Notice how I’m not mentioning my sugar addiction. Hmm, being rich enough (and no longer under the control of my parents) to be able to have chocolate chips for dinner if I want. Because I’m a grown-up now and can eat whatever I want. (Don’t I sound 18 now? Or maybe 22? I’m 47, though.)

The more important question at this point is how to get away from here. Last year I tried more exercise, job hunting for a less stressful job, drinking more water, and a bunch of other things that didn’t work. Sadly, there’s no escaping the fact that I’m going to have to eat less (but still exercise to keep fit).

I’ve switched to having my hot meal at work. I used to try bringing a sandwich or two so I could go for a lunch walk while eating my sandwich(es), but I felt unfulfilled and was very tempted to supplement my lunch with fries, a milkshake, a cup of chili, a cheeseburger, or a bag of fries. Now I cook up something over the weekend, heat it up for lunch each day, and go for a walk afterwards. Then I have a sandwich or (high-fiber) cereal (with skim milk) for dinner. I also feel unsatisfied without dessert. So I bring half a (high-fiber) pop-tart (or other minimally horrifying treat) to work.

I try to have only fairly good snacks at work such as pretzels, vegetable juice, and yogurt. But I need to find ways to react to stress besides eating these snacks. One thing that’s helped is that when I find myself thinking “I deserve a tasty treat,” I then immediately also tell myself “I deserve to be healthy.” (Actually, I say “I deserve to be thin,” but I know what I mean.) I also remind myself that it’s okay to feel a little hungry sometimes. If I’m so hungry I can’t concentrate on my job, that’s one thing, but mild hunger one or two hours before lunch or dinner is another.

In conclusion, you think that cereal for dinner isn’t the greatest plan, but always remember, it’s better than chocolate chips for dinner.

My mom was a diet freak who did all types of crazy diets to maintain her size 6 figure. My dad ate whatever he wanted, but was very active in spots and biking and distance running. Both skated by on great metabolisms having been very thin all their lives. Rather than taking the good from their examples (and ignoring their weaknesses), I just shrugged my shoulders and did me.

Ironically enough, all the naturally skinny members of my family are struggling with their weight now. My “beanpole” dad has Type 2 diabetes now that he can’t out exercise his crappy diet. We all have our struggles I suppose.

I’ve come to accept the fact that I have the type of body that needs good nutrition AND lots of exercise to stay balanced. If both of those falter, I quickly get to a bad place. I can skate by on one or the other for a little while, but I will still gain some weight that way.