In the world of finance, some investors use stop orders to keep them from either losing too much money or becoming too greedy. I find the concept of stop orders helpful in the BTD as well.

I let my weight bounce around in about a 5-pound range. If it drops below a certain level, I think I look gaunt and unattractive. If it goes above a certain level, my pants fit too tight. So I have "stop orders". If the scale goes too low, I indulge in a few more neutral grains and nuts. If the scale gets too high, I scale back the nuts and watch my olive oil and ghee portions more carefully.

A winter cold virus has gone through my family. My Darling Daughter usually has the mildest symptoms, but she was hit hard this time. It is probable that the late hours she has been keeping had something to do with the trouble she has had in shaking off the virus. My Honorable Husband usually has the weakest immune system, but he got over this cold without developing a sinus infection. I would like to think that a higher level of compliance to the BTD played a role in that.

I was the last to get the virus. At the first symptom, I started taking Cold-Eeze, Astragalas, and Nettle. After two days of a scratchy throat, I bypassed most of the rest of the typical cold symptoms.

While I was fighting the cold, I decided to let my body rest, so I didn't exercise. By the time the virus had run its course, the weather was cold and damp. I decided I didn't want to risk a relapse by getting out in the nasty weather. A week or more went by with no exercise (other than the frantic pace of my daily activities this year).

All of that sloth, sent me over my stop order. I got up this morning, looked at the scale, and said - I run before breakfast! The air was damp, but the temperature was mild. The first half mile, I was aware that I hadn't been exercising, but by the time I finished two miles, I felt great.

The stop order kept me out of trouble. I'm already feeling more energetic. I have no doubt that I'll be back in my comfortable weight range in a day or two.