The End of the Experiment

Okay, so as you know I started a small experiment this week to test some of the lifestyle changes that have been incorporated into my life over the last three months.  I am now sad to say, after only two and a half full days on the experiment, I am quitting.  Let the record show that I usually do not quit; however, I just can't simply be sick to my stomach anymore and eat a bunch of stuff that I know is just terrible for me.

Yesterday, I decided that I was going "live a day in the life of Jeffrey Merchant prior to Living the Life."  The plan was to do the eating routine that I normally did on an average day.  I woke up and had nothing for breakfast (I didn't prepare anything in advance for any meal).  This is what happened over the course of the day:

• I stopped at 7-Eleven at approximately 5:45 am and got an apple fritter.  They do not have good apple fritters at 7-Eleven.
• I ate some low-quality chocolate left around the office from Christmas at about 6:25 am when I realized that my new, high-quality metabolism had ripped through the apple fritter and I was starving.  I continued to rummage around the office for food all morning.
• Finally, at 11:45 am, I went to lunch with some friends at work--the first time I have done this in three months.  We went to a Mexican place called Moe's.  I had my usual chicken quesadilla and chips with queso sauce.  As soon as I was done eating, I knew that I had made a terrible mistake and was not hungry for the rest of the day.
• On the way home, I passed by McDonalds, and realized I was supposed to stop there for a "snack."  I turned around (this was all for the experiment, you know) and ordered a chicken snack wrap.
• I got home and my wife and I went on a date.  We had gotten this gift card for Texas de Brazil from my very thoughtful sister, who had purchased it at my request.  I used to love this place (it is one of these Brazilian meat-grilling places that gives you all the meat you can eat, plus an amazing salad bar).  I first had some salad, which was actually very, very good.  I ate some wonderful cheeses and had a good salad with all of my favorite toppings.  This is when I should have stopped.  Instead, I moved on to the meats, including:  top sirloin, flank stake with garlic, Parmesan chicken, Parmesan pork, leg of lamb, port tenderloin, filet mignon, Brazilian sausage, chicken breast wrapped in bacon, lamb chops, pork ribs, and beef ribs.  Despite many attempts to throw up after the meal, my body refused to do so, allowing me to suffer in pain for about an hour after the meal.  It was at this point that I gave up the experiment.

This morning, I had my favorite meal, eggs, and I feel great.  For all those who have Lived the Life, let me say it is NOT worth not living it anymore.  I remember writing so many times about not being able to eat what I wanted to.  Now, I am happy to not eat what I want to.  Sure, there are periodic temptations, and I will deal with those as they come up.  But I really think it will be hard for me to forget how bad I felt (both mentally and physically) last night. 

In the end, I think the experiment has been worth it.  It has been fascinating to be able to compare how good I felt a few days ago and how I feel right now.  It really is night and day, and I have now decided that I am going to just skip the rest of the experiment and go straight into the new 84 days.  Officially, the 84 days is going to start on Sunday, but New Years or no New Years, I will be watching what I eat over the next 48 or so hours.

Happy New Year everyone!