You Are What You Eat

fast food

PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Harold sat in the driver’s seat and slammed the door. The doctor’s visit was more than disappointing. Doc called the pharmacy so that numerous prescriptions would be filled and waiting when he got there.

He looked down at the pile of trash on the car’s floorboards and then his expansive gut.

“You are what you eat,” he muttered. “Bloody blood sugar.”

He wanted to cry but instead he put the key in the ignition and started his car.

“This won’t beat me. I won’t die a fat slob choking down a bunch of pills. I must join a gym immediately.”

It’s another Wednesday and time once again to participate in Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ 7 March 2025 edition of Friday Fictioneers. The idea is to use the image above as the prompt for crafting a poem or short story of no more than 100 words long. My word count is exactly 100.

A year ago this month, I was diagnosed with massively high blood sugar. My weight had also ballooned up (again) and although I wasn’t eating the tons of fast food depicted in the photo, I was eating poorly and it showed in more ways than one.

james at the gym

© James Pyles

My doctor (a new guy since my old doctor retired) put me on a medication and prescribed a blood sugar testing kit (you get used to poking your fingers). I had a history of working out at the gym years before and started off with simple walking for at least 150 minutes a week. I also talked with my wife (who had been bugging me to change my diet and who also had worked in a professional kitchen for over 20 years) and she made numerous suggestions about better eating which I started following.

By August I had joined a gym and revived my free weight training routine, specifically this one.

I’ve since lost over 25 pounds with 15 more still hanging on and needing to be eliminated. I feel a lot better and especially at age 70, it’s vital to build up strength and stamina.  I’m still on the pills but plan to ditch them if I can get off those last 15 pounds and my blood sugar remains stable (it’s fine now) when I stop taking the medication.

I don’t say any of this to make people feel bad. Rather, I want to encourage anyone who may have health issues (check with your doctor before doing anything super-strenuous) that there is a way back, even if you are older or otherwise don’t feel you can manage exercise.

If I can do it, most likely, so can you.

To read other stories based on the prompt, visit inlinkz.

tom corbett

Cover art for my book “Our Legacy, The Stars: A Tom Corbett Adventure.”

My book Our Legacy, The Stars: A Tom Corbett Adventure is now available in Kindle and paperback formats on Amazon.

Based on the 1950s television show Tom Corbett Space Cadet, the book is updated in terms of our modern understanding of science as well as more nuanced characterizations and plot.

The Literary Post says:

“Pyles takes us back to a simpler time in science fiction, complete with all of the warm nostalgic fuzzies that go along with it.”

Order your copy of my book Our Legacy, The Stars: A Tom Corbett Adventure and let the fun begin.

22 thoughts on “You Are What You Eat”

  1. Dear James,

    Sending you a bushel of “atta-boys”. Your story, both your 100 words and your epilogue are encouraging. I’m a year ahead of you and in the best shape I’ve ever been. Thanks for sharing.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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  4. If only more people decided to take their doctor’s advice. Or rather, decided to take control of their own life so they don’t have to rely on pills and more pills.

    And a special good for you goes to you for turnnig your own life around!

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  5. I like how you had this person reach their limit and get to the gym. I also enjoyed hearing a bit about your journey and how you used it to encourage others. On a side note, one of my favorite exercises from the last year is the farmer’s carry. OH wow I was shocked at how much my body loves it – and I do it once a week.

    “The farmer’s carry, also known as the farmer’s walk, is an exercise where you hold a heavy weight in each hand and walk for a distance or time. It strengthens various muscle groups, including the shoulders, core, and legs, while also improving grip strength and overall endurance.”

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      • wow – that does sound like it could take a toll on the shoulders.
        I have not been doing it for that long, but I heard the “peter Attia” way is a one minute carry of very heavy weight. It can be low and just hand weights –
        75% of the body weight for women and full body weight for men –
        so my highest weight so far has been 40 in each hand and I walk one minute and it is powerful – even though 30 is more manageable for me…
        my husband does 80 in each hand and walks for one minute.
        It is done once a week and has a powerful effect on all body including lungs and atp cycles –

        Liked by 1 person

  7. James, I’ve slowly lost 50 lb. in the last 3-4 years. I’m limited to the exercise because of a very touchy lower back, but I do have a recumbent bike. I’m so familiar with your battle! Congrats on the progress you’ve made, and here’s to the next 15 pounds 🙂

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  8. Nothing like seeing to believe….the trash, the test results, the pile of pills. Glad you found your motivation and heck yes, no one should give up on health no matter their age.

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