The Path is Too Deep

In software development, an "Exception Error" occurs when a program encounters an unexpected condition that disrupts the normal flow of instructions. This week, I encountered a critical exception error. My mother was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. In the rush to leave work early and travel to the Valley to see her, the "System"—my carefully curated routine of fasting, clean eating, and exercise—encountered a glitch. The "Crash" Stress is a powerful disruptor. Triggered by worry and a disruption in my schedule, I reverted to old code. On the drive down, I stopped at a (keto) bakery. I broke my 22:2 fast early (around 2:00 PM) with treats rather than nutrition. Treats from Locally Baked Outlet (picture credit to them) By the time I returned to Halifax that evening, I was mentally and physically drained. I managed to cook a compliant dinner—a simple clean keto chicken curry with cauliflower rice—but the tank was empty. I skipped my calisthenics rou...

There is a specific anxiety that comes with hosting a dinner party when you are on a strict health protocol. You worry about becoming "The Diet Guy." You know the stereotype: The host who serves zucchini noodles that taste like wet paper, lectures the guests about the dangers of gluten, and serves a "chocolate mousse" made of avocados that makes everyone sad. I refuse to be that guy. Hospitality is about making people feel cared for, not restricted. But I also refuse to derail my own health or serve my friends inflammatory garbage just to be polite. So, I have learned the art of the "Trojan Roast." It is a strategy of serving a meal so delicious, so rich, and so satisfying that nobody at the table even realizes they are eating "Clean Keto" until they are driving home. Here is an example of how to host a dinner party without announcing you’re on a diet. Part 1: The Philosophy (Real Food needs no Label) The biggest mistake people make is trying to...