I have been in a lot of airports this last week, and I think anyone who travels a lot knows of the current system designed by our government to warn travels of what kind of threats might be out there for us in this big beautiful world.

However, on my trip to Antigua I began to think of the "Threat Level" in a whole new way.

Eating in the airport is always a bad call. For one, you can't bring your own food with you now and are always tempted by the TSA approved vendors that strategically space themselves in your field of vision as you make your way to the gate. These vendors offer very little in "healthy choices" so you find yourself faced with a growling stomach and a "Cinnabon" cart. In my past days I would have gained five pounds just by smelling the thing, and agree to eat a whole one. However the new Kim opted for the single container of fresh fruit that I swear had dust on it!!!

Kim 1 Cinnabon 0 

Being on the plane is a totally different story! After settling into a five hour flight, I was looking forward to waking up from my "airplane nap" to my perfectly portioned snack size of raw peanuts and bottled water that I expected to accompany me to my destination.

That's when I was abruptly woken up by a flight attendant who asked me if I wanted to buy some chips or a cookie!!!!!

I thought I was having a nightmare! I sat up slightly dazed looked around and saw many of the other passengers munching down on cookies as big as my head, and full size cans of potato chips. This couldn't be happening.....

"Do you have any peanuts?" I asked while secretly crossing my toes.

"Just cookies and chips, all snacks are to be purchased now." The flight attendant replied with a look on her face as if she knew my pain.

"I'll just take water, thanks." I said sullenly.

"Is Coke ok? We don't have bottled water on this flight" She replied

"No thanks, I'll be fine" I spoke as my heart hit the exit aisle with a loud thud.

That moment on the plane was when I realized that my vacation THREAT level had reached ORANGE. Which signifies very little pleasing food available, and to please have your wallet ready.

I couldn't believe it! Airlines once hailed for having vegetarian meal options and healthy snacks had now sold out to corporate america to push 900 calorie cans of chips and an extra pound of cookie on your backside just to keep costs down.

I bet in FIRST class they have peanuts and bottled water, and for FREE!!

So air travel aside, we arrived on the beautiful island of Antigua to discover a THREAT level of RED was  currently being excercised on the resort.

The place was so beautiful but so was the food! Eleven restaurants started screaming my name with plates of all my old favorites and disclaimer signs that magically appeared only to me that said GO AHEAD ITS YOUR VACATION.

I refused to give in.

Despite beach buffets and 5 star dinners I picked my indulgences wisely and always kept a watchful eye over my portion control. I did have wedding cake, but only a bite, because after tasting the frosting I began to have visions about eating the whole two tiers with my toes in the ocean.

Even an addict knows when they shouldn't do something. (smirk)

The only secret weapon I had was the fact that I'm vegetarian going on Vegan. The chefs in all the restaurants prepared special dishes for me that were usually made from whole foods grown on the island and fresh sauces etc. Without this option, I could have easily packed on the honeymoon weight as quick as I could snap my fingers.

I didn't drink coffee, rather  I opted to have a "coffee wrap" at the spa.

I allowed myself treats but only one of them at a time. (Old Kim would have chowed down!)

I took advantage of all the fresh fruit etc.

and....I actually worked out three of the days I was there. Crazy I know.

So on our last day I decided that decided  that the Red THREAT level was just that. A indication to be careful yes, but I managed to pull off a level GREEN by watching myself the entire vacation. It wasn't hard though because I had done so much work before leaving. I knew what the right portions were, and my travel advisors Bob and Jillian had keyed me into good substitues for everything that could throw itself at me on our trip.

All in all THREAT averted.

Kim No Weight Gained or lost on her honeymoon!!

Carribbean 0

AND NOW FOR OUR QUOTE:

"There are temptations which strong excercise best enables us to resist."

-John Lubbock

I used to hate going to the gym....

I'm talking the kind of hate that would rather have me perform the old "walk in a mile in 5 ft deep snow just to get milk" story I hear from my fiancés grandfather instead of simply doing thirty minutes of cardio. Today, however it was a totally different fairy tale all together.......

I actually thought about doing the happy dance when I got out of the car at the gym and thought about my new favorite activity there called the "ab coaster"

I had to stop and think for a minute "This is crazy!!" The happy dance was once reserved for huge chocolate bars, trips out for decadent pastas, and lets not forget the "buttered popcorn" flavored ice cream I used to eat with extra caramel sauce a couple times a week.

Ok so maybe buttered popcorn flavored ice cream isn't your thing...but I'm telling you it was my addiction.

As I strolled into the health club, in which I'm now famous for having such great results, I noticed one thing. My feeling of utter hatred for this wonderful place was now gone, and I became aware of what the people around me looked like. It was just last week when I found myself at our favorite Chinese Food Establishment in wonderment about how everyone was overweight, but now....

I see skinny people!!!

Scratch that

Skinny and healthy people!

It felt like I had won the lottery when I also realized that I was well on the road to becoming one of them! I was half expecting the gym staff to bring me out a "members only" jacket that would proclaim my dedication to the group.

For the record I think my gym only hands out towels so I'm going to have to bring the whole jacket idea up in a member’s only meeting sometime.

There is only one more obstacle I have to conquer at the good ole' Nashville Athletic Club.....the scale can talk.

I haven't heard it say anyone else's name, but it knows the minute I step out of my car that I am about to come into the building.

"Kim come weigh yourself, you know you want to!" it taunts me.

"Come on you know you feel lighter, don't you want to find out if you are!?!?" It continues to scream.

Today I told it to "flip off", then realized that it must not talk to everyone because I was now getting the "who is the crazy lady yelling at the scale" look from the other gym folk.

Note to self, don't talk to the scale in order to stay a member of the club.

Although difficult, I resisted the temptation to weigh in. Mom I and have discovered that you have lost more pounds Tuesday with rest of the biggest losers, than on the Saturday before when you just want a "preview".

More pounds equals more motivation...boo yah!

So after a long visiting with my good friend ab coaster and meeting my new friends’ leg press and French press. I said my goodbyes to everyone including Mr. Scale, hopped in my car and drove home to eat a healthy breakfast.

I'm really starting to love this lifestyle; I think I'll keep it on for many years to come.

And now here is the quote for today:

"If I'd known I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself."

- Eubie Blake (On his 100th Birthday)

-Grete Waitz