The holidays are officially over and unlike the majority of the worlds population who put on at least 5 pounds, I actually burned off 1/2 a pound of fat. This may not be a significant amount of fat loss, but considering it was the holidays it’s actually quite remarkable. And just wait until you hear the obstacles and challenges that I’ve been faced with…

I had the weirdest thing happen to me on Sunday December 23. Prior to heading out for our first holiday feast at Angie’s sister’s house I decided to get in an intense leg workout. I felt great, got through my warm up, completed my first set and was totally energized and jazzed.

Then near the end of my second set of Squats I sneezed during the movement. How freaky is that. I immediately cramped up in my lower back, butt, obliques, and hip flexors. This was the most bizarre feeling that I’ve ever experienced. I through the weight on the rack and fell to the ground to try to stretch out the spasm.

I knew that was the end of the workout for me and I went right home and through some ice packs on myself, warmed up a bit and then stretched. It’s been over a week now and there’s finally just a minor lingering pain that lets me know what happened.

Actually this setback has caused me to get into and enjoy the stretching component of my fitness program. I’ve become more aware of my body and the tightness in certain muscles.

In addition to not being able to workout until yesterday I came down with a serious sinus infection on Christmas Eve. Dinner at my parents was like listening to an orchestra of sneezing, coughing, and nose blowing. My entire family and most of Angie’s family were all sick. Actually most of our city was sick from what I’ve heard.

It sucked not being able to stick to my workout program when we’ve got our cruise coming up in the next couple of days, but I’ve been back at it 2 days in a row and I feel great.

As far as my nutrition plan goes, I definitely indulged in some chocolate on that Sunday afternoon after cramping up. It was a bit of a comfort thing and that was a planned cheat meal anyway. Christmas dinner was actually a breeze. I mean, turkey, potatoes, salad, veggies, and a glass of red wine is just about as good a meal as you could ask for. I very rarely drink alcohol, but it was Christmas.

For dessert my mom makes a wonderful trifle. It’s full of all kinds of yummy fruits with some pieces of cake cut up, cream filling, and whip cream. I just at the fruit and what little whip cream happened to still be on them. I don’t feel guilty about that at all.

Other than some chocolate here and there I’ve been pretty darn good with my eating and happy to report that I’m down in weight after the holidays. The lesson from this past week is that you don’t have to be perfect when it comes to your nutrition and workout program in order to be successful. I indulged and I was still successful.

Happy New Year! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your fat loss journey in 2008.