The trail mix diet
When I was in college (also known as The Dark Years), I had . . . what shall we call it? . . . a fat problem. Or not really a problem if you consider the goal to be very, very fat, at which I was quite successful. It required thought and dedication, as well as a once-a-week trip to the neighborhood Chinese restaurant, where I ordered take-out sweet and sour pork, then another trip next door (so exhausting, but I was committed) to Baskin Robbins, where I had them pack up my own special pint of half jamoca almond fudge, half pralines and cream. Then I went home, loosened the pants, and ate both to the bottom of the cartons.
Good times.
Every now and then I would get the wacky idea that I should lose some weight. Silly, sure, but you know how college kids are. And my favorite–though least-successful–diet ever was the one-week all-gorp (also known as trail mix) diet. For a week, whenever I had the urge to eat, the only thing I allowed myself was that magical combo of raisins (fruit), peanuts (protein), and plain M&M’s (um, dairy?). Shockingly, I gained six pounds. Needless to say I did not get that diet from Cosmo.
I was reminded of that during these past few weeks while I was waiting for my book auction to sort out. It started on a Thursday and I thought it would end that day, so I made reservations at our favorite fancy restaurant, knowing the real reason was because I just wanted a fabulous chocolate dessert. Sure, I’d eat the salad and the great fish dish, ho hum, but come on–it’s either champagne or chocolate at a time like that, and I prefer getting my calories from solids.
But then the book auction continued for a week, and then another week after that, and exciting things were happening practically every day, and the only way I could keep from jumping out of my skin every time the phone rang was by shoveling in copious amounts of the finest chocolate available at the shortest distance–the corner store–so I could rush back and keep obsessively checking my e-mail and waiting for more phone calls.
So yes, I’m a little squishy right now. So?? I didn’t eat peanuts this time (except for the almonds and hazelnuts embedded in some of the candy bars, but their effects were neutralized by the chocolate) and I didn’t eat raisins (except for in the almond and fruit combo Cadbury puts out–delicious), so it’s not like I’m headed back to The Dark Years. I didn’t once consider ordering sweet and sour pork, and I never went near B & R. Frozen yogurt, yes, and okay, with two scoops of Reese’s cups on top–BUT NO ICE CREAM. Give me credit.
But I have to admit it may be time to ease up a little. There was one night last week when I lay awake in bed with my heart racing so fast I thought I might have to get up and do an exercise tape at two in the morning just to burn off some caffeine. And the blood has been feeling a bit sludgy working its way through my veins, so maybe some moderation wouldn’t be so bad.
And it’s best to catch it now, before it gets really out of hand. All you have to do is read Meg Cabot’s award ceremony called The Poundies to understand why.
Feeling some stress yourself? Better sign up for this month’s chocolate drawing! Only 11 days left!
Technorati Tags: Meg Cabot, Writing, Free Chocolate, Trail Mix