You would think that, being poor, losing pounds and maintaining a certain weight would be easy.
Not so.
It has proved to be an extremely difficult endeavor. I am about 10 lbs. heavier than I was when I moved to Iowa in January.
Now, to many people, 10 lbs. probably doesn’t seem like a big deal. But, for me it is, seeing as how I spent the bulk of 2012 shedding 50 pounds.
I did it by following a very strict diet that included drinking a gallon of water a day, three very veggie oriented and high protein meals a day, and an immeasurable amount of walking around in steel-toed boots at the Office Max warehouse where I previously worked.
So, when you spend that much time and effort on shedding weight, 10 lbs. does become a big deal to you.
I have a gym membership and try to get in at least every other day, but that is difficult when your work schedule is as unpredictable as the news itself. I can literally work three hours one day and 14 the next depending on what is going on at the time.
The big problem, for me, is working in an office setting in which people are so generous and always bringing in different foods and snacks. This is awesome, and as I have previously stated I am poor.
So who am I to turn down a free meal or snack? After all, I owe it to the young ladies in the office who bring in these scrumptious delights to at least sample them.
Another thing that seems to get me in trouble is covering events that have food. For example, last week’s Hawkeye Stages grand opening had a smorgasbord of delicacies. There were mini-cheesecakes, multiple vegetable platters, adult beverages, and pounds upon pounds of burnt ends.
I’m from Kansas City. I’m legally obligated to eat barbecue anytime it is present.
It didn’t help matters that Iowa Speedway Foundation Director Debb Smith was serving. I love Debb; she treats me like one of her grandkids whenever I see her, so of course she piled my plate high.
And, I ate every bite. Yes, this job does have it perks.
I also attended two graduation parties this weekend. Ella Daft and her family, as well as the families of Tim Stammeyer and Samantha Schwarz, fed great food. In addition to the delightful conversations, I enjoyed portions of cajun chicken, lemon pepper chicken, cheesy potatoes, and brisket.
Just to give you an idea, the conversations ranged from my epic rendition of N*Sync’s “Bye, Bye, Bye” Thursday night at The Scoreboard (well played Scoreboard, well played) to Star Wars.
Seriously, Class of 2014 you guys have a lot to live up too. The Class of 2013 not only provided me with plenty of great stories, but they also fed me.
So the bar has been raised, 2014. The ball is in your court.
And now that the weather is warmer, and more fruits and veggies are in season, I hope this can help me get back on top of my game and stay on track. Curse you, free and delicious food!
I guess things could be worse than me gaining a couple of pounds. After all, I am writing a column talking about people feeding me for free.
Staff writer Ty Rushing may be contacted at (641)-792-3121, ext. 426, or at trushing@newtondailynews.com via email.