Dear Mom, Dad, family and assorted friends:

The holidays are here. This year is a little different. I am involved in a program called Castaldi’s Killer Boot Camp that involves working out five days a week at 5:00 am and learning how to eat and live well.

I love spending time with you and most of that time involves meals. As we approach this time, remember I’m not a turkey so please don’t try to stuff me. When I take a small portion of mashed potatoes, please don’t reach over and put another scoop on my plate. If I turn down your famous homemade pie with ice cream, it doesn’t mean I’ve stopped loving you, I still do with all my heart but it is a much healthier heart. Be pleased about that.

I’m not a child so please don’t scold me and say, “You haven’t eaten enough.” Instead, tell me how proud you are of me for doing this. And if I do choose to eat a piece of something sweet, please don’t ask me “Should you be eating that?” I know the cost of each bite. I am now making smart choices with my head and not my stomach or my emotions. Please don’t make me cookies, cakes or chocolate anything. All the comfort I need comes from just spending time with those I love.

This is the gift I ask from you this year. Be glad for me, for my commitment to a better, healthier life. It takes a tremendous effort every morning to work off the calories of one of your great dinners. Tell me how good it is to see me, not how crazy I am to get up that early or pay all of that money. Most of all, tell me you love me and if you can’t find it in your heart to do this, then all I ask is that you keep quiet and smile when you see me.

I love you all - Your Boot Camper.
Lynda Larsen
11/23/99
Boot Camp VI