Abs Are Made in the Kitchen, But It Hurts to Plank on the Stove

I was reminded today as I was working out and noticed my safety belt (my extra fat around my waist) that abs are made in the kitchen. I do untold amounts of ab exercises, and too many to calculate hours of strength and cardio work. But I still have that ring around my waist. I have washboard abs with 10 pounds of dirty laundry on top. I love planking, (as any of my students can attest or protest) but I also love bread, potatoes and I have a sweet tooth.

I remind myself not to be too critical. After all, I lost more than 60 pounds over the last few years and my diet is better than it has ever been. In most cases I see food as fuel and not comfort. My best days of healthy eating almost always follow a plan. I need to set goals to limit my processed carbohydrate intake i.e. two helpings of bread or potato for the day. I also need to admit that I want dessert! I have heard people say that they never have dessert or eat sugar. I am not that person. I have made great strides in reducing my sugar intake by reading labels and buying smart and by planning my desserts. I am not one for “fancy” desserts, a chocolate bar and a jar of peanut butter is perfection. I am not ready to give up desserts but I am working to make better choices. I keep fresh fruit in the house and various nuts. I find that banana and pistachios can fill the dessert void for me; I also enjoy strawberries and pears for dessert. Eating fruit “raw” is new for me, not long ago I wouldn’t have enjoyed the fruit without copious amounts of honey or paired with angel food cake and marshmallow whip (ok, now my mouth is watering). But I want to stay healthy and live long. The choices I make in the kitchen will determine my health and I wouldn’t mind seeing my washboard abs.