While visiting an eating establishment during our recent visit to Texas, I noticed a framed map of the United States on the wall. It showed two areas. The most noticeable was an embellished boundary of this 28th state identified as TEXAS. The rest of the map was simply “Not Texas.”

I can see what makes the people of this state so proud. Everyone (almost) we encountered was friendly. And polite. You won’t find many conversations without a “sir” or a “ma’am.”

For example, on my way to feed our horses one morning, I met up with Travis, a young cowboy who works here.

“Good morning,” I said. “Looks like it’s going to be a nice day.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said.

“Thanks for letting us ride with you yesterday!”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“OK, well, talk to you later.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

And guess what? Texans eat more than barbecue. During a recent Mardi Gras celebration, seafood gumbo was everywhere. In fact, the Texas Gulf Coast is well-known for oysters, shrimp and other seafood. (Check out the grilled shrimp at the Texas Roadhouse…just sayin’.)

Chili is the official state dish of Texas, I learned. And don’t confuse Texas chili with any other type. It’s made mostly with beef, chili powder, cumin, onions and peppers. No beans or tomatoes.

I’m from New Mexico though. So the beans and tomatoes I add to my chile (with an “e”) would probably not win any chili cookoffs in Texas.

Lots of people like us enjoy the (mostly) mild weather of this state during colder months. “Winter Texans” they call us.

I met one man from Washington, D.C., who was here over the winter to get back into physical shape. He was staying at a remote dude ranch that provides balanced meals and fitness instruction. I asked him about his experience.

“I lost 34 pounds,” he began. “Eating just three meals a day was new for me. At home, I’d eat breakfast and then go eat a fast food meal mid-morning. I’d have lunch and then stop for a burger in the afternoon before going home for dinner.”

“Here,” he continued, “they serve me three meals a day in balanced portions, period. And what surprises me—even after daily exercise sessions—is that I’m not craving food. In fact, some days, I skip a meal because I’m not hungry.”

Perhaps the stress-free environment helps curb your hunger as well, I commented.

He agreed and added, “I honestly think walking has had the biggest impact on my (weight loss) success. I’m stronger now and my knees don’t hurt.”

How will you continue when you leave Texas? I asked.

“Daily walks with my wife and no more than three meals a day,” he said. “Oh, and I have a pool in my backyard. I’ll start using that!”

Yes, sir! We’ll be heading home soon as well. Many thanks to all y’all in this great state.

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