Woman vs. Food: McDonald's Style

I don't like McDonald's. And I don't usually even eat chicken. But I do love a good food challenge. I never miss an episode of Adam Richman's instant classic Man v. Food on the Travel Channel, and I have long been looking for a good challenge to take on myself. So when McDonald's continuously bombarded me with advertisements proclaiming their 50 McNugget deal for only $9.99, I had the ever-so-fabulous idea to see if I could eat 50 McNuggets by myself in one sitting. I've always been a big eater, and back in my prime, I could easily consume a large pizza or a ten-pack of tacos, so I thought that even though this was an unlikely victory, I might be able to conquer my golden-arched nemesis.

I tend to wake up starving, so I thought the earlier I began the better. On a recent Saturday, I woke up around noon, went for an extra long bike ride, jumped in the pool for about half an hour, and then headed to Mickey D's. Though I was ravenous, I began to doubt the logic of this endeavor. But I persevered, ordering the 50-piece with a plethora of sauces including buffalo, ranch and honey mustard. Variety is a girl's best friend in a food challenge.

I sat down inside the restaurant and began to eat. I drank water and eschewed fries to up my odds of success. About 10 nuggets in, I was holding strong and feeling confident. I could do this! About 15 in, still going strong. By 25, my belief wavered. Thirty minutes in, I was scared. I ate as fast I could, hoping to trick my stomach into thinking it had more room in it than it did. By 38, I was really, really nauseous and seriously berating myself for my utter stupidity. Why, oh why, did I think this was a good idea? In the end, I took the remaining eight home and split them between my dogs and then proceeded to lay on the couch and moan with stomach pain.

All in all, consuming 42 nuggets in about 30 minutes is not exactly something to scoff at, in terms of an eating contest, but I clearly fell short of my goal. So I am asking you, my dear readers, to pep me up with stories of your own food challenges. And if anyone can make it through all 50 nuggets, please let me know so that I may congratulate your perseverance and unlimited gastronomic capacity.