Me either.  

I’ve gained three kilos and a radically-altered bank balance during our recent Christmas celebrations, while millions around the world are starving.

I suddenly understand why people make dramatic declarations about investing in different diets, and enforcing strict spending budgets, as New Year’s resolutions. 

Generally, I don’t need the birth of another planetary orbit of the sun to motivate me into making theatrical announcements about how I am going to absolutely, definitely, no kidding I’m serious this time, change my ways, starting from this very second - right now. 

I can pull one of those off at least once a week.   

With a big year ahead of me and an even bigger belly in front of me though, things were looking pretty serious towards the end of 2016, so this time so I thought I’d grab hold of that elusive fresh start opportunity that only the beginning of a brand new year can bring. 

Well, Sunday, January 1st 2017, has come and gone and I’m doing okay so far. 

No shopping splurges or binge eating behaviour to report yet, although with all the pavlova, trifle and Christmas pudding polished off last week, the temptations were relatively reduced in number. 

I made sure I demolished all those little hidden caches of quality Christmas chocolates day by day during the last week of December. 

This helped me leap into the New Year in no danger of regaining consciousness after a weak moment, surrounded by a pile of shiny wrappers, wearing a chocolate moustache. 

Obviously, I am also trying to tempt myself to eat lots of yummy salad while cutting back on the cakes and cream, and talk myself into taking the occasional walk or bike ride. 

I’m pretty sure the splashing around in the pool I do doesn’t qualify as exercise though because I’m in and out so quickly. 

If I am successful in controlling my bad eating behaviours, I am worried I will still blow my budget on new clothes, but at least all will not be lost. 

If I neglect to update you again on my progress in these new endeavours, quietly know that I have suffered a relapse, and that we shall never speak of this again. 

Happy New Year.

Yolande Grosser