Sometimes I Just Want a McFlurry

I know what certain ingredients do to my body and I’ve done the work to figure out what works and what doesn’t. But sometimes, I still say yes to the thing I probably shouldn’t eat. Like a McFlurry.

And yes, I usually feel bad after. But sometimes, it’s worth it.

The Craving Is Real

When you’re navigating food sensitivities or autoimmune issues, there’s this constant voice in the back of your head. Will I regret this tomorrow? Am I going to ruin my whole week over one meal?

But sometimes the craving is loud. Like when it’s 90 degrees out and you just saw an ad for a McFlurry. You remember how good it was from before you had your health concerns. In those moments, I’ve learned that sometimes, it's worth giving in.

Giving In Doesn’t Mean Giving Up

This isn’t a daily habit. I’m not throwing caution to the wind or pretending that my choices don’t have consequences. But saying yes to something once in a while helps so much more in the long run.

What I’ve noticed is that when I never allow myself to have something “off-limits,” I start to feel resentful and sorry for myself. And eating, especially when you’ve had to change so much of what you eat, is already complicated enough.

When It’s Worth It

There are definitely moments when it’s not worth it. For me, shellfish isn't worth it. I don't love it enough and the effects are too inconvenient and last too long. Or when I can already feel the edge of a flare or I’m about to travel or I know my body is on the edge of a spiral, I skip it. But there are other moments when I just decide: I’m going to eat this thing. I'll itch and ache for a day or two but I'll at least have eaten this. Worth it.

Final Thoughts

Having boundaries with food is important, especially when those boundaries keep you feeling your best. But flexibility is part of the process too and makes the boundaries easier to maintain in the long run. Sometimes joy looks like a home-cooked meal with all the right ingredients. And sometimes it looks like pulling into a drive-thru and ordering the thing you’ve been craving for a week.

Letting yourself live a little doesn’t mean you’ve stopped caring. It just means you’re making space for both your health and your happiness.