One of the thoughts I had today was about food and grandchildren. This occurred because I noticed that when my grandson comes over to my house for the weekend, the type of food that he requires is totally different than the food that I normally have on hand. He has even comically remarked as he walks in the front door,” I have now entered junk food heaven,” Smart ass!
He knows that his usual menu delights will be waiting for him. donuts, ice cream, potato chips, chicken nuggets and mac-n-cheese to name a few. Later will of course come at least two Domino’s Pizza deliveries and I’ll be making spaghetti a couple of times during his stay. Great stuff for a kid at his pop-pop’s house for the weekend. But not for pop-pop’s diet.
I have been steadily losing weight over the last year or so. I started out at 250 pounds and slowly I’ve trimmed down to 185. At 77 years old I can tell you that it’s not easy to lose weight. You have to be determined. I have it easier than some people because I live alone, so if I get off my strict plan, I have nobody to blame but myself. That changes when that little carb eating dopamine seeking monster enters my controlled environment.
The obvious problem is that I love to eat everything that the kid loves. And Dominoes’ has the best offers when you buy two pizzas at a time. And you can’t watch an adventure movie without eating snacks. And milkshakes are the best with greasy hamburgers. My grandson has exquisite taste! So when he announces his arrival into junk food heaven, I know that I’ll be suffering in hell – unless I enter through those heavenly gates with him. So yeah, I go with it. Did I mention that donuts are really good?
The biggest problem is coming back down to earth when the weekend ends. Especially if there are left-overs. Mondays can be rough and, to be honest, Tuesday and Wednesday can be problems. Eventually I do get back on the wagon, so far at least. But I see what’s going on. He and I know that out weekends are party time. I love it but I’ve learned a great lesson: Grandkids make you fat.
Gary Bryan