A few hours before my last workout, I had two very fresh, very organic peaches from the tree in my yard, and then a bit of cold water just before (and during) the workout. While on The Machine, I felt stronger and went longer. My theory is that the peach (and perhaps the water, but mostly the peach) contributed to that.

After due consideration, I decide to test this theory scientifically, by consuming Ben & Jerry’s ice cream today, instead of peaches. A rigorous selection process swiftly winnows down my choices: Mint Chocolate Cookie, and the ever-popular Cherry Garcia. Unable (or unwilling) to narrow the candidates any further, I decide to eat both—one pint each. Continue reading

I decide to read up on real food—the kind I (and everyone else) should be eating but, mostly, am not. After a bit of research, I select bestselling food author Michael Pollan as my guide in this unfamiliar territory. I begin with his book In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, which I now consider a must-read for anyone seeking true health. Pollan makes many excellent points, among them the following. Continue reading

So I’m out shopping for food, when I hear my name shouted from the refrigerated section. I turn to see a humongous margherita pizza, completely undefended. I’m talking a 20-inch heavyweight, slathered with sauce and high on cheesiosity.

I look around to see if anyone’s watching, then subtly make my way over. I heft the box with the see-through top, and check the ingredients (not something I used to do). I’ve had one of these bad boys before, and it was, if not sublime (a description reserved for the original Pizzeria Uno shops), then not at all like your run-of-the-mill mass-market pizza. This baby was made right here, in the last 24 hours. Continue reading

Another “day off,” given my every-other-day workout schedule. I forget to weigh in and take my other stats, but step on a scale sometime in the afternoon: 252.0. This after I’d eaten and had a good deal (of water) to drink.

Down a pound and a half after two short workouts. That’s more like it. Of course, I’ve also cut out the candy bars, sugary drinks, and Starbucks. Which might—just might—also have something to do with this.

I get a bit of bad news today. Nothing earth-shattering–but the kind of news that makes me want to go to Starbucks and a good pastry shop. Continue reading