Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson is keeping close tabs on what he eats.

According to the TV actor and former Tennessee senator, constant encouragement from his wife Jeri and others keeps him in peak form. He now watches his cholesterol, weight, and gets more exercise.

During a campaign breather at Tommy's Country Ham house Wednesday, Thompson recounted his eyes "lit up" when he heard he was going to a country style restaurant in South Carolina for a hearty Southern Breakfast.

He brought the house down when he said, "But doggone, they brought me a fruit plate."

Thompson assured supporters his visible weight loss is not health-related. He said he's "following a new eating plan at home: if it tastes good, don't eat it."