To be (skinny) or not to be (and buy new clothes) – that is the (post-holiday) question.

The million dollar question faced by most of us at some point during the year (most prominently after holiday seasons) goes something like this:

“Do I lose 5 lbs, or buy a new wardrobe?”

While the “gut” instinct tends to favor the latter option, one’s pocket book and common sense collaborate to encourage weight loss.

I’m not talking about a huge change – I’m simply talking about the 5 lbs that stand between you and the button on your favorite jeans.

The funny thing is, that little bit of holiday flab was probably acquired by drinking more frequently than usual, spending too much time relaxing in a sedentary fashion while snacking, followed by festive dinners with 9 courses – all things that you generally can’t do in your “real” life anyway.

And yet, the thought of restricting yourself in any way is downright painful:

“You mean, I’m going to have to make dinner, and I can’t just pick up two burgers, onion rings and a poutine on the way home?”

“You want me to WALK the dog?”

“What do you mean I have to go back to work and can’t spend all day eating?”

“Why can’t I have a case of beer with lunch and the entire bottle of wine with dinner?”

Maybe the thought of losing weight after holidays is so painful because it’s really a reminder that the vacation is over, and all the stresses and obligations of real life: Family, work, finances, etc… – are about to kick back in. That little flab around your midsection is your body’s way of spelling relaxation, and giving that up is downright painful.

So, I haven’t decided which way I’m going yet, but as summer draws to a close and the fall season sets in, the days in which I can wear my forgiving flowing skirts are running out. And while I can squeeze into my favorite jeans, I sure as hell can’t sit down in them!