Here's a thought: Maybe it's OK to be on the not-so-trim side. It's a goal for many of us, I know, and of course, it's healthy to avoid becoming overweight or obese. But what's wrong with a little meat on your bones? Nothing, I think, if you consider what follows. Hear me out.

My mom recently had a very serious emergency surgery that resulted in a week's stay on a hospital trauma floor. For one week, my poor momma didn't eat and didn't drink. Everything she needed came in liquid form through a nasty IV. Perhaps there was a tiny bit of nutrition and maybe a few calories coming her way, but it wasn't much. I know this because she lost nearly 15 pounds. She barely had that much to lose.

Slowly, my mom is starting to eat and drink again. And she's gained a few pounds. But not much. I guess it's not a huge deal if she maintains at this point, but it occurred to me the other day that if she gets sick again, she won't have any reserves from which to draw. I think she needs to fatten up -- just a little bit.

I'm one of the many who always envisions weighing a few pounds less. I'm in a healthy range but still set my sights on the lower end of my spectrum -- it's 118 to 159 pounds and for some reason, 118 seems a whole lot more attractive than 159. Fortunately, I'm right in the middle (135) and could stand to lose a few if sickness strikes. If I shrink any more, though, I might just be in trouble.

How about you? Do you have any reserves? If you have too many, might I suggest a little diet and exercise. But if you're teetering at not enough, I enourage you to save a few. Just in case. You might need them one day.