Living Well

Going home for me now is, I imagine, a little like going to a high school reunion. I never know who I'm going to bump into. Maybe it will be the boy I had a crush on in the 10th grade who wouldn't give me the time of day, or an evil ex-boyfriend, or maybe it will be the girl who tried to make my life unbearable for years until I stopped caring and then she tried even harder. Home is a small town and the chances of at least one of these happening are pretty good.

Now, I believe the best revenge is living well, and living well means being healthy and happy. While I'm very happy, right now I could stand to loose a few pounds. I'm petite. Five or ten pounds can be the difference between svelte and chubby, so for the next three or four weeks I am on a mission to slim down and tone up. The thing is, I am not good at "dieting". The more I'm not allowed to have something, the more I want it and I have very little will power. A few years ago I met my perfect "diet" in the form of FRENCH WOMEN DON'T GET FAT by Mireille Guiliano. It's less of a diet and more of a lifestyle philosophy which focuses on eating foods prepared with quality seasonal fresh ingredients and really taking the time to enjoy your meal. So today I am brewing up her detox Magical Leek Soup which I will enjoy for two or three days while getting rid of all the icky toxins. After that fresh fruits and veggies, some protein in reasonable portion sizes, a glass of wine a day, and a some exercise* and I should be a slightly better shape by the time we arrive back in the States.


* I know this sounds like common sense, but you'd be amazed at how little common sense plays a part in decision making when you're tired and hungry and don't want to cook and a cheeseburger is calling. Like I said, I have no will power.