Oh, those chocolate covered pretzels look so yummy. Right there on my countertop, staring back at me with seductive little pretzel eyes. I should just throw them out, but I feel empowered when I know I can resist them. If only I could do the same with the ice-cream.
I weigh 203 today, where I've hovered within 2 or 3 pounds from for the last year or so while 'dieting.' At least that's what I told myself it was. But I'm down from 228, which is good, considering I ate all of the same crap, only I'd order the medium soda instead of the large, a Whopper Jr. instead of its daddy, and skipped going back for seconds and thirds at the buffet. But I want to get back down to 190 or-- dare I say it-- less. When I was 27 I was 185, and that was perfect for my frame. Genetically speaking, my bone structure is a little thick and I do have a bit of muscle left on me from the days before I started driving everywhere. Any less than 185, I look sick and random strangers offer me sandwiches.
So it's time to diet and-- *gasp* e-x-e-r-c-i-s-e... Phew! that was tough. Motivation was always an issue for me, unless I was on my way to the ice-cream parlor for 2-for-1 Wednesdays. But recent health issues have convinced me that it's time to eat right and, umm, 'e-word' regularly. Add to that a career switch from $90K a year down to $35K (but I've never been happier), and all of a sudden cooking every day isn't just a healthy alternative to fast food and take out-- it's a financial necessity.
So here goes nothing. I have a gym membership to a place within walking distance, 800 cookbooks for eating healthy and cheap, and the willpower of Eliot Spitzer on an internet dating site. Wish I had a friend or 2 to yell at me when I "just didn't feel like going to the gym today," but as usual, I'm on my own in this. Maybe that's what I need. Conan the Barbarian once said, "That which does not kill us, makes us stronger." But he didn't live within one mile of Wendys, BK, McDonald's, Friendly's, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Martino's Pizza, Sunny's Chinese Food, White Castle, KFC, Murph's Irish Pub, 3 diners and, well you get the idea.