IBJJF DALLAS (PART 3): You Are What You Eat

By: Beast Mode

Food. I remember the days when i could eat anything and never even think to ask where it came from, or what the hell was in it. I miss those days. Going to Burger King and ordering 2 triple whoppers (1200 calories each), or eating quarts of ice cream and washing it down with a 'liter of cola'....Yeah, I was that guy.  Now, all I see are calories, protein/carbohydrate intake, ingredients. But this is how it goes when you're eating for a purpose. It turns something you once enjoyed, into a chore, or something you despise. My fridge that once housed a variety of foods now only keeps the basics: chicken, beef, and fish. My cupboards only stock bags of rice and granola. My deserts nowadays consist of Greek yogurt and some fresh cut fruit. Tasty? Sure, to those who don't eat the same shit day in and day out.
I try to mix it up though, but even the average joe can tell I'm not one of them. Not one of the many people looking at the menu aimlessly, not giving a fuck what's in the "Mexican surprise". Bastards, enjoy that shit (even if it does sound like some slang term for a Mexican STD). The workers spot me too, mostly because instead of just accepting the dish for what it is I have to "have it my way".
Just today I was at FREEBIRDS (like Chipotle, but better) and the girl behind the counter caught on quick as soon as I ordered the burrito bowl:
"Would you like a tortilla at the bottom of the bowl?" She asks me, smiling and waiting to make my dining cuisine come to fruition.
"No, thank you", I respond. This order is one I've made time and time again. Same meal, same shit, different day.
"Would you like rice or cheese?" She continues, still smiling ear to ear.
"No, thank you".
"Would you like any food at all in this bowl?" The smile turns into a devilish grin as she knows her sarcasm has been conveyed.
I chuckle and respond, "yeah, let me get double chicken, all white meat, and double black beans with all of the raw veggies and no salt".
"Wow! These black beans must be good if you want double servings." her eyes grow to look like fucking tennis balls as the food piles onto my plate.
" I guess, it's all for the protein really. I can't slack on the diet." My response seems to spark her interest.
" Are you some type of fitness model or athlete or something?" She looks at me, analyzing my physique.
" Nah, just a guy trying to stay healthy and lean." I try to hold back the cockiness and confidence that resonates throughout my entire body. A task that does not come easy to me. Especially considering I'm wearing my BJJ Lifestyle Academy t-shirt, representing a family I am honored to be apart of.
" Oh, well you should really think about doing some modeling or something. I don't see many guys around here with your type of look. And I've never seen anyone order anything this healthy since I've been working here." Her suggestion sounds an awful like a compliment, I think to myself.
"Thanks, I'll have to look into that." I smile, thank her and commence to working on the big task of eating my re-constructed burrito bowl.
The moral of the story is that we (Beasts) are not like the rest of the world. We know it, and they see it. Cheat days are few and far between, while everyday is like groundhogs day in regards to these fucking meals we shovel down our suck holes. Anyone can lift weights and mix a couple protein shakes in a blender. Train throwing on a triangle choke and eventually you'll tap someone out with it. But the diet is where one really gets to test their discipline. To be defeated by something as simple as a chicken breast, steamed veggies and some brown rice might sound like a stupid loss....but that rational is why everyone is not built like we are.
Anyone who knows me, knows I love looking in the mirror. Not because I dress well (I really don't, as I only wear board shorts and tank tops) or because I have rockstar haircut ( A shaved head hardly counts as a haircut at all. Actually, I think it says 'I'm too busy to give a fuck about hair at all.'), but because it's a simple reminder that I'm working and the work is showing. It shows progress and let's everyone know that you eat to live, not live to eat. So next time you crave that Big Mac or those fucking salty ass fries they serve at the golden arches, look at the body you have....better yet, look at the bodies of the obese folks walking out of that place. I don't know about you, but I'm not in any rush to look like that.
With that said, May 9th will be a cheat day. I want nothing more than to sit down with my fresh gold medal around my neck and bite into a juicy t-bone steak, giant twice baked potato and NY cheese cake. No, not with knife and fork in hand! That's not beastly! I'm grabbing that motha'fucker with my bare hands and biting the shit out of it with the fangs God has seen fit to bless me with. To the victor go the spoils, gentlemen/ladies. But until then, back to the grilled fish, salad, and gallon of water....May 9th is around the corner!