"What makes us discontented with our condition is the absurdly exaggerated idea we have of the happiness of others."
- French Proverb

Daughtry

"Be careful what you wish for
'Cause you just might get it all
You just might get it all
And then some you don't want"

For Christmas my daughter bought me a copy of Eat, Shrink & Be Merry by Janet & Greta Podleski. She knows that I'm a fan of their recipes, warped sense of humor and healthy insight.

When I started training back in May 2006, I set a target weight for myself of 192 pounds and target body fat of 15%. That translated into gaining 16 pounds of lean weight and dropping 4 pounds of fat. I had hoped to achieve that by now, but am 'only' halfway there. Why is that? I found the answer on page 99:

"For each pound of muscle you gain, you'll burn an extra 50 calories per day just to maintain it."

No wonder my lean weight gain has reached a plateau. I'm burning an extra 400 calories per day, but I haven't increased the calories in my diet!

Is gaining another eight pounds of muscle important enough to me to make that kind of change in my diet? In a word, NO. I am content with my result of 186 pounds and 17% body fat.

I will still visit the gym regularly. I will still maintain a healthy diet. But now with the freedom of contentment. As the sisters share in their introduction:

"Healthy eating isn't all or nothing. It's what you do over the long haul that matters most. Do the best you can most of the time and, once in a while, treat yourself so you won't feel deprived."

Make sure you try the Died-and-Gone-to-Heaven Chocolate Layer Cake on page 192!

Do you have a story of success, struggle or comments you'd like to share? Be sure to click the link below:

"Who is wise? He that learns from everyone. Who is powerful? He that governs his passions. Who is rich? He who is content. Who is that? Nobody."
- Benjamin Franklin