Join Debra Mazda M. Ed (creator of the Curvy Girl Workout and Motivational/Fitness coach and trainer)for a 4 week Weight Loss Clinic designed to motivate and assist your weight loss efforts before the holidays arrive! Focus is on good nutrition, healthy eating habits and exercise. Features: * Weekly weigh-in * Food journal * Group sharing time * Buddy system * Workout commitment Location: Vitality Heath and Wellness, Inc. 2439 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 Phone: 215-465-5239 Begins Saturday Nov. 3 for 4 consecutive weeks. 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM ****** Only 20 spaces available ****** Call 215-465-5239 now to reserve your spot.

Hi to all Other than fitness, healthy eating and motivation, 3 things I personally could never live without, are my animals; Hannah, the 98 pound yellow Lab who is my heart and soul, Sarah Jane, my 18 year old little girl cat and her brother Cody, who is 17. The new kid on the block is DaVinci. He is a 1-year-old kitten and is so playful and curious. He is trying to get Sarah to play. She wants no part of him and they keep their distance most of the time. Cody, who had a total body shave and looks like a lion is living in my bedroom and is afraid of his own shadow. He is petrified of everything but he just loves to be with me, his Mommy, and could care less about anyone else. When I decided to move in with my friend and this kitten (who the dog loves), I had to figure out a plan for Cody and Sarah Jane. Sarah Jane adjusted well but Cody never leaves the bedroom and has taken up permanent residence on the bed. My hope is that one day I will walk in and he will be sitting on the couch and give me some space. But for now, he is so happy on my bed. Hannah and DaVinci fell in love from day one. DaVinci bites Hannahs legs and she runs through the house with him hanging on to her back legs. DaVinci is always jumping on her head and Hannah plays so rough with him but he loves it. Its hysterical watching them play. They are so adorable together and I have even caught them in bed togetherhow cute is that? Everyday we are getting more settled and life is good and calm again. I could not imagine my life without them. They have brought me so much joy and happiness just being who they are. I went through a very bad time in 2000 (a relationship problem) and part of the survival was due to these animals. I know there are people who do not like animals, but for my money animals can really soothe the heart and soul of everyone they come in contact with. Have a great day. Debra

Yesterday was settlement on my house sale and I am so relieved that its finally over. I have been moving for about 3 weeks. I have experienced much stress and anxiety during this time. I had forgotten how stress can affect my life but it came upon me and boy was it tough to shake. It felt like a big hoagie with extra mayo was on my back every day and I was trying to reach around and eat it. I couldnt get to it – but I wanted to. So, again, its all about food and eating and the thoughts of binging were all too real to me. Those old tapes came back to haunt me. The more stress I was experiencing the more I wanted to eat. I can honestly say I was more successful than I thought possible. I managed to get through those weeks without gaining an ounce. How did I do it? It was very hard, but I knew that it would all be over soon and if I hung in there I could conquer those feelings and get back to my normal life. Well, I did, and I am so happy that I worked so hard to get through this. Now, dont think that I did not go off of my every day routine while all of this was happening. I managed to eat my little binges, in very small quantities. I even amazed myself that it could be done, but I did it. I am very happy that I used my MAZDA METHOD MOTIVATION TECHNIQUES to get to this place. Never underestimate yourself about the power that you have stored away inside of you to help you get through any situation. Have a great day. Debra

Hi curvy girls, I need YOUR help!! As many of you know on October 27th at the Wachovia Spectrum is the Philadelphia Sports Extravaganza and Wellness Expo. http://philadelphiawellnessexpo.com/Home_Page.html This is a big event! The organizer, James, loved the concept of the CURVY GIRL WORKOUT so much he has invited us to DO OUR THING on that day, CENTER STAGE. I accepted his offer and we are scheduled at 11-11:20am and 2-2:20pm. I cannot do this alone; I need backup from all of you, the women who have embraced the workout, for 2 reasons. First, you all do such a great job and we are a team. I will be in the front leading all of you so do not think that you cannot do this. It is a fun event and we can get a little crazy and just move and breathe. No one has to do it right or perfect. Second, the goal of doing this is to get all of the larger or bigger women moving with us. Who are their role models? WE ARE! These are both 20 minute workouts and I promise no one will die of over exertion. We will be in all of our DIVANESS, WITH CURVES GALORE. I am doing what I do to get other women to begin to MOVE, BREATHE AND FEEL AND LOOK BETTER. Again, I cannot do this alone. I need all the help I can get. We will get up there and really put on a show, I promise. I need commitments from all of you to help me to showcase what we all do. This CURVY GIRL WORKOUT AND MOVEMENT is not about a SIZE, it is about an ATTITUDE. Please join me to help spread our message. Thanks, Debra

I woke up yesterday morning so disoriented and feeling a little depressed over selling my house and moving. There is so much work to do and it seems like it is taking forever. Well today I can finally see the end of this as its probably now 95 percent done. But nonetheless, yesterday I woke up and wanted to stay in bed all day and do nothing but EAT. It has been years since I felt that way – but yes that old FOOD FAIRY came-a-knocking. She brought her SAD SISTER along with her. It seems they had nowhere else to go and they landed right in my head. I know you all have heard me say that even though I have lost – and kept off – over 140 pounds for over 25 years, I still have those days like every FOOD ADDICT does. And yes, I still have my days of feeling a little out of sorts and yesterday was one of those days. Heres what I did: I literally forced myself to get up and get on my running clothes since Ive decided to train to compete next year for the SENIOR OLYMPICS (50 and over) OH MY GODI AM A SENIOR. Watch out Grandpa, here I come! You cant stay in bed all day if you want to achieve your goals, so I got dressed, took Hannah, my Golden Retriever with me to my favorite coffee shop. Guess what? They had just delivered hot DONUTS. Are you kidding me? Didnt they know that I was already feeling vulnerable? I was thinking about binging all day. It took all of my might but I got the coffee and went to my training park. I summoned all my will and started to power walk. Well in no time I began to get my head together and I did a nice 4 mile run. However, I was thinking about binging the whole time. I wanted pizza, my favorite food. Thank god there are no really good pizza shops open at 8am. Then I wanted ice cream. Id have to go shopping for that. Finally, I make the dreaded stop at Dunking Donuts. Yes, my favorite other place. I walked up to the counter and ordered a coffee and get this – I ordered one – and only ONE MUNCHKIN DONUT HOLE. Yes, I actually decided that in the scheme of things that you can control a binge at any time, if you stop, breathe and think about your behavior. I had a serious talk withmyself on the way to Dunkin Donuts and I knew I could control this and I had more power than any Food Fairy or wave of depression during a somewhat stressful time. Now, do I have control all of the time? Of course not. However, it is all about the behavior you choose when those feelings start to erupt. Even after all these years I still have to fight the battle. But when I use my MAZDA METHOD mental skills training for my motivation the battle is usually won. Remember, you have the power to create the change in your life. Have a great day. Debra

What a day and week it has been for me. I am in the process of moving and tomorrow is the big day, furniture day. I can say that without a doubt moving is one of the most stressful situations, as I have done it many times in my life. Even though I love the change the actual moving part can be overwhelming. However, even though it is overwhelming blogging, working out, starting a company, seeing clients and sleeping I am having a blast. So, the move itself is not the focus of my world because I know as a woman,,,,I WILL GET IT DONE! Did I mention overeating? I have not done it, swear to god. I have not had a big appetite in weeks; I am too tired and exhausted. You want a weight loss program, there it is, run yourself into the ground and you will forget to eat. In my earlier days I would have eaten all day long to cope with stress. What happened? My mental skills training has helped me to really use those powers of positive thinking to get me through this, and it has worked. People have actually been telling me I look better than ever and I look like I lost weight. Well, who doesnt want to hear those words, look good and lost weight? I have been so busy but I have managed to stay on my program as much as possible because I know that somewhere down the road at any moment a binge could occur. I was the BINGE QUEEN in my day and nothing would stop me. I was stressed out and I deserved it. Food was there and I needed it. That was many years ago and today I know there is a better way to handle stress when it comes on like a best friend. DEAL WITH IT! Is this easier said then done? Of course it is. Sometimes the pressure of every day life challenges come at you and if you are not prepared the eating can begin. Once everything settles what is left is mental, physical and emotional torture. Self-loathing and self-hatred are right around the corner and we tend to suffer alone. Before that happens, look at the situation and deal with it and do not make it a mountain. I was looking forward to moving and wanted to do it so I needed to handle it the best way I knew how. Although I was not on my everyday routine I knew it was a matter of time before I got back there. I knew there was an end to the stress and I stayed focused on that. The move is done. What a relief! Now I will go about my daily routine and when the next stressful situation presents itself Ill take a deep breath, accept the challenge and deal with it. Bring it on! Debra

CurvyGirl Cardio, The Total Body Workout

First Philadelphia Charter School
4300 Tacony Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124
Phone: 215.743.3100

This workout consists of:

* 45 minute Low Impact workout
* 30 minutes Circle Time (open group discussion on Fitness/Nutrition/Motivation) followed up online at www.curvygirlworkout.comin the Community area of the website.

All workouts are safe, fun, energizing, supportive and motivating. All levels welcome and no experience necessary.

Do it at your own pace…just move and breathe.

Debra wants you to succeed and get fit!

No membership is required

$4.00 per class

Meet Debra Mazda and the Curvy Girl team at the Philadelphia Sports Extravaganza and Wellness Expo on October 27, 2007 from 10 AM – 4 PM at the Wachovia Spectrum Expo. Bring the entire family for a day packed with highly interactive events that include medical and fitness screenings by local doctors and experts. There will befree CPR certification with paramedics sponsored by Childrens Hospital of Pennsylvania. Tickets are only $10 per person and include the Expo,a block party, and a Philadelphia Phantoms game. All season ticket holders from the Flyers and Phantoms get free entry to the Expo, just go to the will call window the day of the event. Your ticket also includes the Jr. World Martial Arts Championships for kids and exciting contests to participate in. More info at http://philadelphiawellnessexpo.com/Home_Page.html

Hi All, I think everyone is waiting for fall, especially me. I love it when the colors begin to become vibrant and gorgeous and the weather is a little cooler and crisp and you do not need the air conditioner every night to sleep. Well, today is not that day. I just took Hannah for a 4 mile power walk and it was hot and humid even for me. I really love the hot weather and we all love to sweat when we work out, but you need to make sure you are hydrating yourself as much as possible. I see people wearing heavy clothes and some in sweatshirts. Clothing like that will not allow the heat to escape and traps it on the skin. It is still too hot to wear fall clothes outdoors. The Chicago Marathon took place yesterday and a 35 year old man died from HEAT EXAHAUSTION. They also had 250 people hospitalized from heat exposure. The race was closed down at the mid point due to the weather. It was way too humid yesterday to run a marathon. Remember, drink plenty of fluid while working out and wear cotton near your skin. So go ahead and sweat, but be aware and dont get too overheated. Ciao, Debra