Why is it that when the training is spectacular and glorious and I feel like a straight up beast, the nutrition is all wacky and subject to multiple personality disorder? Why can’t the intake and the output be at maximum efficiency at the same time? I’m hitting my ‘working bench press’ (for me that means about four sets of 15-20 reps) at 105 lbs. That feels really good. My cycling is pretty strong and I just completed a +45 mile ride at 7,000 ft elevation and didn’t die.

But this crystal bowl etched with a map of the continents and filled with mini York Peppermint Patties, Rollo’s, and Peanut Butter Cups won’t stop running through my mind. I took that bowl from my office across the building to a training room…and I still can’t stop thinking about walking over there to grab a handful of Rollo’s. I work out really hard. I train A LOT. But I need to lose at least fifteen pounds. And I’m not doing it. The adage is true, “You can’t out-exercise a bad diet.”

So what do I do? Do I give in and go ‘hog’ wild? Just eat all the candy and sweets I can fit in my mouth? Do I grit my teeth with forced determination and discipline, refusing any kind of ‘bad’ food? Honestly, right now, neither. I’m trying to give myself some grace, and live with some balance. That means three – ok six – Rollo’s and then that salad with turkey breast for lunch. Here’s my message for you today. Don’t beat yourself up because you’re not at 7% body fat. Don’t stress about your imperfections. But…do something. Make some – even tiny – change. Go for a walk. Go to the gym. I belong to three different ones. I can hook you up. Eat a few green vegetables and some fruit. Drink a cup of black coffee, but skip the soda. And if you feel like you gotta have them, pop a Rollo or two.