Editor’s Note: Welcome to “Feel Rich,” our partnership with QD3, the talented son of music legend Quincy Jones. “Feel Rich” is all about creating a healthy lifestyle for Hip-Hop culture – both the artists and the fans. Enjoy!
Crystal Slayton Wall, wife of rapper Paul Wall, makes healthy choices for her kids as a way to show them love. “Give your baby an apple,” she says “Don’t give him a Snickers. That Snickers ain’t gonna do nothing but make him fat.”
In a community that tends to show love with foods like cake, pie, and sugary treats, Crystal is breaking the cycle with her children. “Healthy choices equal love.”
How cool is it for a website to be informative and educational without being pushy!? There is so much out there that is super pushy and makes you feel like you have to cut out everything and you have to do so much. But “Feel Rich” is making it so people have hope that if they start today. Anyone can make a change.
I hope that when you visit “Feel Rich” you will find everything you need for your journey no matter what stage you’re at in the process. “Feel Rich” can help set the foundation for you or encourage you if you are already on the way.
It can be really difficult to think of creative ways to handle portion control. But one fun thing I’ve started is that whenever I eat out, I split on meal with a friend. I’m making that a new habit. It makes controlling what and how much I eat fun and easy, and I can lose or maintain my weight without feeling judged.
Of course, I fall off the wagon sometimes. But I get right back on and with a site like Feel Rich, I can go and log in and get some encouragement or some ideas and keep it moving. It’s not about looking back and punishing myself for every mistake. It’s about moving forward and making small changes that amount to big results. There are no judgments at “Feel Rich,” and that makes it all the more exciting for me.
I’m all about second chances with health. Not all of us are lucky to get them, but it is important to make an effort. My girlfriends and I used to go out for Mexican food a few times a week. Now, we go to bootcamp three times a week and get Mexican just once. We split food and drink skinny margaritas, so we are still enjoying ourselves, but in moderation and with wise choices. I am a foodie. I love food. The thought of sharing or splitting used to be crazy to me because I look forward to food. But after I started eating smaller meals, I wouldn’t let myself to eat all my food, even though I wanted it. I take half or more home, so I know that I am allowing myself to eat it all, just not at once.
You have to make yourself a priority so you can pass that along to your children, friends, coworkers. Little changes can make a big difference. With just the exercise I implemented and making the changes to my meal portions, I’ve lost 25 pounds in just a few months. I have good days and bad days… but no matter what I just keep going.
Pick up where you are, no matter how hard you think it will be to get healthy, on track, in shape. Don’t give up. Don’t be discouraged. Keep it moving. Make yourself a priority.
Much love,
Crystal Slayton (@cryswallbaby)
Check back here each Tuesday for our “Feel Rich” video of the week! For more from “Feel Rich”, visit www.feelrich.com. Follow “Feel Rich” on Twitter (@FeelRich).