End of Summer

I once heard a comedian say that June 25th is the cutoff date for summer swimsuit panic. Think about it … spring is filled with diet and exercise anxiety- all in anticipation of that first bathing suit reveal.  Once the horror of that first exposure in the sun is over, we kinda accept things for what they are, and forget about dieting. After all, bathing suits are stretchy – how can you tell what those burgers are doing to you?!

Summer is jammed with terrible temptations. Pool parties, weddings, and backyard barbeques. Even the mere appearance of sun is an excuse to crack open a box of ice cream sandwiches. Well – at least it is for me.

When every weekend includes a summer celebration, it’s tough to stay on track with healthy diets. Who wants kale juice and quinoa when there’s sangria and #Brenners?

At any point in time, my freezer is full of the best #Chapmans has to offer. There’s no point in inviting kids to swim if you can’t offer an ice cream cone or giant freezie. There are moments when a child appreciates a healthy treat, but poolside isn’t one of them – and I love being the ‘cool’ house with what we call the “dessert cart”.

Toss in summer vacations, and healthy dining starts to hit a new low. Amusement parks, zoos, camping, cottages. Despite the best of intentions, no campfire is complete without a roasted marshmallow paired with chocolate and a graham cracker. They’re not called S’mores because we’re saying ‘no’!

I want my kids to remember summer as fun and worry-free—late nights with their friends, popsicles dripping in the pool. These are some of the best moments of childhood – and I like to participate … a lot.

Summer is now over and my gals and I have embraced our slightly plumper summer physiques – until January of course, when March Break panic sets in. In the meantime, this is definitely #cabernet and cheezies weather. I’ll worry about it after Christmas. Don’t judge.