I haven’t posted a diary on DailyKos in quite some time, but the purpose of this one is three-fold: 1) give an update about myself, 2) share a story about an act of corporate kindness, and 3) solicit feedback from all of you on how I can best “pay forward” that kindness and identify a deserving organization in the Washington DC area to receive it. So, stay tuned through the end and I look forward to your recommendations for a deserving group to receive for this small act of charity.
A couple years ago, as I was nearing 300 pounds, I had a very blunt conversation with my physician. She informed me that all my major test results (blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid panel, etc) were in the high end of the normal range, but that could all change very quickly. In addition, my liver was starting to accumulate large fatty deposits and thus putting me at risk of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (basically, all the fun of serious liver disease similar to what heavy drinkers experience but, as a nondrinker, none of the excitement!). The doctor warned me that if I kept with my sedentary lifestyle and didn’t change my diet I would slip into metabolic syndrome. This is basically what happens after years of obesity and inactivity. And once that occurs, it is very difficult to control the major health issues that result (namely diabetes and coronary heart disease). She recommended a radical new diet/nutrition plan and increased physical activity. I took that advice to heart (quite literally), and I have lost about 90 pounds over two years. If anyone actually wants to hear more about my process or my thoughts, I would be happy to share my knowledge and experiences. I think I can now write a book about what I have learned both about myself and this process (and maybe I should!). Ask any question you would like. I will be as honest and open as I can.
I am also a huge fan of Chipotle Mexican Grill. I was saddened that I would have to give up my burrito bowls and chips for my new, healthier lifestyle. When I was lamenting this to a Chipotle employee, she suggested that I simply order two tacos for $5 instead of a full burrito bowl. I didn’t even know that was an option! Thanks to that ordering flexibility, that is what I have been doing. Eating healthier is about moderation and control. I kept the Chipotle in my diet but modified my order to reflect my new eating habits. The two tacos are more than enough food, and I don’t think I could even eat a whole burrito bowl now if I tried. Seriously, next time you go to Chipotle, try just two tacos (with brown rice!) and go light on the cheese and sour cream.
During this summer, Chipotle had a frequent customer loyalty program called Chiptopia. I was at first excited to hear about this program as I am definitely a frequent Chipotle customer, but then I realized there was a minimum purchase of $6 (pre-tax) for each purchase to qualify. My $5 tacos were well under that amount. Before Chipotle announced this promotion, I had already decided that I was going to pen a letter to Chipotle detailing my story and expressing my gratitude for the positive role their restaurant had in my new lifestyle and weight loss program (I have never been much of a lover or fighter, but I am an excellent letter writer!). I then decided I would also keep all my receipts from those three months of the promotion and submit them as well to demonstrate there are loyal customers that choose to eat less but were missed by the promotion’s rules. I honestly wasn’t expecting much of a response. But an employee named Shawn Randolph responded with a lovely handwritten note. Enclosed in the card was a coupon for the top reward from the Chiptopia promotion: a catered dinner for 20 people! Shawn didn’t include any contact details, but I did locate his Twitter account (@shawnrandolph93). I don’t have a Twitter account, but if anyone has one please tell him thanks for me. And maybe even let the folks at Chipotle (@ChipotleTweets) know too.
I have decided that I will pass along this free, catered meal to some deserving organization in the Washington DC area. Not only that, but I will pledge to at least double this to cover 40 people (or maybe even more depending upon the response I receive to this request). This is where my friends and their networks are important. Please help me identify a worthy organization for this small amount of charity. I am hoping an organization like a women’s shelter might like to have a Chipotle night for their residents. Or maybe feed the staff of some other volunteer organization to show our gratitude? What do you think? Feel free to leave recommendations in the comments or send me a message. Thank you!