Oh where oh where has my little tush gone?

Oh where oh where can it be?

I was looking at some recent photos taken of me and can see that the stress of the past four months has taken its toll.  I am a notorious stress eater.  When the going gets tough, I go to the pantry.  So it comes as no surprise in light of all that has been going on in my personal life, that I have sought comfort in Fritos, McDonalds, Sour Patch Jelly Beans, fried chicken and pizza.

My closet has become a museum of Ann Taylor clothing ranging from size 6 and up. (You will need to waterboard me in order to get me to disclose my current weight and size.)  I like muffins as much as the next person, but I do not like having muffin top. 

All of this leads me to a few realities: 1) the destructive eating habits must come to an end, 2) I need to find a better way to channel my stress and 3) I see that there will be some sort of physical activity routine added to my schedule that will involve pain and excessive sweating.  So here is my plan of attack:

Refined sugar and white flour are now banished!!! My carbohydrate intake will be exclusively limited to fruits, veggies and whole grains.  Fortunately this does not affect my coffee experience because for as long as I've been drinking coffee, I've been using the pink stuff as a sweetener.  (Please spare me the research. I'm aware of the fact that there is no Sweet'n Low plant in nature and therefore the stuff is all chemicals and is not good for me. I'm fine with that.)

As for a better channel for my stress, I will commit to jumping on my computer and writing a blog entry. (Even if it is only to tell the world that I am on the verge of a Frito-detox induced rage.)

And finally there is the physical activity piece.  As much as it may come as a surprise to some of you, I was a 'decent' runner not too long ago.  I ran (and completed) a full 26.2 mile marathon in 2002.  I will never ever feel the need to repeat that insanity again.  (I just finally got the last of my four toenails that I lost during the race to grow back this winter.)  I think my logical next step is to reintroduce running into my daily routine.

Should you pass me along the road while I am out on a jog, here are the things I ask you to consider:

• Do not honk at me.  I will not know if you are showing me a sign of support/encouragement on my attempt at physical fitness or if you are telling me that there is not enough room on the road for your vehicle and my very large behind.
• Should I appear to be in some sort of cardiac distress, please be kind and dial 911.
• Do not assume that I appear to be walking.  My jog and walk are deceptively similar in appearance.
• Do not expect me to be sweet and social when I 'run' past you.  I will not only be in physical pain but I'll also be going through carbohydrate withdrawal and that is a double whammy if I ever heard of one.

So 'Operation Lose the Muffin Top' has been kicked off today.  Let the transformation begin!!

[Caffeine consumed during the making of this blog: 1 Diet Mountain Dew]