When I found out I was Old! And What I did About it!
by Chef Joe Marosla Eidem
No matter what your age is, no matter how hard it is to get out of bed in the morning, if you think positive you can do anything.
Chef Joe Marosla Eidem
Last month I talked about the signs of getting old, I would like to share a few things that have taken me 59 years to learn.
- Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
- People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
- Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
- Don't expect life to be fair.
- Become the most positive and enthusiastic person your children know.
- Your real friends know how you act and still enjoy the show.
- A person, who is nice to you, but is rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.
- Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
As I stated in the last article I have had the pleasure and struggle to lose almost 100 pounds with no diet, no fads such as eat a grapefruit before each meal. This just would not work for me. I am and always will be a Chef. Being a chef means I like to eat; I love to feed people. For that reason I finally listened to all the dietitians I have been working with for the last 20+ years. It's simple, moderation and stay away from the four deadly C's: Candy, Cookies, Chips and Cake. We make choices everyday and our health should be the first and foremost important decision we make. I started by losing 5 lbs that really was not hard. After I lost the first 5 lbs then I lost another. The next thing I knew I lost 5 lbs 16 times.
We know that white flour is not good for you, wheat is better. We need protein but also we need carbohydrate for fuel. So balance it out; in the morning a bowl of oatmeal. Lunch is a simple sandwich on whole grain bread and fresh fruit or salad with light dressing. For a snack I cut an apple up into little pieces, its fresh and taste so good. I love popcorn so I buy the new microwave snack bag, they are great. Never go grocery shopping when you are hungry. You will buy too much. Never eat at a fast food restaurant, unless you are with your grandchildren, then get a “Kids Meal.”
Give them your French fries, order a diet soda or iced tea and only eat 1/2 the bun. Keep only fresh foods in the house and don't buy anything that is fatting. If it's not available you can't eat it.
So after losing all this weigh, being in great health (I thought), and thinking life is good, I decided to take an early retirement. I had been with Renown Health for almost 20 years and loved my job, but decided that it was time for a change. I always think “There is nothing I can't do!” I gave my notice and as of December 5th, I became self employed. I contracted with a company out of Jackson, MS to represent their food service products on the West Coast. Great I don't have to move, and I get to travel a little. Sounded like a happy ending to me, but no, I forgot that on Dec. 23rd, I was turning 59 and with anything 59-years-old there are sometimes problems. After taking some antibiotics I could not go to the bathroom for two days. That was strange as we know when we get older we seem to go all the time. Well the next thing I know I am in the hospital with acute renal failure. Several years ago that would have been my end, but with modern medical technology and the best care ever at Renown, (I told everyone I wanted to taste the food first hand prior to retiring), my new doctors added to my thinner waist line a set of exhaust pipes through my back into my kidneys and a couple of drainage bags.
Some would find this rather depressing, and for a few weeks I was one of them. But then I said NO! This just can't stop me, besides I don't have a job and I need money to remain in my chosen lifestyle. So I have added to my diet 8 glasses of water a day. Now I encourage everyone to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Hopefully after a brief embarrassing procedure, the boulders that are blocking the regular stream will be removed along with the “PVC” piping, then I’ll be back on the road to a healthier, happier and thinner life. My new motto “Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels.” However I was reminded by several doctors, if I was as heavy as I was before, the outcome could have been very different!
