One of the most difficult challenges about the new food regimen I’ve been following in the 11 months since my angioplasty is that so many people keep telling me it’s ok to cheat once and while by going off the diet to eat some of the foods I once enjoyed.

You’ve likely heard it too. It happens on away-from-home eating occasions, on holidays or at family gatherings where food, and often bad food, is the unifying factor of the event. “Oh it’s ok you can cheat once in a while,” they say. Or “how long do you have to eat that way,” they ask, somehow not fathoming the changes you are making are life-long and permanent.

Continue reading “Feeling lucky — try that burger, cake, ice cream, prime rib” →