I’ll admit it; I’m eating a lot right now. I’m eating mostly foods that are made of whole ingredients, but I’m eating larger volumes as well as foods that contain grains or sugar. I am doing this knowing the following will happen:

• I am going to gain some water weight; roughly 5-10 lbs in the next two weeks
• I am going to gain some solid/real weight; roughly 2-3 lbs
• I will lose some muscle definition, especially in the midsection
• I will feel slightly guilty while I’m eating, and very guilty afterward (when I get home)

I could be sticking to just Keto or Paleo food, as there are a lot of options here in Ireland for that, but honestly, a big part of traveling is experiencing the culture through its food. I’ve had some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever had, and some of the tastiest ciders I’ve ever tried. I ate a chowder today that, in and of itself, was Keto friendly, but the brown bread I ate with it definitely was not. However, it was very dark, very dense, and actually not that much bread.

I will deal with the guilt later. I’m enjoying my trip, and enjoying the food. It’s not like I eat like this all the time, and Sherry and I will be staring our fifth Whole30 sometime soon after we get home.

I always tell people it’s important to enjoy life, and to not miss out on special occasions and holidays. This vacation for us is a special event, and I’m not going to spoil it for her, for our friends, or for me by sticking to a diet that would keep me from experiencing some of the local flavor. Oh, and the chocolate torte and bread pudding here are to die for!