To cookie or not to cookie. That is the question.

I had never actually thought about it until today, but there's a reason that Cookie Monster isn't exactly svelte. He's, um, plump not because he eats cookies, but because he indulges in too many of them!

Cookie Monster, my dear, before you put another cookie in your mouth, please hear me out.

If you want to be fit (like Count Dracula. Boy, he does look good, doesn't he?), you don't have to give up cookies forever. You just can't have them every day.

But I can't live without my daily cookie, you say? Well, then, you're just going to have to live with the consequences, Cookie. It really is that simple.

I hate to be preachy, but life is about making choices. How badly do you want to be fit?

I know it's sometimes difficult to not give into temptation, but coaching myself when I've been faced with a plateful of treats is how I have gotten the results that you see. Oh yes, Cookie, I, too have a strong predilection for cookies, and burgers, and margaritas with salt around the border, and oh, yea, pizza.

But when my kryptonite and I come face to face, I activate that little voice inside me that wants to be fit and I literally ask myself questions such as:

Will this cookie (replace cookie with your favorite treat) help me get the results I want?

Will this cookie impede my progress?

Is this cookie worth it?

Will I regret it once it has gone down my digestive track?

I have to tell you, the answer is not always clear cut.

In addition to my cheat day (where I allow myself to indulge in my favorite dish [or two, shhhh!], usually quesadillas or a burger with fries), I sometimes allow myself an additional cheat treat during the week, such as a cookie or a piece of chocolate.

But BEFORE I put that cookie in my mouth, I look at how clean my eating has been for the week. If I've eaten CLEAN all week AND if I know that I have no upcoming social engagement where I will be likely to fall, then I say yes to the cookie without the burden of guilt. After indulging, I also recommit to EATING CLEAN until my official cheat day.

Oh, but it sounds like so much work, Barbie!

Well, it sometimes is, Cookie. But, I feel it is worth it.

To cookie or not to cookie, my dear childhood friend, that is the question. It's up to you to decide.

Here's to a fitter you!

Bring it!

Barbie