skim milk

I should have known, based on tight waistbands, but the scale's verdict is worse than expected. I consider my options. A couple relatives have recently had success with Weight Watchers, but I lack the commitment (money, time, effort). If I go on a diet, I know I'll think of nothing but food. So, I try to think long term: six from now, I'd like to be 5 pounds lighter. Shouldn't be tough. All I need to do is exercise a few times a week and eat sensibly. That night I bake brownies.

Next day, I reduce portion sizes. Smaller meals, fewer snacks. I tell myself to keep desserts to 100 calories: fun size candy bars, 1 cookie, small bowl of pudding, or 2 bites of cheesecake. I tell myself it's good to feel a little hungry sometimes. For about 2 weeks I stick to my plan (not much exercise, since it's fall semester and I'm swamped) and lose 2 pounds. Then comes December . . . ("I give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it," Alice in Wonderland.)

The one benefit of being sick the first week of January is that I take off the 2 pounds that I regained in December. If I'm lucky I can go with the momentum, but I lack resolve. Someone has a baby--I bake cookies. We go out for ice cream--I order premium. Someone has a birthday--I make cake balls (carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, coconut/white chocolate/butterscotch coatings).

So, here's my long-term solution: skim milk. If 1500 calories = 1 lb., then I should lose a pound per month without having to cut desserts, count calories, or join a gym.

N and the kids complain: skim milk is an abomination--what's it doing in our fridge (never mind the 3 gallons of 1%)? I'm not convinced either--after 17 years of 1%, I find that skim tastes like water. Besides, I'm concerned that skim milk will give me a false sense of calorie savings and I'll compensate by adding elsewhere.

The only weight-loss programs that have worked for me were marrying a thin guy with undiagnosed acid reflux (he ate small portions, slowly) and nursing babies (we're done). I'm glad that N can eat like a normal person now (for the past several years, in fact), but his gain is my gain.

A neighbor recently told me has never been into making lavish meals or spending money at good restaurants--she just doesn't care much about food. Weird. I never knew there were people who didn't care about food.

But, then, I guess you wouldn't expect a person who calls her blog "Cake balls" to be thin.