Dim the Lights, Honey...

Making Peace With Imperfections

Hurrah, we've lost weight! We're on our way to getting slim but if you are anything like me, your body is just a smaller version of the old one. Same imperfections only to a lesser degree. With me it's the arms. After all the exercise, one would think they'd be well-toned and yet the flab still hangs. Darn! On the other hand, my biceps are looking great, I just love feeling my muscles and I am sure, hidden under that flab there are some great triceps too.

Dressed, I look damn good. People wonder why I'm still on a diet. But they don't see what I see before I put my clothes on in the morning. I guess it is time to accept that fact that I will never look good buck naked. Dim the lights, honey...

My muscles have been ignored far too long and are slow to respond. As we age our skin loses some of its elasticity, it just isn't fair! For you young 'uns, lucky you, appreciate what you have. And for us, a bit more mature adults, we just have to be thankful for what we've got.

To help prevent loose skin as a result of dieting:

• exercise to tighten and tone
• build muscle - resistance training helps
• stay hydrated
• lose slowly
• don't overdo your time in the sun
• use a moisturizer
• if you are a smoker, take your last puff
• be patient, you can't tighten skin overnight

At least we are on the right track and although we might never be a Playboy or Playgirl centerfold, we are headed toward being the best we can be.

If you have any further knowledge on the subject or have undergone any surgical procedures for this dilemma, we'd love to hear about it.