Oprah and Staff of 378 Take a One Week Vegan Challenge

I dare not slander Oprah, as she could buy out the lives of me and all those that succeed me in genealogy, for years to come. So, I'll keep it cute.

The retirement-impending talk show host and media mogul, will reveal on tomorrow's show - the results of a one week "Vegan Challenge" herself and all 378 members of her Harpo (who dis wo'man?) staff, participated in. Talk about a team-building exercise! The bunch forwent consumption of any meat or animal-based products, to explore the results of such a drastic dietary shift. Now, I went vegan voluntarily, but I guess if Oprah tells you to put down the cheese ... you just do it!

Tomorrow's episode of Oprah will also feature renowned journalist, Lisa Ling and best-selling author and nutritional activist, Michael Pollan.Source


~PC

Size 2 Wedding Dresses: 1 for Me and 1 for Sherri Shepherd

Planning my wedding (5/28!) has been stressful, but productive and all is set to go off without too many hitches (it's a destination ceremony, so a few hitches are inevitable). However, the one thing I've been avoiding in the midst of all the hoopla is any and all talk about "The Dress!" Deliberately. Like, I don't want to get fitted for a 10 and fall in love with a dress - while I'm still pursuing weight loss. As something on me in a 10, might look completely different on me in a 6, let alone a 2/4, right? (It's best to just agree with the deranged.)

Well, if y'all don't feel me ... Sherri Shepherd does. The newly engaged co-host of the The View (who made her size 16 to 6 transformation very public), revealed her dreams of being a size 2, when she walks down the aisle. For once, I kind of know what she's talking about ...

Judge us. :o/

~PC

Tisha Campbell-Martin (Gina!) Talks Women's Health and Yoplait®

Actress Tisha Campbell-Martin, best known for her role as "Gina" from the 90's sitcom, Martin, is working alongside Yoplait® these days to spread awareness on the importance of African-American women's health and self-care:

"You take care of your children, your family, your community, your job, often putting your needs and your health last. Ladies, let's change that today. Begin your journey toward a healthier tomorrow by doing simple, easy things today."

For more info, visit the Yoplait® Today campaign site for Tisha's blog, daily tips and coupons!

On another note, the 'Biggie Smalls' episode of Martin - where her and Pam were vocally competing against each other = a classic. Sang, Anita Faker!

~PC

Mme's Links | Michelle Obama is #TeamWal-Mart, Remembering Jack LaLanne & Wardrobe after Weight Loss

1. Wal-Mart, the nation's largest retailer, recently announced plans to reduce the sugar, sodium and fat content in its processed foods and make fruits and vegetables more affordable. With the beaming endorsement of H-FL-I-C and Let's Move campaign spokesperson, Michelle Obama. Throw in possibilities of building stores near food deserts and it's "hoo-frickin-rah!" right? Not exactly. Wal-Mart doesn't necessarily have the best reputation when it comes to healthy food options, community enrichment or even employee benefits (health insurance). Partner that with behind-closed-doors talks of the deal and the skeptical public view on the government's push to get us healthy, with little regard to how they are contributing to the problem (oh, hey, subsidies) and you have even more eyebrow-raising. I'm always hopeful, however, that the best shines through in decisions like these. Now, I personally haven't shopped at Wal-Mart since my high school crush worked there and I would go to stalk him browse. But, I pray it's not just a PR stunt and that there will be changes, making a standard for other retailers to follow suit. Here are a few opinions on the matter:

The New York Times | Wal-Mart Shifts Strategy to Promote Healthy Foods
BNet | Why The Walmart-Michelle Obama Plan for Healthy Eating is Doomed 
Huffington Post | Walmart To Make and Sell Healthier Foods
Wonkette | Michelle Obama's Communist Army Invades Walmart (for my peeps who enjoy a little snark)


2. 'The Fitness Godfather' Mr. Jack LaLanne, passed away this past weekend at the age of 96. Known for his exuberant personality, classic exercise television programs and signature juicer infomercials, he has been an inspiration to many health-seeking generations.  *pours out a little juice, in honor*

RenewedFitness.org | Jack LaLanne: The Fitness World Will Miss You

3. Everyone who knows me, will tell you ... I makes it rizzzain at the Goodwill, lol. Formerly a Lawry's (salty) patron who could never find affordable clothes for my frame, it's been so refreshing to find a much wider selection of items, following weight loss. But to replace (or consistently replace - if you're still pursuing weight loss, like me) can be costly ... check out these fashionable tips and ideas ...

Thin-and-Sweet.com | How to Revamp Your Wardrobe After Weight Loss - On The Cheap

~PC

Vid | People Magazine: They Lost Half Their Size

It's that time again ... People Magazine began 2011 with the debut of their new featured class of individuals, who have literally lost half their size. Check out Josephine Reed, a Chicago nurse and one of the cover models for this edition, who lost 156 pounds after her own health issues became a concern:


For more on Josephine and the other inspiring stories – including a pair of twins, a husband and wife team and a woman who lost weight with the help of her office, pick up the new issue of PEOPLE, on stands now.

They Lost Half Their Size: Photo Album

~PC

Brandy Norwood, Cee Lo Green 'Going Veg' for Better Health

Singer Brandy, a known vegetarian and former vegan, is heading back to Veganville. The Dancing with the Stars finalist revealed this to US Magazine when asked what her New Year's resolutions for 2011 were:

“Just being healthier,” Brandy said. “I’m going to try to go back to being a vegan.”

Another celebrity with veg dreams is the eccentric and uniquely-voiced performer/producer, Cee Lo Green. The stout 35yo grandfather (yes, grandfather) wants to get healthier for his family. He told the Sun Newspaper:

“I think I’m gonna stop eating meat. Eating is probably my only vice. I love great food and I love to eat. So I’d like to see myself committed to that correction. But it’s definitely about being healthy." He adds, "I feel like that is the missing link. If I could get that one vice under control, there's no telling what I could accomplish. I've got to live as close to forever as I can. I've got to stick around for my little ones."

Now, we all know that vegetarianism and veganism don't necessarily translate to healthy. You may be familiar with the term "mac & cheese vegetarians." Those who don't eat meat, nor do they see it for real, well, fruits and vegetables (subsisting on all processed everything). Interpretation is on the individual, respectfully and I'm sure their commitment to their new dietary lifestyles will be in line with what is actually going to aide in their health objectives.

So, good luck to Brandy (her alter rap ego Bran' Nu too) and Mr. "F$*% You" in their transition to team vegan and vegetarian! It was definitely a wonderful experience for me becoming vegetarian and transitioning to veganism last year, full-time. I will admit though, I had a hard time breaking up with cheese. At one point I considered naming my first born Feta.

Source: The Sun Paper
Source: VegetarianStar.com

~PC

Raven-Symoné Weight Loss: "I thought I looked fabulous before.."

Raven-Symoné, the 25yo actress, singer, comedienne and producer (the list seriously goes on) who stole America's hearts as Olivia on The Cosby Show, has never been one to muffle her self-confidence. This came despite facing scrutiny over the years for her curves, in an industry where plus-size was seen as a "bad example" to the tweens and under, she appealed to.

After being off of the scene since the conclusion of her hit show, That's So Raven, she made a draw-dropping appearance at list night's People's Choice Awards, in an #AllBlackMostlyLeatherEverything 'fit. But that wasn't the story, it was that she was considerably slimmer. Apparently, the young mogul has undergone some pretty compelling weight loss, which she attributes primarily to less stress and stress-induced eating:

"That's what stress does to you," Symoné says. "I've been not stressing. I've been in my own house, decorating and finding hobbies."

Raven also spoke with PEOPLE Magazine in its latest issue about her changes and feelings on how differently she's treated:

"I thought I looked fabulous before and nobody else did. So, whatever... Actually, now I wear bigger clothes because I don't like the way people stare at me," she says. "I liked it before. Now, you're just looking at me for the wrong reasons. Before, you were actually looking at me for a real reason."

It may be shocking, but I've come across so many "afters" who want to be seen as no different. Praise, recognition and acknowledgement aren't desired. However, when the focus of much of society is fitting an ideal physical mode and someone in the public eye (heck, or even at your office) achieves it, they're immediately seen in a different light.

Raven has always been a beautiful powerhouse to me, with amazing talent. I truly hope she finds peace with her new figure, or whatever figure she's most comfortable in. I also hope that one day, more realize how great people like her and even WE are, before a single pound is ever shed.

Source: People.com

~PC