December 16, 2009
For years, I would put on between five and eight pounds over the Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Years time frame. The extra calories showed up in small doses...a cookie here, a few pieces of fudge there. Increased alcohol intake added another 300 to 500 calories per drink. In my mid-50s, I peaked out at size 12 headed toward size 14. Not good on a 5-foot 2-inch frame. So with the help of the Jenny Craig program and encouragement from friends, I lost 40 pounds over two years and made a promise to myself that I'd never cross back over a certain benchmark. But let me be honest here... I still love cooking, I love eating and I still enjoy savoring that great glass of wine. So in the years since, I've battled to stay within an eight-pound range. And I've found that the best time for me to lose that eight pounds is during the holidays when I used to gain. Just saying no to all extras gives me a personal sense of power at a time when I once was out of control. And now that I'm over 60, losing weight never felt better, especially if I can get in a little exercise. Today is the Columbian's holiday potluck. There will be great stuff to eat all over the building. I brought a vegetable tray for those of us on guard against extra calories. For more, see Jenny Craig Success Stories?'
