Introduction: My Sweet (and Slightly Ridiculous) Love Affair with Food
Let me tell you something about myself: I don’t just like food — I have been in love with it. And not just any food. I’m talking about the sweet, sugary, buttery, and downright irresistible treats that became part of my daily life. Over the years, I developed what can only be described as a passionate (and occasionally problematic) relationship with certain foods.
Now that I’ve lost 141 pounds and embraced a healthier lifestyle, I can look back at these indulgences with a mix of humor and disbelief. How did I let jellybeans, Tastykake Krimpets, spearmint leaves, and black raspberry ice cream consume me (sometimes literally)? Well, buckle up, because this is going to be one deliciously funny confession.
Jellybeans: My Presidential-Level Addiction
I’m not sure when my love affair with jellybeans began, but I do know it spiraled into a full-blown obsession. Like President Reagan, I had it bad for these little sugar bombs. My favorite brand? Brach’s, of course. I should’ve taken stock in the company because, for a while, I think I was personally responsible for their quarterly profits.
- The Easter Escapade:
Easter was my personal jellybean Olympics. Bags of them would go on sale, and I’d stock up like a doomsday prepper. But instead of hiding them for the apocalypse, I hid them from myself—or so I thought.- I kept bags in the glove compartment of my car for “emergencies.”
- I stashed them in drawers, under my bed, and even in the garage.
- If anyone questioned why I had so many, I’d laugh it off: “Oh, they’re for the kids.” Spoiler alert: I didn’t have any kids at the time.
Eating jellybeans was an art form. I’d sort them by color, saving my favorites (green and red) for last, savoring each one like it was the first.
Tastykake Krimpets: The Butterscotch Affair
Now let’s talk about Tastykake Krimpets, specifically the butterscotch variety. If you know, you know. These soft, buttery cakes with a smooth butterscotch topping were a staple of my diet. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack, it was always a good time for a Krimpet.
- Portion Control? Never Heard of It:
Who eats one pack of Krimpets? Not me. Two packs were the standard, and three weren’t out of the question. I convinced myself that if they came in packs of two, then two packs were still a reasonable serving size. - A Lifelong Commitment:
These weren’t just snacks, they were part of my identity. Birthdays, holidays, road trips, Krimpets were always there. Looking back, I realize they were less a treat and more of a crutch. But hey, they were a delicious crutch.
Spearmint and Orange Leaves: God’s (or ShopRite’s) Calling
Spearmint and orange leaves were my candy kryptonite. You know the kind, those gummy, sugar-coated candies that stick to your teeth but somehow taste like childhood and happiness.
- ShopRite Specials:
When I saw three bags for four dollars at ShopRite, it wasn’t just a sale—it was divine intervention. I’d load up on enough to last… well, a week, if I paced myself (I never did). - Always Accessible:
Much like the jellybeans, these candies had a designated spot in my car, my office, and my nightstand. I couldn’t risk being without them, especially on a long drive or a stressful day.
I convinced myself they were practically a health food. “They’re fruit-flavored! That’s basically like eating fruit, right?” Spoiler alert: wrong.
Ice Cream: Black Raspberry Dreams
Ice cream was my ultimate comfort food. There’s nothing like a bowl of creamy, cold happiness at the end of a long day, or the beginning of one, for that matter. My go-to flavors were black raspberry and vanilla bean, but honestly, I didn’t discriminate.
- Portions Gone Wild:
A serving of ice cream is what, half a cup? Not in my world. My “bowl” was essentially a mixing bowl filled to the brim. Topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and maybe some chocolate syrup, it was less a dessert and more an event. - Late-Night Rendezvous:
Ice cream was my secret companion for late-night TV binges. Sitting on the couch with a spoon in one hand and a pint in the other, I felt invincible—until the sugar crash hit.
How It Consumed Me
Looking back, these foods weren’t just indulgences, they were part of my routine. They brought comfort, distraction, and a temporary sense of happiness. But they also came with consequences: weight gain, low energy, and a growing dependence on sugar to get through the day.
At my heaviest, I didn’t just feel physically burdened—I felt trapped in a cycle of craving, overindulging, and feeling guilty afterward. Breaking free wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.
Learning to Laugh (and Let Go)
As I reflect on my love affair with these foods, I can’t help but laugh. The lengths I went to for a bag of jellybeans or a pack of Krimpets are, in hindsight, absurd. But humor has been a key part of my journey. Instead of beating myself up for past habits, I choose to find humor in them.
- The Great Jellybean Purge: I once found a bag of stale jellybeans in the back of my car. Instead of being horrified, I laughed and thought, “Well, at least I was committed.”
- Krimpet Withdrawals: When I first gave up Krimpets, I joked that my cravings were so strong I could smell them from a mile away.
Moving Forward: A Healthier Relationship with Food
Today, my relationship with food looks very different. I still enjoy sweets occasionally, but they’re no longer a source of control or comfort. Instead, I focus on balance, mindfulness, and making choices that align with my goals.
- Jellybeans: I’ll have a handful during Easter, but no secret stashes in the car.
- Krimpets: A fond memory, not a daily habit.
- Spearmint Leaves: A rare treat when nostalgia strikes.
- Ice Cream: A single scoop enjoyed slowly, not a mixing bowl marathon.
Conclusion: From Overindulgence to Balance
My journey from overindulgence to balance hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. While I still have fond memories of my favorite treats, I no longer let them consume me. Instead, I enjoy them in moderation, with a healthy dose of humor and perspective.
What’s your favorite treat, and how have you found balance with it? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear about your journey!
#WeightLossJourney #HealthyLivingAfter60 #ReclaimRenewRevive #WellnessAndMotivation#TransformationStory
