7 – Falling Off the Meat Wagon (And Climbing Back Up with Dignity… Sort Of)

Let’s talk cravings. Cheat days. And what actually happens when I “fall off the meat wagon.”

Spoiler: I don’t burst into flames. But sometimes, I do start acting like I’ve smoked a joint. Let me explain.

The Birthday Cake Incident

It was my birthday. I was at work. My sweet colleague brought me my favorite cake. And I caved. I had a slice.

Twenty minutes later? I was flying.

Not emotionally. I mean physically. High as a kite. I was laughing, talking at triple speed, and generally giving off “this girl is not sober” energy.

My colleague looked at me and said, “Wow, I’m SO glad our boss isn’t here. You look like you just lit one up in the parking lot.”

And honestly? She wasn’t wrong.

That sugar rush hit me like a truck and for a short moment, I had the time of my life. It was fun. It was cozy. It was nostalgic.

And then it wasn’t.

Cue the headache. The gut pain. The crash.

That’s when I realized something important: maybe it’s just not worth it. The social buzz was nice. The sugar high was wild. But the aftermath? Not so fun.

Now let’s be real: I basically live at my office. And sometimes, the perfect carnivore snack isn’t just sitting there waiting for me.

And so yes, sometimes I grab “other” food. A small piece of bread. A bite of something processed. A mini “just-this-once” moment.

And every time?

My gut goes on strike.My brain gets foggy. And I start questioning all my life decisions, usually while holding a lukewarm cup of regret (hot water)

Sometimes I even skip eating altogether if nothing feels right. But that’s not ideal either. Starving is not the vibe. Not when you’re running a career, a household, and trying not to look like a zombie in meetings.

These days, I’m a lot better at handling these moments. I plan ahead more. I keep emergency eggs and meat sticks like a true carnivore survivalist.

But I’d be lying if I said I never “stray.”

It happens.
I survive.
I learn.

Because this isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning to listen to my body. And my body? She’s LOUD when she doesn’t get her steak.

The Bottom Line. I’m not in a food cult. I’m not here to be a purist.
I’m just trying to feel good and stay sane in a world full of birthday cakes, deadlines, and breakroom snacks.

So if you’ve ever “fallen off” your version of the wagon,  whether that’s carnivore, keto, vegan or “I-only-drink-on-weekends”, don’t beat yourself up. Climb back up.
Refocus. Laugh about it. And maybe pack a ribeye next time.

Coming up next: Let’s talk about guilt. Not the kind that comes from cake, but the kind that sneaks in when you feel great, make bold choices  and the world makes you second-guess them.