From Tom: It’s been a little over a week and a half since this contest started and so far it’s failed to live up to my expectations. I expected to be hungry all of the time. I’m not. To the contrary, it seems like I’m eating all of the time. If not eating, then cooking something, or trying to figure out when I’m supposed to eat next, or planning what to eat. We have to eat FIVE TIMES A DAY.
I also expected that I would greatly miss many of my favorite foods, like Lou Malnati’s pizza, McDonald’s, Panda Express. I don’t. Other than for the convenience of having someone else fix everything. Personally, I think the Herald should supply us all with a personal chef for the duration of the competition.
Dessert was something I thought I would miss. For the most part, I don’t. Occasionally I have nostalgic thoughts about Mama Portillo’s chocolate cake, but those thoughts are fleeting. One of the rules we are to follow is no processed sugar. In fact, we can’t even have aspartame, or splenda, or saccharine. Apparently, they DESTROY BRAIN CELLS. God knows I don’t need to lose anymore of those. It may be an explanation for some of my memory lapses. I do miss Diet Coke, though.
I expected this program to focus on eating less and exercising more. It isn’t that simple. The focus is on eating right and exercising right. I eat greater quantities than I used to, but consume far fewer calories. An important part of the program is to become more aware of what we eat by reading labels, something I’ve never done–probably because I don’t carry around a MAGNIFYING GLASS and DICTIONARY. Moreover, we are encouraged to make regular use nutritional supplements. And to read those labels as well. Among the grocery bag full of supplements that were recommended for me is one for gastrointestinal health called Ortho Digestzyme. I can’t even pronounce that, but I took out my lighted magnifying glass and started reading the label. Pancreatin. I’ve no idea what that is. Betaine. Not a clue. Pepsin. A complete mystery. Ox Bile . . . OX BILE. I know what that is and I wish I didn’t. So much for the labels.
I thought I would be miserable most of the time. I’m not. In fact, I feel better than I have in years. My wife says I look better too. My skin has lost that cadaver grey tint. And the weight I’m losing is starting to be noticeable to the people who know me. I’m also regaining strength faster than I thought. At 64, I’m the oldest in the competition by 16 or 17 years. It will be a challenge to keep up with all the youngsters.
Several people have said that I don’t look that old. It’s because all the fat expands my skin and stretches out the wrinkles. So when I lose weight I might look like one of those Arkansas dried apple dolls (look up the sample pictures on the internet). At least I’d feel good, though.
No. The contest has failed to meet many of my expectations. And I’m VERY HAPPY that it has.
Tom,
Very well stated! Bye Bye Sesame Sticks..you can see them in another life! They really are not worth it in the long run right???
See you at boot camp!
Nice writing. And good news about your weight loss regimen. Keep at it. The toughest part is changing your thinking – just like quitting booze or drugs. Tough but do-able. Just gotta keep heading in the same direction for a really really long time, then it will be habit. Then you’ll be new & improved. Eeee ha!
I enjoyed your blog. It made me laugh, but rings so true. Way to go, Tom! We’re rooting for you.
Wrinkly or not…you are a very handsome man. And I’m so proud of you!!
Way to go Mr. H! Your extended family at The James Chicago has got your back! Look forward to your next post!
Patrick (aka PDaddy)
Mr. H!!! You are so awesome. Keep going for all of the people who love you- they want you here and healthy for many years- trust me- I love that adorable daughter of yours and she is your number 1 cheerleaser!!!
Keep up the great work, Tom!! Enjoyed reading your first post, you have a great way with words!
Tom, the Band of Brothers at Willow Creek is rooting for your success!
Hahaha…so true Tom! I had to laugh at this…keep up the great writing!
CONGRATS on a good beginning to your program!! I’m glad you’re not hungry or miserable like you thought you may be. I hear there are things you’re noticing you don’t have. I would encourage you to “DO YOU” and that will be enough. You are very inspirational and hilarious. May God bless you in your efforts.
I really enjoyed your post. Your a great writer. It sure made me laugh.
Keep sending the posts. I’m deffinatly rooting for you !!!! Wanna hold classes to teach us all how to eat after this ? Sounds like info we could all use. Eating right and reading labels seems more confusing than it ought to be.
Thanks for sharing your humor and insight during this process. Can’t wait to see the before & after photos! Many blessings on your efforts!!
Nice job so far Tom! Your article was very funny. Keep up the good work