I had planned to come home after work and write another post about some sort of foam roller or core exercise, but the potato skins got in the way.

With Deanna Earlier This Year on the High Line

Work has been a bit overwhelming lately. Lots of deadlines, lots of demands. After a busy morning at the office, I was at a studio filming the December edition of “Health & Home Report.” When we wrapped filming the show, my boss let me shoot a couple of fitness-related videos for future shows. (Be on the lookout for those in early 2012!)  Afterward, my makeup artist and dear friend, Deanna, decided to catch up over a glass of wine before heading home. That one glass turned into two and we both noticed they had loaded potato skins on the menu. Neither of us had indulged in either – a second glass or loaded skins – in quite awhile. Ultimately, Deanna and I decided both went extremely well with some quality conversation and laughter among friends.

So I find myself once again writing about familiar territory. You simply can’t plan everything all the time. You make a plan to go to the gym after work, but then you get a call from that friend you haven’t seen in months who is unexpectedly in town thanks to a business meeting. There’s no reason to feel “guilty” about blowing off your cardio kickbox class to get together with that friend.

For the same reason, I refuse to feel guilty about the loaded skins I shared with Deanna. I know tomorrow, I’ll “start over” with my healthy breakfast parfait featuring non-fat Greek yogurt, berries and “Newman’s Own Honey Flax flakes.” It will be a new day, filled with new opportunities to make health-conscious choices. To that end, I’ve already packed my sneakers and workout wear so I have no excuse for not attending the Zumba demo at the New York Sports Club two blocks from my office.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the best laid plans can sometimes go awry, but not always for the wrong reasons. While an unexpected get together with family or friends may throw off your normal “routine,” it can open the door to laughter and good conversation. These are two crucial components in our everyday quest to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!