This is by far the question I am asked most often, especially right after I post a photo of some calorie infused, deep fried, sugar based food item. “You’re so lucky, you can eat whatever you want and not gain weight.” While this seems correct, I really don’t know if it’s even true. It’s quite odd this world we live in. People have no problem coming up and saying, “Oh you’re so thin,” and think nothing of it. Should I ever return the compliment with something like, “Oh why thank you, and by the way, you’re so fat”, all hell would break lose.

I wish I could let everyone in on my secret as to how I’ve maintained a constant 185 lbs over the last twenty plus years. I’m not bragging here because I don’t really do much that I can attribute this to. I thought at the very least I could pass on what I do and don’t do in hopes of maybe helping just one person.

**This is in no way physician approved and is to be enjoyed as entertainment only.

1. First of all…if I post a photo of two chili cheese dogs smothered in cheese and onions, served with a large side of fries, try and keep in mind this is not what I eat every day! This meal could be once or twice a year. This goes for many of the food photos I post. I eat salads, vegetables, chicken and fish quite often.
2. Normally I eat twice a day. Morning somewhere between 9 and 10AM and then dinner at around 5 or 6PM.  This is not the same every day but generally speaking. I usually never eat anything between meals and after dinner I’m done eating. You don’t have to eat every time you feel hungry!  As an experiment, try writing down everything and every time you eat. If you’re honest, you will probably be shocked at how much goes in that pie hole.
3. Only on a very rare occasion do I drink soda or drinks filled with sugar. Normally it’s either iced tea, water or beer (see #8).
4. I hardly ever eat dessert or candy. Can’t remember the last time I ordered dessert at a restaurant. I’m usually always too full to ever think about it.
5. Very rarely do I eat fast food, but when I do it’s either an In ‘N Out Double Double or a McDonald’s Fish Sandwich. Don’t judge me.
6. Exercise. My view on exercise is the same as it is about religion. I don’t have to go to a building where other people congregate to do it. As a matter of fact, there’s nothing I hate more. I walk and I do yard work. That’s it. And I don’t do that every day. Walking is only a mile or two and I try to do that at least three times a week. Yard work is a lot of different things. Mowing the grass, trimming trees, hauling branches, digging holes, moving planters, cleaning the pool. Now I realize this doesn’t sound like a lot of exercise, but are you doing at least that?
7. I hardly ever sit around. I think this runs in my family. Sitting and doing something for long periods of time drives me crazy!
8. I drink beer!

So there you have it. If you’ve hit a wall in your ongoing search for the perfect diet, this might be just what you need. If not, I hope you have at least enjoyed the read.  Happy cooking.