Eating and Damage Control

Honestly, I don't know what my brother was thinking last night when he gave me a pair of MEN'S size XL cycling shorts in black as a Christmas gift. I looked at his face for clues--perhaps it was a gag gift?--but he was totally serious. He said they run small and that he had a gift receipt, should I need it. It's the thought that counts, right?

Well, boys and girls, there's nothing like a giant pair of pants to make you feel fit and thin, especially after you've been more naughty than nice in the kitchen during most of December. But, wait! Don't go out and get yourself a super-size pair of pants! Let's use this time to reflect on what we want and what we need to do to get there.

My mom cooked up a storm last night. I actually didn't eat that much, but, um, I had about three pina coladas. I don't even want to know how many calories and how much fat were in each glass. Did I exercise control? I did, actually. When it came time to eat, I had one small plate of food, instead of the two giant plates that everyone around me seemed to be having. I also brought it hard that morning with Turbo Jam.

Today, I'm back on track. Obviously if I allowed myself to eat and drink this as a general rule--no, even as an OCCASIONAL RULE--I would not have the results that I have. But, let's face it--no one is perfect! And there will be times when we don't want to be perfect. I also can't think of a time of year when we come across so many social events and platters of food.

So: I had an Aha! moment today, which may seem obvious, but I think it's not: It doesn't have to be all or nothing! I think too many of us make the mistake of thinking that a few days off the wagon means that you have to stay off.

Even if you've been naughty a good part of December or all year, for that matter, you can start changing your habits TODAY. Eating badly yesterday does not mean you must eat badly today.

If you wait til January 1st to "get started," you'll be that much further from where you want to be.

If you want to indulge today, do. But remember: you don't have to go all out tomorrow. There really is such a thing as damage control.

I was surprised to see the pictures of myself this morning. I look better than I feel. But, I can tell you, my stomach is a bit flabbier and I have less definition than I did in November. So, kids, that's why I'm about to press play in under an hour. Fitness is a lifestyle, not a moment. Eating poorly, ya, I'll gladly call that a moment.

I'm ready to bring it! Chalean, here I come!

Happy Holidays!

Barbie, PhD