My Dirty Little Secret - Revealed

I have a dirty little secret that I have not revealed to you yet.  Since I began this blog I have been looking into health retreats like The Biggest Loser Resort.  I’ve considered applying to be a contestant on the show, but I don’t know when the next season actually begins and while I’m in the moment and very focused on changing my lifestyle I’d like to strike while the iron’s hot.

So, back in the middle of February I called The Biggest Loser Resort and was told they are all booked up until September 26^th.  With all the advertising they did during the Olympics, I can only imagine they are booked until 2011 at this point.  I found a few others, which were very interesting.  The place widely considered #1 is Canyon Ranch in Tucson, AZ.  I checked it out and the program I’m looking for is about $1000/day.  Ouch! 

Now, don’t get me wrong…I assumed these places would cost some major cash, but not that much cash.  And the way I’m looking at it is:  I can’t afford to go, but I can’t afford not to go.  I know I need to get out of my environment for a long while to get my head back on straight.  What’s the use of going to a gym with a personal trainer all day long, then coming back home to the same stress, worries, kitchen, food, responsibilities, etc.  No wonder why so many obese Americans choose surgery over actual change.  Change takes a lot more work and we are the instant gratification society so the work isn’t very enticing.

Back in the 80’s when I was a 20-something young urban professional in DC, I was in great shape.  I ran 3 miles at 6am on the weekdays then would head to the gym for an aerobics class and some weight training 3 nights a week after work.  On Saturday I’d do a 2-hour aerobics & weights class, then on Sunday I’d do a 7-mile run along all the touristy spots of DC.  But I was single then, casually dating, not even in a serious relationship so it really was “all about me”.

Fast forward to marriage, parenthood, responsibility, the meat-and-potato-loving husband, yada yada yada… and you get the gist.

So, I recognize I want major help to help me change.  I have a friend who went to a place out in L.A. 2 years ago and she had great results.  So I decided to check out her place.  Wow! It’s spectacular!  I must admit The Biggest Loser Ranch is very rustic, located in the mountains of Utah (a big snore for me, but I’m sure that’s a great attraction to others – those outdoorsy types.  Hell, if I was the outdoorsy type I wouldn’t be the size I am!)  But this other place is very L.A.!  I haven’t visited L.A. yet so that’s a big draw for me.  Plus knowing I’ll be in warm, sunny weather every day is icing on the cake – fat-free and gluten free cake, of course!

I leave next week for 8 weeks (that’s right 8 WEEKS) of grueling albeit satisfying work.  I’ll return to the East Coast a new me!  I’ll still have a ways to go to reach my goal weight (and trust me, my goal is not to be a size 2.  In my world that’s a drink minimum!)  But I believe I’ll return a stronger, more empowered woman who has proven to herself that she really is in control of her destiny and she really can make the necessary changes she needs to live a long, happy, healthy, fulfilled life. And to aid me, I have hubby coming out for 1 week.  He’ll learn all the same food shopping & cooking techniques so we can be an even better team than we are now.

I’m trying to get Terri to join me for a week.  She would love it!  I’ll have to work a little harder, but I might just be able to get her to come out.

Don’t worry, I’ll keep you all updated on my progress and let you live an L.A. life vicariously through me. 

Oh yes…almost forgot.  I know you’re just dying to know where I’ll be.  Here’s the link…check them out.