The Culprits: ABS

Last week at the hotel I had the pleasure of watching morning television, which was one of the things that really made it feel like a vacation.

Anyway...one morning Kelly Rippa pressed a fitness expert for nutrition advice. Yes, yes, yes, she knew that exercise was important for good health. What she insisted she wanted was guidance on how to eat to get back her before-forty body. Kelly wanted to know what foods were contributing to her changing shape.

His answer was simple: Alcohol. Bread. Sugar.

Kelly, so cute in her size 6 workout clothes, slumped over like she had been punched in the stomach.

I know how she feels, though for different reasons. Her life is full of celebrity events, fancy dinners, and luxurious vacations. I am sure that the alcohol flows, the bread is delicious, and the sugar is sweet wherever she goes.

I thought "Of course!" for reasons of my own.

For the first time in almost three decades I can enjoy a glass of wine or beer and keep sweets in the house. Why? Because there are no children living at home.

Ken and I made a commitment early on to model the most responsible behavior possible for our children, and that included not drinking and driving. When the kids were little it meant we didn't drink alcohol at home before we went anywhere or drink anywhere when we had to drive home. When the kids got older it meant that we didn't drink alcohol because we were chauffeuring them around or needed to be available in case they needed a ride.

Ken and I didn't regret the decision we made regarding alcohol consumption. It meant that our children could watch what we did as well as listen to what we said. We did quite well for many years enjoying fresh brewed coffee and iced tea.

And now we certainly do enjoy a chilled glass of wine or a cold brew.

So of course that's contributing to my midlife spread! I finally have the freedom to drink now that I don't have the metabolism to burn off the calories of alcohol.

And how I love fresh baked bread, popovers right from the oven, and warm bread pudding! All things sweet taste better than they ever did before, now that the calories take up residence in places where I need a crow bar to pry them loose.

Oh, well. Knowledge is power, so now at least I know what part of the problem is. I am not going to give up a glass of wine with dinner or a beer during the hockey game, and I am certainly not going to stop eating bread or sweets, although I am paying closer attention to what I keep in the house.

I did climb back on the treadmill today after a ten-day hiatus, and yoga class resumes tomorrow. Now I have an even stronger incentive to stay active. I need to keep busy if I am going to continue to enjoy the tasty things in life.