The Resolutionary War – 1/1/09-12/31/09

For those of us in the world that follow the Gregorian calendar, the new year of 2009 has begun. And with that comes the time-honored tradition of making resolutions. Whether it’s a by-product of one’s adulthood or the increasingly stress-filled social tempo of the 21st century, it seems to me that making New Year’s resolutions has moved from being a light-hearted conversation piece to an all-out war with one’s self and the temptations we try so hard to resist.

There are probably a million possibilities for your own annual list – but I’ve found the most repeated resolutions to be Eat Better and Lose Weight.

While these are great aspirations, the paths to victory for many are continually blocked by some worthy and dangerous opponents. So begins the battle.

Enemy # 1 – Sugar
Code Names: Little Debbie, Tasty Cakes, Ben & Jerry…

She’s cute, she’s cunning. This chubby-cheeked little sweetie-pie will seduce you with her sweet, cakey deliciousness in the evening while you relax in front of the television. She also has no qualms about attacking in the morning; whispering in your ear that yes, Oatmeal Creme Pies are a wonderful breakfast choice. They’ve got oatmeal in them don’t they?

Allied Forces: Low Calorie Alternatives that Taste (Almost) as Good

Code Names: Sugar-Free Pudding/Jello, Tootsie Pops (1 lollipop – not the whole army), Klondike Slim-a-Bear Ice Cream Bars, Coffee with artificial sweetener

Coffee will fill you up, suppress the appetite and cream is good for you!!! Just stay away from the donuts.

Enemy # 2 – Salty Snacks
Code Names: Chips, Doritos, Cheesy Curls…

Not these kind of Chips…

Salty snacks are my own personal nemesis. Luckily there are a few allies that can quell the urge for these yummy adversaries.

Allied Forces – Salty, Crunchy Snacks that aren’t 200 calories for a handful

Code Names: Pickles, Soy Crisps, 94% Fat Free Microwave Popcorn

How ’bout a pickle? They’re snappy, salty, dilly. What can be better for 0 calories?

BBQ Soy Crisps by Glenny’s are also my fave – they taste just like BBQ chips and are only 60 calories per serving. And they have all that good soy protein.

94% fat free microwave popcorn – you can eat the whole bag without guilt. Plus popcorn really fills you up…I prefer Newman’s Own myself ’cause then you can feel good about your money going to charity. Everybody wins!

Enemy # 3 – Exercise Excuses
Code Names: Too tired, too much work, not enough time, I have kids, I can’t afford the gym…

Allied Forces – Exercise that’s Fun

These can include pretty much anything according to your personal preference of what constitutes “fun” (off the couch). For some it may be digging in the garden all day, for others it may be taking a dance class. Not Jazzercise, but a REAL dance class. I took a few tap dancing classes once, and they kicked my ass.

Nobody says you have to get on the treadmill…unless of course it’s fun for you. You know why I was a skinny kid? Because I skipped everywhere! It was fun and it got me places fast. I may look like a jackass doing it now, but who cares?

 

Of course, the real war is won when you try your best. If you don’t reach your resolutions, don’t wrack yourself with guilt as I believe that type of emotion is more damaging to your body than any Tasty Cake. And you always have next year!