As I shut down the computer after drafting this blog I unwrapped a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. 'Hypocrite" I thought. But I ate it anyway realizing that I only indulge in my Reese's addiction once a year at Halloween. That's the reason why I waited until the day before Halloween to buy them. I know I am weak in the face of the peanut butter and chocolate combination. I washed my Reese's down with low fat milk followed by a tall glass on wtaer. Today I had a fruit and nut bar and an apple so far. The Reese's didn't 'do me in' and I did not fall off the healthy diet wagon forever after my little indulgence. Whew! Healthy diet is the staple and candy is the occasional treat. At least that's how it ought to be in real life right? 

Are you always on a ‘diet’ but never lose weight, or put any weight you lost right back on as soon as you resume your regular eating habits?

Nutrition and diet are a way of life, and it is what you do long-term, and on a usual basis that impacts your health and your weight.

Our bodies require balanced nutrition to provide our cells with vitamins and minerals, healthy amounts of healthy fats, (fat is high in calories), carbohydrates and energy, and essential building blocks (amino acids which we get from protein). When we get enough nutrients our metabolism and immune systems function better and we have energy to carry us through the day- a day which should include some physical activity.

Physical activity builds muscle, strengthens the cardiovascular system and burns calories.

The bottom line for successful weight loss is this basic formula: calories out > calories in. If we eat more calories than we need then the result is weight gain. We create a ‘deficit’ of calories by decreasing our intake by eating smaller portions and more low calorie foods (I.e., fruits and veggies), and increasing the body’s demand for energy with physical activity and exercise. There are lots of diet books on the market. Some books have good recipe ideas and sensible advice and others offer quick fixes.  The best diet is the one that includes a balance of nutritious, wholesome foods in moderation.

So today it's lots of water, fruits and veggies. Then after my little one finishes Trick-or-Treating I will CHECK his candy for him to make sure it is safe for him to eat. He figured it out a long time ago that Reese's are safe to eat, but they always wind up in a separate pile near mom and never make it back into his candy bag.