This past week, I took a break along with the universe. In the corporate world, Spring Break simply means that traffic is much lighter. Certain people are out of the office but that’s about it. Well, boot campers took a break and apparently, I felt the need to break from everything and in a weird way, I kind of went on strike. I felt compelled to “stick it to the man”. It started with company we had the weekend before and continued until this past Sunday. I didn’t work out. I ate complete junk and I felt like a slug.

Not only did I convince myself it was ok, but I convinced others. I e-mailed a friend on Monday and said “I’m taking an eating and working out break” and she agreed that I deserved it. I thought about it over the weekend and wondered “What did I do to deserve a break?” Did I cure world hunger? Did I bring peace to the world. Nope. I did absolutely nothing. The only thing that I did was ultimately punish myself.

I don’t know why I felt that I deserved to eat unhealthy or not workout. I seriously don’t. I know my genetics and ultimately, I know the consequences. I was “blessed” with a type of body that cannot take breaks. I know that you get what you give. I seriously thought about what I would consume for dinner while I was eating lunch. I would show you the receipts from restaurants and the grocery store, but it would be too embarrassing. The only vegetable that I ate – was lettuce or tomato on a hamburger. Here is an ugly truth folks: macaroni and cheese is not a vegetable. It’s just not. It’s delicious and creamy, but it’s neither a vegetable nor healthy - discuss. Oh and the closest thing I got to fruit was strawberry jelly on a bagel.

I also didn’t work out. Period. Not even at all. It would be one thing if I took our dogs on a walk, but no. I went on a work out strike. Since I was doing nothing, I should’ve just made picket signs for whatever union I created. Seriously, how about this for a sign: “Heck No I Won’t Go…and workout or eat healthy!!”. I literally sat around, ate & watched tv and came close to training our dogs to fetch the remote that fell on the floor. It was that bad.

The consequences of my break: A 7 day stomach ache and restless nights. So, again, the only thing that happened was I punished myself. This past Monday I consumed actual fresh fruit, vegetables and worked out. I felt good, I slept like a baby and was in a fabulous mood.

Why am I confessing all of this? I’m glad you asked. I feel that if I can help just one person in this uphill battle, I’m victorious. It’s not easy and I can totally relate. So the moral of the story: Don’t ever, ever, ever go on a break. You can relax and put your feet up every once in a while. The key phrase is “every once in a while”. It’s ok to have that special treat you’ve wanted or sit back and just read a magazine. Just don’t take a break because guess what happens? You end up un-doing what you’ve worked so hard to accomplish.

When all else fails, get in touch with me. I’ll come to your house, bring a megaphone and one of our super awesome trainers. I can inform them of your break and see if it doesn’t change your mind. Hey, I’m here to help, it’s how I roll.

Men's best successes come after their disappointments. - Henry Ward Beecher