I have the good fortune of having a job that I really enjoy and working with people that I like and get along with. The whole work environment is fast paced and low stress, which is conducive to high productivity. One of the perks is the ability to stock my own lunches in the office kitchen. We are also lucky enough to be a short walk from a Target store with a big grocery department. I have a roll-on duffle bag with a shoulder strap so I can carry it tot he store when I shop and put my treasures inside for the walk back to the office. I keep a stock of frozen veggies and microwave meals in the freezer and have a drawer in one of my filing cabinets dedicated as my "pantry." My condiments are in the office fridge. I can make my own lunch every day so it makes it easier to stick to the CK calorie limit without worrying about how many calories the deli downstairs has hidden in my entree. I am in total control and will have nobody but ME to blame if I overshoot my daily limit.

I ride a commuter train to the subway and walk about a half mile to the office every day and am always a little saddened to see how many of my fellow commuters have looks of despondency as they board the train or subway for jobs they dread. Years ago my dad told me to find a career that I like and I'd never have to work a day in my life. (Somebody else actually coined that observation but dad was never averse to a bit of plagiarism. ) They were both right. I consider myself to be among the lucky ones when it comes to working. All this leads to lower stress and a reduced potential to eat my way out of stress. I have been with this same employer since 1984 and in the same industry since 1977. I will retire in just over two years and my goal is to retire at my goal weight. I can do this.