being prepared is what we do
to beat this thing
called obesity

we food shop
for hours
reading labels
good fat
high fiber
low carbs
making the choices
the right choices
to help us
beat this thing
once and for all

we go out to eat
and peruse the menu
the minefield
we ask questions
or special order
just to be sure
we're still part of life
while
we beat this thing
now and forever

we carry water,
kashi bars
and little cups
filled with light dressing
or 25 pistachios
just to be sure that
we beat this thing
without making excuses

we cut and dice
chop and slice
weigh and measure
everything we prepare
anything we eat
just to give us a fighting chance
to beat this thing
without looking back

we log, we blog
we plan, we scan
the internet for recipes
so we are prepared
to always fight
this thing
that has tormented us
all our lives

we walk, we ride bikes
we crunch, we sweat
and sweat some more
more than we ever have
just to be sure
we win this war
against this thing
called obesity

and at night we are tired,
a good tired
because
once and for all
always and forever
without looking back
we’re winning the battle

and so we sleep
a restful sleep
because tomorrow
we will get up and do it
all again….