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I have a long list of things that need to be said ‘first’, but I decided that this really needs to be said right now: The Gastro Minions™ control of your weight.

I came up with these ‘cartoon rascals’ to help me visualize and internalize what’s really going on in my body. So let’s ponder the question: ‘Why isn’t the weight coming off? . . . “I’m going to the gym, skipping meals, gave up sweet drinks, even passed on my son’s birthday cake”.

I eventually learned that these guys know more about my habits than I do – they can’t be fooled. I came up with the term: BASE WEIGHT to describe your true weight. Even if you splurge over the weekend at that lobster-tail buffet, you’re likely to return to your base weight within a few days . . . unless . . . buffets. burgers , fries & Coke, pizza and beer become a new, regular diet for you,

The same holds true for that new gym membership, or that new FAD diet. The Gastro-Minions™ pulling all the levers in your gut are not going to immediately reward you – because they know you! You will only be rewarded with true weight-loss once you’ve built a history of being on a new path.

The good news is that there’s an easy way to start: for me it was to cut out sugar – no, not cold turkey, I’m a mere flawed human, this is what worked for me – give it a try:

1. I cut my coke with soda water, eventually there was so little sugary cola left, I threw in some lemon . . . and that’s been my drink of choice for nearly a year. I carry a large bottle with lemon everywhere – just add ice and water when I don’t have soda water handy – easy peasy, I just don’t care much for sugary drinks now.
2. My coffee with cream and sugar just worked it’s way down – less of each. Black coffee doesn’t seem as much bitter, as my old way just seems to heavy and sweet.
3. Not hard for me to cut out noodles or rice, but BREAD was (and is) a biggee for me. I love sandwiches (reubens are my favorite in case you’re wondering). I still love my McDonald’s in the morning, but my sausage and egg muffin, hashbowns and coffee with cream and sugar has become: an egg & cheese muffin (they add lettuce and I bring tomato slices), no hash brown, and black coffee. Since were talking about bread, this is hard for me to give up in some situations like this, but if it comes in the house – I rarely touch it. I can make my sons toast with butter and jelly and (sometimes) not ask for a bite

Here’s the skinny – try one or two food changes – I strongly suggest cutting sugar – because it can have exponential health benefits. It took me several months. but I’m in a great place. I’ll take a swig of my son’s soda, but I’ll never order one for myself. You go places and people get in your groove – like at my local Mickey-Dees. They seem as happy for me to shed pounds as feel happy to feel good.

Which brings me to a point – once you get to the point where people start commenting on your new look – the rocket engines are roaring.

gifts featuring The Gastro Minions™ coming soon

Be advised that Gastro-Minions™ is a protected name, created by NoMoreBigJohn.com ©2025

I’m starting something new. For a long time, I was ‘Big John’, carrying extra weight, feeling slow, and thinking health was too complicated, too strict, and now, too hard for someone in their late sixties.

This site isn’t about the struggle we all know. This is No More Big John — simple, gentle, realistic health for people over 50, 60, 70 and nearing 100, who want to feel better, without the gym, without extreme diets, without stress.

I’ve already lost 50 pounds on my way to losing 100, and I’m not doing anything fancy. I’m building everything around four simple pillars that anyone can follow:

1. Choosing the right foods — buying or growing what actually fuels your body.
2. Staging those foods — so you’re never stuck staring into the fridge, guessing what to eat.
3. Movement, not exercise — gentle stretching, walking, and daily motion, no gym required.
4. Mindfulness — prayer, deep breathing, and taking care of your mind as much as your body.

This blog is for you if you’re tired of complicated fitness rules, if you want real, slow, steady results, and if you believe health should be kind, especially after 60.
I’ll be sharing exactly what works for me, no fluff, no hype, just what worked for me . . . and is still working