Joining the Thin Club

A Few Extra Pounds

I have to admit that I've become a lot more forgiving.  Not just to myself - but to others.  My online dating profile used to read "Donut eaters need not apply."  Now I find myself dating men with a few extra pounds - and it's OK.  Of course, a man who makes a steady diet of donuts or desserts (see previous post) will probably not be too happy with me in the long run.  My house has very few treats - and the ones that appear in my fridge or pantry tend to be sugar-free or low fat.

I was reading someone else's blog - and she blustered about the nerve of FAT men asking a THIN woman out.  Well, you know - there are a lot of men with some pounds to lose.  And quite a few women as well.  And the truth be told, most Americans - even the "thin" ones are fat by BMI standards unless they are dedicated athletes and dieters.

Recently I found myself sitting across the table from a very nice man, albeit a bit pudgy.  He was a complete gentleman - treated me like a lady - he was intelligent, charming and fun to be with.  And when he asked if I would see him again, I smiled at his handsome face and said, "of course."

Are we match?  Who knows?  But I do know that I will not rule out getting to know a beautiful soul because of a few extra pounds.  Pounds can be dieted and exercised away.  But I have yet to find a diet that boosts character and manners.

Economic Downturn = Big Macs & Big Butts

Now that McDonald's has announced an increase in sales (http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/shaky-economy-helps-mcdonalds-shine/story.aspx?guid=%7B7a0038fb-dd84-4392-9f92-c2bac9be0c56%7D) and the economic downturn is driving consumers to nesting, comfort food and increased alcohol, what is likely to happen when the sun starts to shine and we find ourselves zipping out of our winter parkas and trying to zip our jeans, which no longer zip?

The economic depression may well cause an emotional depression when people realize that they have sadly let themselves go!  Believe me, I feel your pain.  But I'll be darned if I'm going to become a victim of a hamburger.

So, today - yes, right now - make a commitment to make things better - for yourself, for the economy, and for that swimsuit that you are going to want to wear this summer.  Remember - finances may have you forego that trip to the Bahamas this summer, but the local swimming hole will beckon and if you keep yourself in stock market shock mode, you will end up poor, unattractive AND unhappy!

Here are some "free" ways to stay on track:

1. Don't hold the pickles and the lettuce.  Instead, SKIP the McDonalds.  Home cooked food is better and healthier.  Salads are inexpensive and fill you up. 

2. SKIP the movies and watch a Netflix on your TV - jump around in front of the TV, do pushups, situps or park your exercise bike in your den so you can sweat and enjoy the movies sans milk duds!

3. DON'T eat dinner in front of the computer (I am notoriously guilty of this so I'm speaking to myself - BAD, Judy, BAD!)

4. DO enjoy the nicer days with a brisk walk or run - and augment the workout afterwards with a free weight or kettlebell session.

5. DRINK - If you hate water, try green tea or crystal light powdered beverage mix. 

Remember, being cost conscious does not have to mean we have to give up on our appearance or our health!  Keep the faith - and stay OUT of McDonalds!

Carpe Diem (Seize the Sunshine!)

The sun was shining, it was finally well above freezing here in the New York area and the snow and ice is, thankfully, beginning to melt.  I put down the pile of work on my desk, grabbed my teenage daughter and together we took a brisk 5-mile walk. 

Walking in the sunshine accomplished so many things.  First and foremost, it gave me a valuable opportunity to reconnect with the little girl who is quickly becoming a little woman.  My daughter is at an age where friends take precedence over parents and it is getting harder to find moments when we can enjoy our togetherness.  Running, sometimes splashing in melting ice puddles and stumbling into Starbucks for a coffee before we headed back--talking all the while--touching on issues that needed hashing out--these were special moments.

The sunshine and the cardio workout created all kinds of feelgood hormones for both of us.  Being cooped up indoors or sitting behind piles of work can make for some pretty gloomy moments for both of us, so this was welcome respite. 

In the dead of winter, warm, sunny days don't come along very often--and an hour of glimmering opportunity to stretch, exercise, talk and enjoy the sunshine and the company--that's a moment to be seized!  Hope you all had a glorious day as well.