WGN Morning News Blog

Right off the bat I'm going to say I don't want to sound conceited or showy. Really I don't! It's just that so many of you have asked about my weight loss progress that I just wanted to update you. Well, here's the bragging part. Ahem, I have lost 20 pounds and countless inches! I have gone from basically a size 12 to a 6. I bought a pair of Lucky Jeans the other day. The buttonfly ones that say "Lucky You" on the inside flap when you open up the buttons. Well, they're a 6! Just pulled them up, no problems.

Anyway, I couldn't have done any of this without my fabulous trainer and friend Kay Yasin. She has pushed my body to limits I never thought I had. She has been the buddy I needed when I thought I couldn't do it anymore. Kay began working with me during the Bally's Fitness Challenge this spring. (Check out Kay's bod on Pat's blog from last month.) She has made eating right and exercise a part of my life. If she can do it for me, she can do it for anybody.

So there you have it! My once whiny blogs about how obese I am have turned into bragging blogs about how non-obese I am. All of you working so hard to get it off and keep it off, think about the Lucky #6.

I think I'll go have a shake.... a high-protein chocolate Slim Fast. :)

Posted by Marcella Raymond at 5:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

So, I'm doing this story, Beauty Tips From Beauty Queens, that airs in November. I got the idea when I met Miss Illinois United States, Nicole Kaapke. We both danced for cancer research last year. Anyway, she helped me get ready and told me some great tips! Like how to use Saran Wrap and Preparation H to shrink cellulite! How Visine doesn't just take out the red in your eyes but in pimples too! And how easy hair extensions are to use! Nikki's so down to earth, you'd never think she's won several pageant titles. Miss Chicago, Christine Boll, also joined us. She focused on things like pumping up your muscles right before the big bathing suit walk. I'll have to try them this summer before hitting the beach.

I gotta tell ya', it's tough being a girl! The things we go through to be beautiful! But now we'll have some of the secrets from the best of the beauties. Check me out in my borrowed tiara and sash. C'mon give me a break! A girl's gotta have some fun!

Posted by Marcella Raymond at 6:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

I've been covering the trial of five guys who ran the Chicago Outfit in the 70's and 80's. In opening statements, federal prosecutors said 'This is not The Sopranos. This is not The Godfather. This is real life.' Well, it would definitely make a great movie. After the jury was picked and sworn in, Judge Zagel asked all the lawyers to introduce themselves. The Feds started. "I'm so and so, a prosecutor." "I'm so and so, Special Agent FBI." Then it was the defense's turn. Each one stood with his client. They all made eye contact with the jury and said "Good morning." Just like regular guys who's mothers raised them well. Just like the guy in front of you on line at Starbucks. "Hey Rosie, I'll take a Venti lattee with lots of sugar." Prosecutors would have you think the 'regular guy' would strangle Rosie in a heartbeat if she added a little too much sugar. It's really weird! I mean here are these guys accused of horrendous crimes right in front of me. I make eye contact with James Marcello, reputed mob boss. Frank Calabrese Sr., the mob's alleged hitman, looks like someone's grandfather. Joey "The Clown" Lombardo slumps in his chair in the back row of defendents, taking notes and talking to his lawyer.

I wonder what the jury is thinking? There are 12 jurors and 7 alternates. Ten women and 9 men. 4 African American, 15 white. These are people who are giving up at least three months of their lives to sit on this jury. They range in age from probably early thirties to early 70's. They are to remain anonymous, only referred to by number. Does that scare them? Do they really know who they're dealing with? On Tuesday, a fake bomb was found at the suburban house of one of the defendent's sons. A prank or a message? I'm saying the latter, but that's just me. I always think the worst. I've seen The Godfather too many times.

Stay tuned.

Marcella

Posted by Admin at 7:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Yes, after a long time I can finally see my cheek bones again! What an amazing feeling! The Bally Fitness Challenge may be over but I am on the workout bandwagon for good! I'm crossing my fingers anyway! My team of Pat Tomasulo and Keenan Smith came in third but we lost 40 pounds all together.

My trainer, Kay, took before and after pictures of me. The before ones were horrible! I was so embarrassed! Especially the ones she took of my back. Not a pretty sight! I told Kay if those pictures ever showed up on the internet I will kill her. But there is a remarkable difference. I can tell I've gotten alot leaner and more toned. I am so happy I participated in this challenge! I never would have been able to do it without Bally's help.

So ten more pounds to go! I showed Kay a picture of me when I was about 24 and wearing a bikini. I've had it on my refrigerator for motivation. Kay said she can make me look better than that! I can't wait! And the next time I have a flat stomach, I definately won't think I'm fat.

Thanks to all of you who supported me!

--Marcella

Check out photos from the Bally's Spring Fitness finale!

Posted by Admin at 7:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Well, not like THAT of course! He and I are doing this Bally's Fitness Challenge and, even though we're on the same team, there's a little bit of competition here. He keeps prancing around bragging about his "six-pack-abs" which I actually haven't seen and until I do, I don't believe it. Sometimes our workouts overlap and we wind up doing crunches together. I saw him checking me out (don't deny it Pat!) and I know he wants to win this thing. So the other morning I walked into the sports office and opened up my blazer to show off my shrinking figure. "Ha!" I said to him and walked away. He got the message though. Don't mess with me unless you're willing to go the distance!

Then today I'm wearing a black blouse, black short(er) skirt, and red high heel shoes. He told me I wasn't dressed appropriately for work. He's just jealous! But while we're on the subject of clothes.... I haven't worn this skirt in ages. It is short, mid-thigh, and I haven't felt like my legs have looked good enough to wear it. They're far from perfect but they look better than they have in a long time. So why not show them off right? In a blog last week I wrote that Kay, my trainer, wanted me to try on a pair of pants that I couldn't get into two weeks ago. Well, they fit!!!!! I am amazed that I have lost close to ten pounds in two weeks. Kay at Bally's is truly incredible at training and nutrition. I know I scrunch my nose at her or roll my eyes when she says "One more time." But I am so grateful to have had this opportunity! Ten to twelve more pounds to go.

Pat Tomasulo eat your heart out!

Marcella

Posted by Admin at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm hungry.

Marcella

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Okay, so I’ve been told I’m obese. And I don’t think it’s just a ploy to get my butt in gear. My BMI, or body fat, is high, higher than it’s ever been. So what does a Type A personality like myself do about this? She tries to fix it! With the help of Kay at the Webster Bally’s, I’ve lost at least 5 pounds already. I say “at least” because I haven’t weighed myself since Friday when one week of the diet and exercise had been completed. But I’m already getting compliments from people. “Your face looks thinner.” A slight tan helps. “What have you done with your hair?” Not much actually. “Your pants are getting bigger.” Actually they are and I point it out to anyone who asks how my challenge is going. Kay wants me to try on a pair of pants on Friday, the two week mark, that I haven’t been able to wear since last summer. Yikes! I try to work out at least four times a week and at least three of them with Kay, baring any breaking news in Plainfield. Some weeks are better than others. The first week I got to Bally’s only once. Last week I made it three times.

I’m including the diet I’m on in this blog. When I first saw it I thought Kay was on something! You actually want me to survive on a 7 almond snack? Maybe the times I ate about three handfuls wasn’t such a good idea, but only 7? I have done it though. I count them out in the morning and put them in a baggie. It’s rough this diet and exercise thing but when you’re “obese” like I am, you gotta do something!

14 – Day Meal Plan

1. Breakfast – Protein shake
2. MidMorning Snack - ** to keep your metabolism up, you must fuel your body every three hours. Have a snack that’s very high in protein to hold you over longer.. 3 ounces of canned tuna (in water), or small serving of low-fat egg salad.
3. Lunch – Eat your largest meal here. Lean source of protein (6 ounces of chicken breast or fish) with half a plate of your favorite vegetables… steamed broccoli or spinach or kale! Try to stay away from carrots or corn, they have a very high carb content.
4. Mid-Afernoon Snack – Seven raw almonds or 3 ounces of roasted chicken on its own.
5. Dinner – Protein shake. Finish up your day with protein gives your body the amino acids it needs for your muscles to repair themselves. Also, it avoids your body from having to work to digest food while you sleep which will ensure better quality rest and you’ll wake up hungry and well rested!!

Things you will avoid the next two weeks.
1. Alcohol
2. Bread
3. Starchy Carbs (carrots, potatoes, rice, pasta and corn)
4. Dairy (contains lots of lactose which is sugar and leads to bloating)
5. Sweets (no fruit juice, diet or regular soda, no honey or molasses and obviously candy or refined sugar),
6. Fruit and Most Fats – take a 500mg Fish Oil tablet or 1tsp of flaxseed oil in your protein shake.

Marcella

Posted by Admin at 7:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

It's the age old question. I looked at my disaster of a closet last night and all my shoes were either in boxes, on two-tiered shelves or on the floor. How am I supposed to find anything? I probably have 50 pairs. And I have more shoes that I've worn only once, it's disgusting. How many women out there have done the same thing? In the store, they feel great! On my feet after one day, they're hell! I carry boxes of bandaids with me at all times. I also keep the "Foot Petals" company in business.

Yesterday I went to TJ Maxx for a computer game for my six-year-old son. I didn't find any but I did buy three pairs of shoes! One brown wedge sandal. One leopard print pair of flats with cute little red trim. And one pair of Havianas flip-flops for $9.99! If I could wear those flip-flops every day I would. But they're bright blue and really don't go with any of my work clothes. :)

I am hoping these new shoes will pull through for me. I don't have much faith though. Maybe Dr. Scholl's can come up with a good orthopedic pair soon. Any suggestions?

-- Marcella Raymond

Posted by Admin at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Every time I see that picture of me, Pat Tomasulo, and Keenan Smth for the Bally's Fitness Challenge, I want to shoot myself. (Or the person who took the picture!) I feel fat, old and yucky. i know I keep complaining about it but it's just bugging me like crazy! Take for instance the fact that I tried on my pants from last summer and they don't fit. Or the fact that I have to wear glasses in order to read the teleprompter. Or that my face is sagging in the same spot my Mom's is. Now my mother is a beaufiful woman but she's twenty years older than I am. I'm forty one years old and twenty pounds overweight! If I gain ten pounds a year, I will be considered obese by this time next year. And by the time I'm 60 I won't be able to leave the house without a forklift. Those people who say "Embrace your age!" obviously don't work in television. Or they have fantastic make-up and hair stylists. Who has the time or the money? I'm sick of constantly dieting and exercising. What I'm really hoping is that those Bally's trainers can work a little magic on this old broad.

-- Marcella Raymond

Posted by Admin at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

I met a woman yesterday. Her name is Latonya Moore. Her daughter, Loreal, was killed about 2:15 Tuesday morning. The 18 year old was shot in the neck while getting into a car that her twin sister, Lauren, was driving. I sat on the floor in front of this mother who was so overcome with grief she could barely speak. She told me how her heart was broken apart. She kept asking me "Why? Why would someone kill my daughter?". While I sat there, Lauren came into the house. She let out this sob that came from deep within. A sob that can only come in response to immense sorrow. She watched her sister die, her twin, her other half. I had trouble watching her pain. I had no answers for her or her mother. I just tried to be compassionate and put myself in their place. I have a six year old son. What would i do if someone shot him? How could I go on?

The Chicago Police Department hasn't said what the motive was for the murder but Loreal's family believes she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Residents in that part of the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood tell me they have heard gunshots for days now. Gang wars possibly?

-- Marcella Raymond

Posted by Valerie Warner at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

So I have this promo shoot to do this morning for this fitness challenge and the top they gave me to wear is too small. How sucky is that? It's all mind games. They give you a shirt that's too small so you'll feel like a fat loser when you put it on. Then I'll be so depressed that I can't help but lose a few pounds, because damned if I'm gonna be the one who looks like a slob. Oh, wait, my phone is ringing. It's Diana Dionisio, our publicity and promotions manager. She says she'll get me a bigger shirt. Praise the Lord! I do not want all of the world to see the roll around my gut. I'm doing the fitness challenge with morning sports jock Pat Tomasulo. Yeah, like he needs to lose weight. And Keenan Smith who does weather on WGN and CLTV. You know the tall thin guy who doesn't have to lose weight? It's tough being a girl.

I have been working out though. I've been ballroom dancing! It's for a charity event where all the proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. We dance with professionals from Arthur Murray Dance Centers who are fabulous! I'll be competing against reporters from ABC and NBC, Miss Illinois International, and a former Bull. The former Bull is my biggest competition. Kendall Gill knows how to bust a move. He's doing a hip-moving, butt-shaking dance. I'm doing the fox trot and swing. I know how to move my hips. I DO NOT know how to be graceful. It's a big challenge! But after seeing Kendall's moves last week, my partner James and I took our dance up a notch. Now we're ready to kick some butt! And swing some hips!

I may not be 20 pounds thinner by then, but gosh darn it I'll be able to dance at any wedding I go to from now on! Wish me luck!

-- Marcella Raymond

Posted by Admin at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)