The First Meal

Day Seven post-0p is lovingly referred to as "Egg Day." That's because you get to eat an egg. Well, you get to eat one to two tablespoons of a scrambled egg. And after a solid week of chicken broth, protein shakes, water and jello, an egg seems like caviar (if you like that sort of thing).

I fantasized about my egg for days. I told everyone I knew I got to eat an egg on Monday. Yeah, I got plenty of strange looks. But I didn't care. Salvation was at hand!

I had been studying my nutrition handbook and I determined that Egg Beaters has more protein than a regular egg, and since I have to have between 60-70 grams of protein a day, I opted for the EB's. I measured out two tablespoons, sprayed a little butter flavored cooking spray in the pan, added a tiny pinch of salt and tried to keep from drooling.

It wasn't that great. My disappointment was immense. I got a little nauseated after a couple of bites and had to lie down (not an uncommon experience, I'm told). But, after 15 minutes or so I got up and managed to eat about half of it. Even though it was not the transcendent experience I had imagined, I soldiered through it and the next day got to eat another egg (a real one this time and SO much better) AND a couple tablespoons of cottage cheese.

Since then, it's been an interesting journey of trial and error. So far my favorite meal is refried beans with a little onion and mozzarella cheese. Each week I add more foods; next week I get to add peanut butter! On thinly sliced apples . . . better than pumpkin pie!

Side note: Have you ever stopped to count the number of food commercials on television? It's ridiculous. No wonder this country has unprecedented obesity.

Next time on The Egg and Eye . . . The Grieving Process