Minneapolis Taste Buds

Sooo much candy in our house. How does this happen? We're a very healthy house until October rolls around and the child hauls home 20 pounds of candy. Then it's cake and ice cream for her birthday, and then it's Thanksgiving, and the loads of treats at work... Sound familiar? It's hard to stick with healthy eating and exercise this time of year. I rarely stray from the working out part. But it's cold and dark and all the feelings rush in. I miss my mom so much this time of year. She LOVED fall and the holidays. And made everything fun and special for us. We lost her to cancer in 2001, and every year I feel my heart aching. I find myself nibbling on things I don't touch the rest of the year. But that does not make anything feel better. Working out in the morning, and getting out for a walk or run with my dog always helps. I did a lunchtime run today and it was just what I needed to clear my head. So now it's time to bring the good eating back. A few days ...

Staying on track is hard for me this time of year. It's dark, and it's getting cold. I looked at the 10-day and felt my shoulders drop. Highs in the 30s and 40s with some mention of rain and snow. Winter dread is real, people. I glance at Princess Leia's giant bucket of Halloween candy. And the even more gigantic bucket of candy my husband brought home. We had exactly zero kids this year. None. Next up is my daughter's birthday. Every year I make a really cool doll cake. It's a tradition she loves and I love it too. But it means more sugar and chocolate around here. Soon after, it's Thanksgiving - with both families. And Christmas, and then hibernation month - I mean, January. All of the events and holidays make it hard to keep moving towards my goals. My daughter wants me to have treats with her. I get "the looks" from family when I pass on dessert or second helpings. But I do NOT want to start over on January 1. So, instead of focu...