Resolutions

Q: Anne and Dee, every year I make the same resolution for the new year: to lose weight. Every year I break it before the end of March, making me feel bad about myself. Do you have any tips for me?
Pounds Overweight in Kalamazoo

Anne: First of all, are you sure your resolution is reasonable? I mean, has your doctor told you that you’re overweight? And has he prescribed a diet plan for you or made suggestions on what to do to lose weight? I know it’s one of the hardest things in the world to do, especially if you’re trying to do it alone. So my tip is—as long as you have the blessing of your health care provider—join a group where you’ll get support. There are both wonderful weight control and exercise clubs and groups where you’ll meet other women in the same boat and together you’ll help each other shed those pounds. Good luck!

Dee: Hey there, Pounds Overweight. You say you give up your resolution before the end of March and then you feel bad. For how long? Do you keep feeling bad the other nine months of the year? Or—and this is just curiosity on my part—are you generally a happy, normal, well-adjusted human being?? Because if so--if you're generally happy with yourself--and if your doctor isn’t warning you you’re about to keel over due to excess weight, then here’s your tip: STOP MAKING RESOLUTIONS! Or at least make ones that are more fun to keep.

The way I look at weight, as long as I can keep fitting in Anne’s clothes, I’m cherry.