My 2 Cents: First Day in the Rest of My Life

I just had my first breakfast on the first day of the rest of my life — after going over my results from my physical exam Friday with Doc Chisholm. He said changes were needed in my diet. Or bad times were ahead. I won’t go into numbers or anything like that b/c that’s not my style. Nor will I go into what bad times may be ahead if I don’t change my eating habits. It’s not that I’m a glutton. I’m not one of those all-you-can eat types who graze at Top of China. Any more. I’m more of a snacker that eats the right kind of nuts late at night. But eats too many of the right kind of nuts.

The results of the physical were sobering. I’ve tried to work myself back into shape solely by exercise — walking. The doc credited that routine with saving me from even worse numbers in certain areas. For example, this is the first time in several exams over the years that I wasn’t getting lectured re: blood pressure. But walking apparently isn’t enough when you’re a night owl — as you know I am — and a grazer. Now, it’s time to watch what goes in the tank. Goodbye ice cream. Goodbye pies. Goodbye jams and jellies. So long cheese and whole milk. ‘Twas nice to know you — at least for the next three months.

I feel sorta like the Pony did a couple years ago when he bid adieu to smokes after undergoing a physical — scared straight. I know it’s time to get a handle on this important part of my life. I’m looking forward to seeing my exam numbers right themselves and my weight go down even more. I’m at 16 pounds off and holding since the first of last year. But I know it won’t be easy. Fortunately, I have a tremendous wife who reacted immediately to the news from the doctor and went out this morning to buy good food. I started with cantaloupe and some fake eggs in a weird taco-type wrap. For the first time, I actually read a list of food do’s and don’ts that doctors have given me over the years. I’m sorta excited about taking control. Then, I still haven’t encountered my first snack period. I’ll let you know how things go.

DFO