Despite our national propensity to overeat, under-exercise, and grow steadily heavier and more out of shape, we all yearn to be slender, fit, and attractive. Our culture rewards the thin and the beautiful; look at how we devour celebrity gossip, mesmerized by the looks and energy of our current favorites.
Why the discrepancy between our aspirations and our reality? There are a plethora of reasons, most of which can be traced to the simple fact that life gets in the way.
Id love to cut back on my food intake, we think, But I have to attend all these work functions and have little control over the meals that are served. I would really like to get in shape, we complain, But theres no free time and I cant afford a personal trainer like the movie stars I see. I really want to take care of my skin and my body, we wail, But Im so busy that a quick shower and a slap of moisturizer is all I can fit into my schedule.
It would be so wonderful to have loads of free time: to plan our days; to cook low calorie, healthy meals; to exercise without time constraints; to be able to pamper ourselves without the pressure of deadlines. Unfortunately, our lives are too hectic for...