Day 416 I Just Wanted A Banana and The Amazing KFC Diet

Day 416

I Just Wanted A Banana and The Amazing KFC Diet

These are the days that test our resolve. When things become stressful, situations seem determined to bring us down, and everything seems out of our control, this is when the powerful mental changes we’ve made show themselves so clearly. For the first time in my life these stressful situations do not effect my consumption. Do I have stray thoughts of drowning myself in a thousand calories of tin roof sundae? Yes, I have. It wouldn’t be honest to say no to that question, but the consequences of that choice could ripple throughout my future and gradually lead back to old behaviors. I’ve written about reaching the “point of no return” many times, and for me I honestly feel that I’ve made profound changes in my brain that will keep me making good choices with food and exercise for the rest of my life. But that doesn’t mean I can let the guard down and relax. I have a history with food and laziness that must never be forgotten and I’d be a fool to think that I could never be lured back by the temptation of carelessness.

I stopped at the convenience store this morning on the way into the studio. I was looking for some fresh fruit. I know, I know…crazy to pay those high prices, but it’s the price of poor planning. You see, once again I didn’t give myself time to cook breakfast, and I wasn’t about to go without something. I ran into the convenience store and asked the clerk if they had any fresh fruit. She gave me a puzzled look and said no. I swear this very store had fresh fruit on the counter before, I know they did, but it was back when an apple and a banana was the last thing I would ever want in a place known for sodas and potato chips. I didn’t have time to drive to other convenience stores looking for fresh fruit. And I surely didn’t have time to drive to Wal-Mart for a decent price. So I had to find something at this store and quick. The clerk suggested the fresh donuts. Really? Is that a good suggested substitute for someone asking for fresh fruit? No it isn’t. I laughed and that’s when she pointed me to the “isle of bars.” The isle of bars was an entire shelf filled with every granola bar, protein bar, weight loss meal replacement bar, and really---let’s be honest, a bunch of candy bars in disguise as something healthy. She suggested I choose the Slim-Fast bar. I actually picked it up, I’m ashamed to say, and then quickly put it back down. I couldn’t buy that thing on principle. I don’t believe in their product or meal replacement plan, there’s no way I’m giving them my money. Six or seven minutes had passed and my time was running short. The clerk noticed me turning everything over and reading the labels. That’s when she asked me if I was “trying to lose weight.” I said “Yeah, I’m trying my best.” I didn’t have time to tell her any more than that. Just then she rushes over from behind the counter with her purse. She excitedly pulled out her drivers license to show me the dramatic effect of her nearly 50 pound loss. It was a wonderful transformation. Her 50 was like 100 or more for me. It made a big difference in her and she was so happy. I congratulated her and then with a sly grin I asked the question “So, how did you do it?” It was such a role reversal moment. She explained that she just eats less and exercises more. I pretended to be amazed. “Really, that works?---I guess it makes sense huh?” I once again congratulated her and grabbed a 130 calorie Special K bar and another 140 calorie bar of some sort. I paid for my items and started to leave when she said “You have a good day and good luck with losing weight.” I smiled and said, “I’ll give it my best shot.” She had no idea, and it was a fun little exchange at 5:30am.

Courtney bought dinner tonight. It was so sweet of her! She brought home Kentucky Grilled Chicken. A couple of breast, one for each of us, and some mashed potatoes and green beans. We both enjoyed the meal that checked in at an amazingly low 340 calories. That grilled stuff is amazing. 170 calories for that big breast of chicken is what I call an excellent calorie value! The 140 for a decent serving of the potatoes with a little gravy on top is excellent, and the green beans, well…hey, they’re green beans! It was a healthy and satisfying meal. I swear, anytime KFC is ready to make me their “Jared,” I’m ready to go! It really blows people away to think that you can lose weight while enjoying KFC, of all places! I can’t count the number of meals we’ve enjoyed from that place over the last 416 days. Good stuff indeed.

After my incredible 5K walk/run with Chris last night, I was sore in a good way. I decided tonight to take it a little easier. I hit the trail embarrassingly late, so much so, that I didn’t want to call anyone else to invite them to join me. I stopped just short of a 5K. I took it “easy” by just doing a brisk walk, a power walk if you will. I did three laps on the trail. Over two miles, and really---it wasn’t a “takin’ it easy” kind of thing, it was a “I can’t believe I’m out here walking at nearly midnight” kind of thing. My alarm is set for 4am, I should have been in bed not a minute later than 10pm, and really 9pm would have been even better. I was satisfied with the exercise, but I look forward to getting back out there with Chris and Courtney and anybody else that wants to join us. I love running for short distances. I really do. I think I love it because I can actually do it. It’s so strange for me to be able to really run, you know? I don’t know exactly how people do the long distance stuff. I guess I’ll get there. I will be doing a “Turkey Trot" 10K with the YMCA in a couple of weekends. It will be my first official-organized 10K---with a street course, finish line, and even an official time keeper! I bet I get a number too! Oh I hope!

Thursday afternoon I’ll be cruising around the area in a beautiful new Corvette. I can’t wait to comfortably strap into that two seater sports car. Actually, doesn’t the Corvette have a really small back seat? Not sure, but I’ll find out today! I can’t wait, I really can’t. And yes, we’ll have plenty of pictures to post for Day 417/Thursday night’s blog edition! I’ll make sure I wear my new jeans and my “SWOSU DAD” t-shirt.

This journey has been so special for me. It really has meant so much. The good, the bad, the in between…it’s all come together to make for one very special transformation, and we're not even finished. It thrills me when I read about how my story has helped others. Recently I’ve heard through comments and e-mails, from a bunch of new readers and some that have been reading for a long time, but never commented---and they tell me how much they appreciate my sharing. It is absolutely my pleasure. It’s my passion to spend the rest of my life helping others understand that they too can escape obesity. Thank you for reading. Goodnight and…

Good Choices,
Sean