Jim... sorry I've been so late to this and to your story.
Congrats! Keep up the great work. When I went on a cardiac build up routine I decided a few extra pounds off -- with subsequent life style changes -- was the key to kick start my ambitions.
In the past, I would joke to my friends that I only 'eat twice a day... from 9 till noon, and from 4 to seven'.
Well, yes, it did get its share of yuks but looking back I think that actually was my eating habits. I either ate because I was hungry, or I ate because I liked the taste of food.
Two things later hit me between the eyes when I was rolling along on this journey: I learned I didn't
need all the food I usually consumed and my handicapping and betting successes increased profoundly as well.
I am not kidding about not needing much food once I got over the original cravings and (bad) habits. I realized I simply didn't need as much. I eat just one meal a day now for dinner. For breakfast and lunch I juice and eat some yogurt, a sour taste I 'forced' myself to like because I knew the added benefits of it. Now, I love it and the morning juicing doesn't have me running to the bathroom every three minutes any more!
The handicapping successes is true too and not a bald-faced lie!! I'm thinking clearer and betting more confidently and I attribute it to a healthier diet.
Thanks again for sharing your story with us Jim. Continued good health, success and happiness from this typist and from all your friends here on PA.