Welcome back to our weekly open thread. For today, I have my eye on two goals:

1. Answer a question posed by Ben
2. Plan an indulgence for late next week

In April of 2014, Ben wrote:

How often would you recommend a cheat meal or even cheat day Kap?

Perfect timing, Ben.

I’ve been feeling like an indulgence is in order. I’ve been crushing organic yams, eggs, veggies, grass fed steaks and the like in nearly identical portions on an especially strict schedule for the past month. I adore all of those foods, but sometimes a break is in order.

To respond specifically to the question, I don’t have any hard and fast rules. I believe in flexibility, although I don’t always practice it. I try to mix in a planned indulgence every two to three weeks, although frankly, I’ve seen months pass without lifting a glass of scotch or biting into a burger. As a general rule though, if you’re really on point the rest of the time, I’d say once every ten days is ideal. There is value in giving your body, mind and tastebuds a brief hiatus from the grind of discipline.

I’ll share with you my process. Right now, I’m writing from a hotel in Midland, Michigan. I’ve been traveling a ton, so I’m relatively worn down. These are the moments where poor decisions can come easily. Rather than succumb to my current sugar craving, I’m going to be strong and plan my next move. In doing so, I remain in control and don’t give away power.

Next week, I’ll be back in LA. On Thursday or Friday, I’ll leave the stadium and venture to Guisados for lunch. I’ll sample every taco on the menu, and I’ll wash each bite down with ice cold beer. No holds barred; it will be a true indulgent experience. This move inspires confidence as I accomplish two objectives:

1. Experience mind blowing flavors (I feel confident in assuming based on the unheard of number of spectacular reviews)
2. Stay on point before and prepare to get right back on my routine after, so there is no guilt or regret

Speaking of after, I’ll write about my lunch. That will complete a third objective:

1. Provide an opportunity to learn (new culinary experience) and teach (share what I mined)

Think about the opposite of a planned indulgence.

You’re starving at the end of a long day at the office. You worked straight through lunch and have just realized you haven’t eaten since breakfast. You’re dehydrated because you haven’t been drinking enough water. Your boss chewed you out for missing a deadline. You know you have more work to do when you get home. You’re run down, stressed out and in a bad spot.

You stop at the first open bar you come to, scarf a basket of wings and fries and down three Captain and Cokes. You feeling strong? Hell no.

Indulge with a purpose and a meaning. Go slow, get lost in flavor, then get back on point.

Strong mind,

Kap