It May Have Been the Angel... Food Cake

Let me first start off by saying I did try to exercise at the beginning, when the COVID Stay at Home Orders were first issued. Prior to that, I had finally gotten into a really solid gym routine, which often included a sauna or massage bed reward at the end. I know how hard it is to get motivated again, so I tried, I really tried to t find a way to continue that at home, it was a struggle with Netflix and books, and NO massage bed or gym friends to hold me accountable. I tried doing the plank challenge, because that was literally only a few minutes of exertion. It seemed ideal. I quickly found out that it was easier to hold your breath two minutes underwater than it was to hold a plank that long. I also decided I would run the stairs at the elementary school across the street from my house. Maybe run isn't the exact adjective to use, somewhere between a run and an amble would be more accurate. But, I did these things, and some push-ups intermingled with some dumbbell arm exercises. You may have noted I said "did." Along with 17 other excuses, I lost interest. I felt guilty about it, just not enough to keep me on track.

I had also been intermittent fasting prior to quarantine, eating only between an eight-hour window each day. Being at home, actually made that easier. I didn't have to either eat later rushed at work, or hurry home after the gym to eat before my cut-off time. I now eat between 8-4 every day. I don't have to starve or deprive myself, so I have continued with that plan. I try to include antioxidant, immune fighting foods to give me peace of mind and maybe a tiny boost of energy to hoist myself off the couch now and again. I think my weight hasn't fluctuated tremendously, but I sure as Hell don't keep a torture scale anywhere on my premises to check.

I thought it helpful to tell you that little background info before I launch into my big scare. I needed to go grocery shopping, so I changed out of lounge pajamas and put on lounge clothes. I was perusing the produce section, like the health-minded Gal I fancy myself to be, and I spy strawberries on sale really cheap! Not only were they inexpensive, but it was a huge 2lb container. I wondered how I would eat 2lbs by myself before they all went bad. I walked 20 more feet, and my question was answered, angel food cake was also on sale! My youngest daughter had made a lovely strawberry trifle for Mother’s Day, and I wanted to recreate that dish and the warm feelings associated with her making it for me. I added coconut cream pudding mix and cool whip to my cart, which already contained dark chocolate, a known antioxidant-rich food. It weighed on my mind that this could all weigh on my thighs, but did it stop me? Of course not. I could catch the virus tomorrow; I will live today.

When I got home, I washed my hands and immediately grabbed my lounge Jammies to change back into. As I went to slide my shorts up, the going got tough, I edged them up to a very snug, uncomfortable rise on my butt and hips. I was aghast that they barely fit now! My heart sank when I realized that by merely buying sugar-laden food, my butt had grown 3 sizes that day, just like The Grinch's heart did when he returned Christmas to Whoville. I had a real moment of terror until I checked inside the waistband to see I had in fact, put my shorts on backwards. Whew, what a relief. I celebrated by making that trifle!