Walter Says: “What I Used to Eat (and What I Eat Now)” – Updated Edition
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken” ——- Oscar Wilde
Let’s talk food. Real food.
Not the kind you see on commercials with a chef in a tall hat and tweezers arranging micro-greens. I’m talking about what’s actually on your plate—what you eat when you’re tired, when you’re hungry, when you’re trying to feel better.
For most of my life, I ate like tomorrow didn’t matter. I lived off grease, sugar, salt, and convenience. And that’s what it cost me—my health and my energy.
But now that I’m waking up to what my body really needs, I’ve made some changes. Not all at once, not perfectly—but real changes that are helping me lose weight, think clearer, and keep up with my grandkids.
Here’s a side-by-side of how I used to eat—and what’s on the menu now.
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🍳 Breakfast: From Sugar Bomb to Power Bowl
Then:
• Big bowl of sugary cereal or frozen waffles drowning in syrup
• Gas station sausage biscuit or donut if I was on the run
• Coffee with three sugars and flavored creamer
• Sometimes nothing at all (and then I’d binge later)
Now:
• A warm bowl of steel-cut oats with:
• A spoonful of chia seeds
• A few almonds and pumpkin seeds for crunch and healthy fats
• One or two prunes (good for digestion!)
• A couple chopped dried apricots for natural sweetness
• A dash of cinnamon and a splash of almond milk
• A cup of black coffee or green tea
• And a big ol’ glass of water to get things moving
✅ Why it matters:
This breakfast holds me down ‘til lunch. I don’t crash mid-morning. I don’t go hunting for vending machines. It’s energy, fiber, good fats, and real flavor—all in one bowl.
📌 Side note: I’ve been following that “Dilma’s Kitchen Adventures” series that’s floating around online. That woman knows how to turn healthy food into something you actually look forward to. I’ve stolen a few ideas from her posts—especially her tips on mixing nuts, fruits, and seeds into breakfast. Worth a read if you’re trying to clean up your eating without losing your joy.
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🥪 Lunch: From Heavy and Hazy to Light and Lasting
Then:
• Double cheeseburger with fries and a soda
• Deli meats stacked on white bread with mayo, chips on the side
• Fried chicken or loaded nachos if I was “celebrating Friday”
• Sugar-loaded iced tea or cola
Now:
• Grilled chicken or salmon on top of a salad with mixed greens, olive oil, and vinegar
• Whole grain wrap with hummus, shredded carrots, peppers, and greens
• A small bowl of Dilma’s lentil stew if I made a big batch
• A piece of fruit or a handful of walnuts if I’m still hungry
• Water with lemon or unsweetened iced tea
✅ Why it matters:
I walk away from lunch satisfied, not stuffed. My energy stays up. I don’t nod off at 2 PM. And I don’t go hunting for sweets like I used to.
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🍲 Dinner: From Gut-Busting to Gut-Friendly
Then:
• Fried pork chops, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, bread, and a beer
• Fast food on the couch, often late at night
• Frozen lasagna or meatloaf drowned in gravy
• Maybe dessert if I wasn’t already too full
Now:
• Baked fish or grilled chicken with roasted veggies (carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes)
• Turkey chili or black bean stew with brown rice
• Stir-fry with tofu or lean meat, bell peppers, and garlic
• Fresh fruit or a square of dark chocolate if I want something sweet
• Water or herbal tea in the evening to wind down
✅ Why it matters:
I sleep better. No heartburn. No bloating. My pants fit better. And my cooking’s improved—turns out you don’t need a stick of butter to make things taste good when you’re using real herbs and spices.
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Final Thought: Start Where You Are
I’m not a nutritionist. I’m a 65-year-old guy who used to eat like I was 20—and felt like I was 80. Now I eat like someone who wants to stick around.
You don’t have to flip your whole kitchen in one day. Just start with one meal. Swap the soda for water. Add greens to your sandwich. Toss some nuts in your oatmeal. Cook once this week instead of ordering out.
The more you practice, the more it sticks.
I’m Walter. I still love food. But now, I eat to live—not just live to eat.
And as always—
I’m not a doctor, and I don’t play one on TV. Always check with your physician before making health decisions.
