Loving others is easy when I love and accept myself. Louise Hay, Writer

I turned on my computer last week to the headline MARIAH CAREY Loses 20 Pounds! I was surprised at how much media attention the story received. People seem to have an insatiable appetite for this kind of gossip, especially when it involves which celebrity is fat or thin. While I am not particularly fascinated by Hollywood or the music industry – I am keenly interested in the health and fitness field. So I always like to read about how women in the entertainment business keep themselves looking like someone who can sell millions of records or movie tickets. Mariah Carey has had to base her career on looking sexy. Did she really need to lose 20 pounds? I thought she always looked great, but by celebrity standards her managers probably thought she did. She claims she was a size 8 and now is a 2. Can you believe that? How many of us would love to be a size 8? She was already a single digit and now is getting closer to a 0. She says shes eating 5 meals a day, no more than 1500 calories, mixes proteins with carbs and can cheat when she wants to. Who knows if thats the case? I do know the pressure on her must be tremendous. She had something of a nervous breakdown a few years back and I wonder if one of the pressures could have been her weight. In comparison, Oprah and Queen Latifah were always shapely women who looked great. Oprahs weight battle has been very public and weve seen her in every size from an 18 down to an 8. She has now settled somewhere in the middle where she seems to feel comfortable with herself. The Queen has always talked about being comfortable in her own skin however recently she signed a contract with Jenny Craig and is now their spokesperson. Although she hasnt disclosed exactly how much weight shes lost she is preaching eating less and moving more. I like her approach. While we probably dont really view either Oprah or Queen Latifah as a SEX SYMBOL, I do think that both of them have an enormous amount of SEX APPEAL, stemming from their talent and self-confidence. Even if were not rich and famous we have many of the same challenges in making peace with our bodies. I think that if we strive for better health and focus on what we like about ourselves then well find the way to truly be comfortable in our skin. Enjoy the week as spring is here and Im feeling wonderful! Debra Related topics: Mariah Careys Weight Loss, Oprahs Weight Battle, Queen Latifahs Weight Loss, Body Image, Plus Size, Womens Health, Womens Self Esteem, Plus Size Fitness, Starting a Fitness Program, Overweight Exercise, Larger Women Working Out, Active at Any Size

The only people who never fail are those who never try. Ilka Chase, American Actress

Believing in yourself and liking yourself is all part of good looks. Shirley Lord, Contemporary American Writer

Comcast CN8 show On Thursday April 10, 2008 at 6:40 AM Comcast’s CN8 show will do a live segment on Debra Mazda (certified fitness trainer and exercise physiologist). Debra will be discussing several problem body areas, such as abs, gluts and arms. If you can’t watch it live, be sure to program your DVR, TIVO or VCR. The CurvyGirl staff

Meet certified fitness trainer and exercise physiologist Debra Mazda at Walmart on Saturday April 12, 2008 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Walmart 1601 South Columbus Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19148 215-468-4220

The Broad Street Run, coming May 4, 2008 6am Tuesday morning. Its still dark at the Lakes in South Philadelphia where my team meets to get in our training session for the 10 mile Broad Street Run coming up on May 4th. The hour is early and most of the group 13 in all – will be heading off to work shortly after were done with our power walk. I am so proud of my team. Not only have they shown COMMITMENT, DEDICATION and PERSISTENCE in deciding to sign up for the Run, but they inspire me daily. This is not a team made up of skinny marathoners. This is Debra Mazdas Team CurvyGirl, made up of women in many shapes and sizes all the way up to a size 20. And when we cross the finish line at the Broad Street Run on May 4th, well be letting everybody know that Fitness Comes in Many Sizes. As you may recall, I challenged all of the fabulous women I know to become part of a team for the Broad Street Run. Most of them are not little girls, but some are really fit and I knew that with the right training and motivation they could take on this event. I pitched it for weeks in my workout classes and told them that if they allowed me to train them that Id make sure theyd be well prepared to take the plunge. I only accepted those women whose schedules would allow them to dedicate adequate time to training, because that is essential. So now the team is set. I am so excited to say that these brave CurvyGirls will be at the starting line with me on race day. Every time I train with them I can see not only the progress they are making, but also the COURAGE and STRENGTH they are showing. The training is hard: early mornings, some nights and weekends until May. Each one of them has different reasons for wanting to take this on but I know that this PERSONAL CHALLENGE is one that will have great meaning for them. Some of them have told me that they always wanted to do an event like this, but never had the guts. The difference now is that they have allowed me to CHANGE THEIR THINKING about whats possible. As I think back to the first year I entered 10 years ago I remember wondering whether I could do the training and actually finish. I was a little panicked. I didnt want to fail. The very same doubts that a lot of my girls have. But instead of letting the finish intimidate me, I decided to focus on the training and that is what I did. I trained hard and steady and it all paid off in the end. On the day of the race our team will be ready for the challenge physically and mentally. My CurvyGirl Team will be well trained and also practicing the MENTAL GAME that will help us to go the distance. When our legs begin to feel it, by miles 5 or so, well be ready with guided imagery, positive re-enforcement and other skills that will help push our bodies to the finish line. The high at the finish line is like nothing else. The crowds will be cheering and theyll have the deep satisfaction of reaching a difficult goal. So even though its still dark here at the Lakes on a chilly weekday morning, when lots of people are still snoozing under the covers, my CurvyGirls are out here putting in their 8 miles of power walking and proving that all you have to do is get moving and great things can happen. Debra Related Topics: Body Image, Plus Size, Women’s Health, Women’s Self Esteem, Plus Size Fitness, Benefits of Fitness, Overweight Exercise, Larger Women Working Out, Active at Any Size

We are indeed much more than we eat. But what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are. Adelle Davis, Pioneer Nutritionist