Why is health less important than, say, making sure I see every episode of LOST? Why does my knowledge and reason give way to cravings for sweets and pasta? Where is my willpower? And importantly, how do I allow this to continue when it makes me so unhappy?

Immediate gratification. Destructive self-talk*; irresponsible rationalization. Chocolate.

That rationale stuff is dangerous. When I am full, satiated, content, I can make all the promises in the world to myself about how I don’t need or want to eat another cookie. But just an hour later, I experience a craving so strong that all reason evaporates and that self-talk begins rattling in my head. *Self-talk is the catalog of statements your mind chooses from in order to make you feel better about something, usually something you already know is wrong. Akin to the “devil” on one shoulder that is bickering with the “angel” on the other.

Angel:  You know you don’t need that chocolate chip cookie. It will make you fatter.

Devil:  Aw, c’mon. You didn’t have breakfast (lunch, dinner). It’s only 150 calories. It’s your favorite. One cookie won’t matter.

Angel:  It’s time for the pilates class at the Y. Better get changed.

Devil:  There’s so much on the calendar today. It will stress you out if you try to squeeze in a trip to the Y. And anyway, parking is a bitch. Maybe next week is better. Have a cookie instead!

Do you recognize this talk? If only there was a way to swat that little devil right off my shoulder!

All I can do is try. I’m too vain to type in here what I weigh, but I’m making a new commitment to drop 12 pounds by my birthday, which is September 14th. Not particularly ambitious, and certainly doable. Do I hear a second?