I recently visited my grandparents, who I call Ma and Pa. I also met one of their neighbors, Mary Anne. Mary Anne told me how she watched me on the Rachael Ray show and how she was inspired to make a healthy change in her life. I interviewed Mary Anne about her journey.
1. LM: Why did you decide to make a healthy change in your life?
MA: Actually, for me it has been a life long challenge. I knew I needed to make some changes especially concerning my eating habits. Then I saw Lizzie on the Rachel Ray Show telling America of her concerns about obesity in our society - to see someone so young take on this cause just inspired me! Lizzie inspired me to finally start the change I needed. I had been dragging my feet for several months but seeing and hearing Lizzie challenged me; I joined a weight loss program the very next week.
2. LM: What do you like to do for exercise?
MA: I have to admit I'm terrible when it comes to exercise. I am constantly in motion at work, I do yard work, but have not, yet at least, made a commitment to an exercise schedule. Currently the weight loss program I joined is encouraging us to walk, to start at 10 minutes a day and build up to 45 minutes, 5 days a week. They just gave me a schedule this week with a goal of walking a 5K in May. So, I am going to try to this!
3. LM: Do you have any tips for people going through the same journey as you?
MA: The best tip is just to take 1 day at a time. It is a very tough journey and there are not magic pills; it is just one foot in front of the other. Also, do not give up if you should stumble. Be conscious of the things you eat that make you feel better physically. I have noticed that I feel much better now that I am eating less processed foods. I have fewer aches and pains.
4. LM: What was the most difficult thing for you to overcome?
The most difficult thing is getting started; that first step, and I'm so glad that I live across the street from Lizzie's Grandparents so that I knew to watch the Rachel Ray Show — that was my "ah ha" moment: that got me to take that first step. Then I started to check out Lizzie's website. So now I need to keep overcoming things, like eating less processed foods, taking the time to make things from fresh products and finding more recipes. I'm constantly looking for ways to improve upon the foods that I like so that they are healthier for me. This will be an ongoing journey!
5. LM: Can you share one or two healthy recipes?
MA: One recipe I'd like to share is how I've made having "spaghetti" healthier. Instead of pasta I use Spaghetti Squash.
You can purchase Spaghetti Squash at most supermarkets or produce stands. It is not difficult to cook, simply cut it in half, scrap out the seeds with a spoon. Place it cut side down in a container that can go in the microwave, add 1/4 cup water and cook for 7 minutes. Turn over the squash and see if you can start to scrape the inside with a fork. If it seems a bit tough, cook for another minute or so. Now scrape out the insides, you will see that they come out like strands of spaghetti. Cook your other half.
Now comes the fun part, you can cover it with whatever you like:
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Parmesan Cheese, and butter (I use butter spray) and garlic and parsley
- Chili
Anything that you might have done with spaghetti you can do with this squash - and the squash literally has no calories. So enjoy!
Thanks for reading!
Lizzie Marie
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