Counting Blessings
Instead of Calories

I found out this week that I'm not just a diet slacker. I'm a cheater as well.

During the week I'm usually devoted to my diet. I'm attentive to the things I should and shouldn't eat, I honor my commitment to losing weight, and I treat myself with only diet appropriate goodies. If there are any indiscretions, I make up for them immediately by eating lighter later or adding more exercise.

After my Friday weigh-in, however, my thoughts and my appetite begin to stray. I know I won't be officially weighed again for another week. I could eat anything I wanted and still have time to work it back off by the next Friday. I could get away with it, couldn't I? "Oh, yes!" whispers the Lumpy Girl.

What could it hurt to have the loaded pizza for lunch? Oh, and won't I be shopping near Chipotle tonight? Then a quick stop at Starbucks for coffee - Venti with room for cream please and a slab of pound cake. And on it goes for the whole weekend.

Monday morning dawns with a feeling of remorse and regret. In the space of two and a half days, I consumed enough calories to gain back every pound I lost the previous week.

Staring at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, I pledge to be faithful this week. It's difficult, though, to get back to the routine after you've been off the diet wagon, and when there are plates of Christmas cookies just waiting to be consumed - and not a salad in sight.

I wish I could tell you how well I did on my diet this week. That I wasn't distracted by all the wonderful party foods. That I ate more salad than snickerdoodles. But the truth is that my diet went to the bottom of my priority list, and celebrating the season went to the top.

I knew there were four office parties this week. I knew what foods were being served. I even had a vague idea that I would eat some turkey and salad and bring a yogurt for dessert. Ha!

I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't even make it through the serving line at the first event before my plan went awry. I did take the slice of turkey and some salad, and then I took lasagna, potato salad, cheesy veggies, and a couple of barbeque meatballs.

Then came dessert. Brownies, chocolate covered pretzels, pecan pie, and my absolute favorite, coconut cake!!

I resolved to do better the next day, but it didn't work out that way. The coconut cake, which was shaped like a snowman, somehow ended up on the table in the staff room, right where I frequently walk past.

Mr. Snowman kept getting smaller and smaller as I would take a piece every time I went by. By noon, he looked somewhat skeletal, and I was feeling a little nauseous.

Then it was time for the next party.

This was when I decided that I might as well quit feeling guilty and just enjoy. Instead of berating myself for eating the things I shouldn't, I'm going to be thankful for the bounty and the fellowship.

Next week I'll count my calories - this week I'm just counting my blessings.

Claire