There is no tomorrow
I’m killing myself.
Before you call the authorities, this isn’t a letter which will be found next to my cookie surrounded body in a few days. Instead, this is a confession of a murder I’ve been committing for the better part of two decades.
That’s how long I’ve been overeating, how long I’ve been fat, how long I’ve been saying I’ll do something to change it. It’s also how long I’ve been lying to myself.
I’m eating myself to death one unhealthy meal at a time. Fast food, cookies, ice cream and sugar-laden cereal are all staples of my regular diet. Standing at almost 6’4’’ and weighing in just shy of 350, I’m morbidly obese. What a fitting word, morbid. And if I don’t do something soon, I will die younger than I should. Worse, I’ll become debilitated by any number of obesity-related maladies. Diabetes, blindness, heart disease, amputation of body parts, kidney problems – a whole host of preventable health conditions which await me if I don’t change.
So, why haven’t I changed yet?
When it comes to eating, I’ve almost always chosen the path of least resistance. If it tastes yummy, eat it. Why delay satisfaction when you can have what you want when you want it?
There’s always tomorrow, right?
I’ll eat better tomorrow.
I’ll work out tomorrow.
I have a whole host of things that I will do… tomorrow.
But for today, I’m enjoying myself! And why not, I deserve it. I work hard, I’m a good husband and a good father. I should be able to enjoy a donut every now and then. I’ll eat better tomorrow.
But wouldn’t a good husband and father put the needs of his family before his own temporary satisfaction? A good husband and father would want to ensure that he will be around for a long time to not only provide for his family, but to be in their lives, also.
It will be rough to change my way of putting things off until tomorrow. But I must. Eventually, we run out of tomorrows.
So we must seize today. It’s all that we really have.
So I am going to bust my ass to lose 100 pounds within one year. I’ll do it by eating right and working out regularly. I know, novel concept, eh? It really is as simple as that, I believe. And as hard as that.
I’d like to invite you to join me on my journey. Every Monday I’m going to post my thoughts on weight loss right here at Blog To Fit. On Wednesdays, I’m going to weigh in along with my fellow bloggers, Tara and David, and hopefully you.
Let’s stop putting things off until tomorrow. We have today. Let’s use it and live it to its fullest.
(Note: There are two posts today, the other one is located here.)
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The best way is always the simplest way. Work smart, not hard.
Good luck, Dave!
Matthew Dryden’s last blog post..Tree’s First Entry: Familiar Beginnings
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Yes, indeed. Thanks, Matthew.
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Best of luck. I will be following along with you and trying to prevent hibernation for me. Every year about this time, I pack on quite a few extra pounds and become a bit of a couch potato. Not this year.
DC Urban Dad’s last blog post..Do you have balls?
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
It IS a good time of year to sink back into bed and sleep in the cool weather, eh? Best of luck to you, too.
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Dave, whilst I’m part of this big old shebang, I’m genuinely interested in your goals and progress. Go for it Dave!!
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Thank you. Nice avatar, btw.
Soooo appropriate. See, I went and took a nice genuine moment and messed it all up with an insult.
What are friends for?
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David Fowler Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I know! What are the chances of having that Avatar pop up.
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I think you should make it your permanent avatar.
David Fowler Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I think I might. It has to be better than the scruffy guy who hasn’t shaved in days.
David Fowler’s last blog post..Why Cleaning Your Toilet Could Be Bad For Your Children’s Health
David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Actually, this pic of you is quite sexy. Rawwr. Now, who is uncomfortable!
David Fowler Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
OMG! That would be me then! LMAO
“There’s always tomorrow, right?” Oh lordy, I am SO guilty of this.
I’ll eat all this chocolate cheesecake tonight, make myself sick and keep eating even though I don’t actually want any more, but tomorrow, tomorrow I will be good and stick to the good stuff and walk to the supermarket and take the stairs etc etc.
Funny thing is tomorrow never ever comes!
You go BD, we are all behind you.
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Thank you. I figured that this topic was pretty universal among all but the most motivated people.
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wow. that is exactly the same thing I have been doing, exactly. it’s easier to eat unhealthy, that type of food is every where. and it’s way too easy to eat too much of it because the portions sizes are enormous.
it’s eye opening and quite difficult to read someone outline quite accurately your entire life but from a different perspective. but as you say it’s time to stop, to seize the day. because today is the day you have, not tomorrow.
my goals are quite similar to yours. Dave, I hope to see you (and me too) making great progress soon.
Deconstructing Jen’s last blog post..the one with the drawing of Evey
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Yeah, it’s all too easy in our society to eat crappy food while our waistlines get bigger. If we stick to it, I am convinced that we will have many more tomorrows. I look forward to seeing how you do on this.
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David Fowler Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Jen, I know what you mean. It IS too easy to eat too much. Portion sizes are being reduced around my dinner table. At least for my wife and I.
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Go Dave W! You can do it!
Avlor’s last blog post..HDR photo tests
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Thanks!
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You’re so right, BD, about it being that easy—and that hard. And Jen’s right, too, about the portion sizes. I was appalled when I realized I eat as much as my husband. He’s much taller and larger than me, but my portions are the same as his! How dumb and self-defeating. Jamie Lee Curtis said it succinctly: “Eat less, move more.” For all my good intentions, I do neither. So, starting today, I’m in this right with you!
Julie’s last blog post..A Dozen Roses for All of Us
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Awesome! Glad to see you are with us. As for portions, I hear you. I’m often back for seconds, and sometimes even thirds of a meal. Even though in my mind, I never really think I’m eating that much. Our capacity for self deception is astounding.
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David Fowler Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Julie, sounds like you had a shock to the system there. I think we all get into auto pilot and just do the same things we did yesterday and the day before. Recognising the issue, as you have done, is fantastic and I’ve already reduced my portin sizes.
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I’m in! I have 6 pounds to go to hit my true weight loss goal and the cold weather has already started moving my mind and body into hibernation mode. The scale has not budged since October. I’m heading over to the about page to learn more!
Stacey / Create a Balance’s last blog post..Risk Taking Can Set You Free
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Awesome. Have you been losing weight prior? Glad to have you with us!
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Tara and The Two Daves….
Great site! Congratulations on a stonking idea! Like Tara I would like to (finally) lose the baby weight (I mean, Small Child is 3 and a half, so there really are no excuses or tomorrows for me either!) I used to be happy with my figure, never been a Skinny Minnie, more of a J-Lo, but it was fine by me! And (Tara knows this)… I am clothes obsessed so want to be back in the skinny jeans without the muffin top and wine waist issue! I have six months till I’m forty so I need to get on with it! Looking forward to checking in regularly and becoming a fab, fit, forty alongside you as you all achieve your goals! Good luck!! xx
ThatGirl39’s last blog post..Daddy’s Girl
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David Fowler Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 10:11 am
ThatGirl39, Thanks, we have D Dubya (Dave Wright. hehe) to thank for the look of the site.
I hope we can help you to a fabulously fit and fantastic forty (I’ve run out of F words now). And I hope you can help us by keeping us company.
I have to admit I’m not clothes obsessed, but if I manage to get into decent shape, I’ll be obsessed with taking them off!
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Sal Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Dave, see Tara’s post about possible F words
Sal’s last blog post..Big Dreams; Small Steps
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David Fowler Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
LMAO Sal. that is spot on!! Hahahaha
David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
@DaveF – oh boy, there’s another image I could’ve done without. Thanks.
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David Fowler Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
And you didn’t even flinch when I call you ‘D Dubya’.
Incredible what imagery can do by way of distraction.
David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
LOL. What can I say, you had me distracted.
David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Welcome and thanks for the nice words! Looks like you have good incentive, and a nice 6 month head start to the big 4-0.
Don’t feel bad about using the baby as an excuse. I’ve been using baby weight as an excuse for 18 months now
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While it as simple as eating right and working out, it’s hard to make that a habit and it’s too easy to slip out of the habit, if you do. I’ve done it so many times that I wouldn’t even think of trying to count. Losing weight and keeping it off, for me, is harder than quitting smoking was.
On the positive side, it doesn’t take long to start feeling better, once you start making progress toward your fitness and weight loss goals. Best of luck to everyone who is joining in!
Mike Goad’s last blog post..Eyes of the Great Depression 006
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Thanks, Mike. You nailed it on the head. The habit is the hardest part of it. I’ve yet to be do it successfully, but I’ve never had as much motivation as I do right now. Thank you for the nice words.
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Okay, progress report. I went to first Weight Watcher’s meeting on Saturday and got all the stuff, set a preliminary goal, and started tracking points. Down two pounds (was it because I didn’t cocktail? yes, yes it was) so that was good. The online points diary is a good tool. No exercise to speak of beyond normal. Not so good. I hate to exercise. I figure this week, I alter my eating. Next week, I’ll figure out how to get moving.
Betsy’s last blog post..REAL
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David Fowler Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Betsy, thanks for the update. You’ve made good progress with a 2lb loss. That’s probably about perfect. I think it can often be more beneficial to work on one major change at a time, as you say, dealing with your eating first and then looking at ways to use up calories later – is probably the best way to go. Great start Betsy!
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Congrats on the two pounds. I’ve heard good things about Weight Watchers. I imagine that any program with a common sense approach to eating (not those wacky Grapefruit only or all the lard you can eat diets) can work if we stick to it and exercise. I know that moving is a KEY ingredient to success, though. Good luck and thanks for the progress report!
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@Betsy: I think you’ve hit on a sore point for many many people – they just hate to exercise.
The problem usually is though that you feel you HAVE to exercise and so it becomes a chore and something you don’t look forward to.
It’s about finding something that you enjoy, be it dancing around your living room to Mama Mia, walking to the supermarket and running around the garden with the children.
You can exercise and you can enjoy it!
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This is a fantastic site guys, and gal!
David, this was a very honest post. It is going to a tough haul, but it looks like you will have tons of support.
I will be participating in the Wednesday Weigh-In. My focus isn’t on losing weight, although 6 pounds crept on over the Summer, and it would be great to get those off. Rather, I am focusing on fitness. I’m 45, and boy am I finding it harder to stay fit and flexible! So I’ve joined a gym for the first time in my life. I’ll be keeping myself accountable by commenting on my progress.
Good luck to everyone on their health and fitness goals!
Urban Panther’s last blog post..Support in a time of need
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Thank you for the nice words. Glad to have you aboard. It sounds like you and Tara have similar goals, so you should likely enjoy her post here tomorrow. Glad to have you with us and I look forward to seeing your progress.
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David Fowler Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Hi Urban Panther
I read somewhere….as a persn’s body is at 40, so shall it remain. Or similar. I refuse to believe it, because having just turned 40 I don’t want to stay this way.
Also, flexibility is something I’ve neglected throughout my years and I’m paying for it now.
Hope the gym goes well for you!!
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Question: can I use your Wednesday Weigh-in logo for the Wednesday Weigh-in post on my blog? (spooky that it’s also on a wednesday isn’t it?) I won’t be offended if you say no. Well, not much.
Please let me know. Ta.
notSupermum’s last blog post..The birds and the bees, or how to be proved wrong by a 9 year old
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Yeah, that’s what it’s there for. And on Wednesday’s BlogToFit post, just put a link to your post in the comments section and we will link back to you during our Friday weekly wrapup.
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I am super excited about this Dave. Are you going to update us as to what you are doing and your plans to achieve this goal? I am just curious as to what your execution will be like compared to Dave and Tara. Not that you should compare your regiment to them, but to see the different ways we can all go about achieving our dreams to shed those unwanted pounds.
Sal’s last blog post..Big Dreams; Small Steps
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Yes, I’ll be updating you with the process as I go through it. That way people playing along with the home version will be able to see what I’m up to and relate that to their own attempts to get fit.
I’m just as interested in seeing what Dave F and Tara will be doing, too. I bet Dave F will be sending me a Cake of The Month subscription for Christmas this year.
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David Fowler Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
No way. I’d be keeping that for myself.
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David Fowler Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Sal, I think you’ve hit on one of the reasons this is going to be really enjoyable. We’re all doing different things, and we’re at different stages. It feels like we’re having a party!
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I think I’m addicted to sugar, and I don’t know how to stop. It’s not as easy to stop as one might think…
I did find out over the past couple months that I actually enjoy running in the mornings when I get up. The problem I’m having with running is that it gives me shin splints.
And then it’s too painful to run.
Catch 22.
Pain because I’m too fat, and hurts too much to get the fat off. I hate it.
GreenJello’s last blog post..Thanksgiving Comes First
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Sugar is addictive, no doubt! I’m there with you.
If running is giving you problems, you may want to try walking which offers many of the same benefits, though not the same runner’s high. I know perfectly fit people who get splints from running, so I imagine if you are carrying extra weight, it’s probably much harder on your body.
I have two knee injuries from playing basketball and football when I was overweight. It was ironic, because I’d found activities which I enjoyed yet I got injured playing them. My goal is to get back into shape well enough that I can play basketball again – without worrying too much that I’ll leave the court on crutches.
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GreenJello Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Walking doesn’t get the fat off (at least, for me). I can walk, hike, etc., and still stay the same weight (or gain).
I started running/walking doing interval training, which I’ve REALLY enjoyed.
Stupid shin splints.
Good luck in getting back into the sports you love! I like volleyball, but it’s hard to get a group of adults together to play.
GreenJello’s last blog post..Thanksgiving Comes First
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DW,DF, and Tara, Hope you are off to a good start, but not a giant step…hope no one had a feast yesterday because those carnivals before kick off really make for a tough first 3 days….I bought myself a fun new paper and pen journal so I can write down every bite I take today, and I am going to walk for 30 minutes around the Lake ( because the fog is lifting and the sunshine is out) I retrieved my measured beautiful glass for my 8 cups of water, and got my smaller sized dishes out of the cupboard, because I really hate measuring every serving. My honey, took his bite size candy to the office with him – that is supportive. I did splurge on me and bought new walking shoes that have reflectors, because 6am is now dark!
Dave you are right, you want to be around for your family and that is far better than a doughnut now ! Nice site design and good words this morning. Thank you
Patricia’s last blog post..Book Review: Hats Off to Two Wonderful, World Changing Men and the Books About Them
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Thank you for the nice words. And your comments appeared in the right place. I think when you first see them come up they look off, but if you refresh the page, they look okay.
I wish I had a lake to walk around. If I drive a few minutes, I do have the ocean, though. I may be doing that soon.
One of the benefits of walking for me as a writer is that everytime I go out, my creative juices get bubbling. Rarely do I come back without some new idea or some progress on something I’ve been working on.
Best of luck, Patricia. Glad to have you on board! Now let’s wear out those new shoes!
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David Fowler Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Patricia, Great start for you with the walking and the journal. The walking should not be underestimated as a way to exercise.
I also love the idea of the journal. I’m doing the same as you, writing it down as it happens.
I think we’ve had a brilliant start, thanks for enquiring!
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Whoops! my comments just submitted onto Sal’s comments?
Patricia’s last blog post..Book Review: Hats Off to Two Wonderful, World Changing Men and the Books About Them
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David Wright Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Nope, they appeared in the right place. This nesting thread thing looks a little buggy while you are posting, but okay once the page is reloaded, I think.
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Dave – wishing you lots of luck with this. You’ve so hit the nail on the head when you say about always putting ‘it’ off until tomorrow.
I am so in the trap of eating bad today because there’s always tomorrow to eat the green stuff. Except I am bad at eating the good things these days.
It’s ridiculous because am obsessive about getting the fruits and vegetables down my children and husband, but I seem to forget myself.
It’s like when I was pregnant I was so super healthy. did the gentle exercising, took the vitamins, ate all the good foods and limited my caffeine and alcohol intake.
Now, my diet is a disgrace. Look at today’s food consumption:
1/2 cinnamon roll
1 whole KitKat dark (all 4 fingers of it)
2 cookies (hairdresser made made me eat them)
6 cups of tea
1/2 stawberry (leftover from son 1′s plate)
1/2 banana (that’s good eh?)
1/2 packet of Cosi chips (that’s like a Walkers pack of read salted)
1 packet mini Milk Duds (choc & caramel sweets) from son 2′s Halloween candy
1/2 toasted bagel with too much salad cream and not enough salad…
And I’m not done yet. (It’s before dinnertime and late night snack time as I write this…)
Suffice to say, i graze too much but although am not in need of losing more than a few pounds, I am desperate need of smartening up my food choices.
So, I will take inspiration from you, dave and Tara and make an effort to get fit with my food.
I salute you guys. you really could be the ones to change my diet.
Oh – I dont have to totally give up chocolate do I?
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David Fowler Reply:
November 18th, 2008 at 3:06 am
Grazing is easy to do. The children leave so much good food on their plate it’s a shame to see it go to waste.
Of course you don’t have to give up chocolate… just share it a bit more you meanie!
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I was showing my dietitian your new blog and we saw the comment from Mom/Mum and she said – let me share with everyone how to eat chocolate when you are making a change – Paige said:
Don’t give up chocolate it helps your blood pressure and your serotonin levels. Go out and get the most expensive gourmet chocolate w/o milk in it and at least 71% cocoa. Dark chocolate. See if you can get one that is divided into squares like the American Hersey Bar. Now every night while you take 5 minutes to unwind…close you eyes and place one square on your tongue and close your mouth and let it melt down until it is gone. Breath calmly.
Repeat with a second square.
That’s it….Chocolate never tasted so good and you will feel sated – guarenteed.
Then you must ask yourself – Why am I so addicted to sugar? and Could I be allergic to dairy milk?
A little suggestion from Paige the amazing dietitian!
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@Patricia: I LOVE Paige the amazing dietitian!
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Patricia Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Paige is an amazing dietitian she has helped me and never accused me of not doing my best – she does not give up on me! and that is true support and not to be taken for granted. I will sing her praises.
Patricia’s last blog post..Book Review: Hats Off to Two Wonderful, World Changing Men and the Books About Them
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@Patricia – I am so going to change the way I eat chocolate. That sounds much more indulgent and satisfactory than just stuffing it in as quick as I can before the children catch me and want some too!
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