of treatment. Lines are crossed everyday (err, and night) between co-workers and even parishioners. You have the will to act on attractions, as you wish. If you're an adult, it's your prerogative. I came in from the pool, to the locker room a few months ago and overheard this woman going on and on about how her trainer was feeling up on her. In her words, "I knew what he was doing, but I liked it." What she doesn't realize is that if he's trying it with you, he's trying it with other clients, too. You're not the exception. I guarantee that.

This is an intimate profession, sure enough. Touching/guiding is involved and let's not forget, limited clothing. But if your trainer is unable to control their loins or loinettes and retain some form of decorum as they instruct, they're clearly in the wrong business.

So, if you do find yourself on the receiving end of some inappropriate behavior, report it! You as a human being first and consumer do not have to put up with it. Most gyms have a conduct policy and reporting incidents will raise a red flag, that they'll have to address. And if you don't feel comfortable going to the facility's management, call up the organization that certified the individual - and file a complaint.

I've heard of marriages being dissolved over trainer/client relationships going too far. And individuals AVOIDING the gym, for reasons of past occurrences where they were offended, by staff or other hired fitness "professionals."

Know your trainer! Confirm their credentials and unless you know them personally, do not solicit their services until you find reviews or have references to their practices. This may prevent a lot of headaches in regards to how you're treated as a customer/client ... and person.

~PC

WEIGH-IN + How Long Has it Taken You?!

I'll be honest, I cringe at this question as it relates to my weight loss. I should clarify that it's not the question itself that rubs me the wrong way, rather the fantasy expectations of a few who ponder. Sure, maybe if I had lost all of the weight I set out to in 3-6 months as opposed to 2 years, I wouldn't be so up in arms about it. But I didn't and unless someone has bariatric surgery, goes on a liquid meal replacement diet or joins 'The Biggest Loser' for extreme workouts and dehydration, odds are ... they won't either.

Admittedly, I was one of those people who would find inspiration in one's weight loss transformation and as soon as they revealed that their start was a year or more ago - I was clicking the red "X" with a quickness. I didn't want to hear that losing a significant amount of weight ... *gasps* required time.

Now I'm on the other end of this. When I encounter associates from my past, or engage in weight loss-related conversations ... I know the 'question' is going to come. It seems to be an obligatory follow-up to a compliment on my changes. After disclosing that it has taken me over 2 years to shed the pounds, it's like the spirits of some dampen. They become even more heartbroken when I tell them that ... I'm not done.

Time is a harsh reality when it comes to weight loss and fitness. One that I think once we accept - will only move us forward. The more effort we exhort in trying to defy this element, with crash diets or starvation, the more time we take away from learning and exposing ourselves to what really works long-term. How many people do you know have KEPT the weight off after an extreme diet - for the sake of a self-imposed (or even a "challenge") deadline?

And if no one else tells you this, I will ... when you get serious about this health thing, the scale doesn't seem to matter as much anymore, nor does the calendar. Overall health and ability, overthrows both. I'm confident in saying that the majority of those who actually "make goal," would tell you the same.

I would encourage anyone to cease putting time limits on your weight loss progress. It can be an upsetting and dangerous cycle. Set to cause more harm and mental frustration than encouragement.  Further, be proud of however long it takes you to achieve your goals. I know I am! This is a LIFESTYLE change right? Give yourself time to grow and transition. I plan on living vibrantly on this Earth for a while and a few years to learn what it takes to achieve and MAINTAIN optimal health, and my weight loss ... is nothing. We too often look at weight loss as a race. It's not, it's a journey. One that will never end, only evolve.

So yeah, I've gladly been at this for a loooong time and in 2 years and 2 months I went from:

... being unable to walk more than a minute or go up 1 flight of stairs ... to running 3 half marathons and deeming the word "elevator," an expletive.

... eating all-fast-food-everything to learning how to cook and becoming a regular at our community garden and farmers' market.

... having pre-hypertension to reaching a 'healthy' range and decreasing my resting heart rate from 123bpm to 66bpm. (Note: well-conditioned athletes in my age group, have an average RHR of 54-60!)

... being a couch potato to hiking and stuff.

 

... complaining about the lack of resources and recreational opportunities in lower-income areas, to joining forces with others to address and ACT on those very matters.

... utterly HATING to exercise, to becoming an ACE - Certified Personal Trainer, as of 9.23.10.

... 257.2lbs to 148.6lbs

If that's "all" I've done in the last two years, I say ... bring on the next two! Remember, as it's said, "Don't lose weight fast, learn to lose it forever."

~PC

Project Member, Co-Author

"For My Culture: Changing the Face of Health"

A Dr. Ian K. Smith "Health Watch" Chronicle

Coming Early 2011

Vid | Jumpin' (Rope) For Jesus!?

Is this what y'all be doing in church nowadays? OBVIOUSLY, I've been missing out! Maybe this is a 'jump' in the right direction for the black church to address health concerns in their community/congregation? As an advocate of fitness anywhere and anytime and a cheerleader for foolishness, I approve.

P.S. Watch out Donna Richardson, I think someone's coming for your spot!

P.S.S. My mom's going to see this title and call to curse me out, then pray for me in 4, 3, 2 ...

P.S.S.S. In all seriousness, jumping rope is an excellent, inexpensive and effective cardiovascular activity! It is a part of my routine - generally on lifting days, when I need to loosen up and/or elevate my heart rate.

P.S.S.S.S. I'm not going to say nothing about him tripping over the rope and trying to play it off. Nope.

~PC