When I started bodybuilding, after collegiate wrestling, I really began to think that I was forever doomed to a life of wanting food I couldn’t have. I felt that I was "limited" when hearing about all these great meals people would make. Not only that, but I spend a lot of time in Italy - the land of incredible food - and over time began to feel that I should turn down the trips. I would see people really free to eat whatever they wanted while I kinda felt like a martyr.

But y’know, I really don’t feel that way anymore. In fact, I feel the opposite is true. Here is what I now see: People who are simply free to eat whatever they want are really not free - they are "limited", or held captive. Here is why. They eat whatever they think will make them satisfied and yet it really doesn’t because there is always something that promises to taste better at the end of the table. So, they are trapped in a cycle of looking for something that will never truly satisfy them.

Yet, while I am the one that used to feel chained to a strict diet, I am beginning to feel much more free. Hey, I can eat whatever I want. I choose not to, and there is power in that. Actually, there is freedom in that. Even more, there is satisfaction in that.

So, bring on the parties. I will have my protein before I go, and I will choose to enjoy the freedom I have to not engage in pigging out and regretting.

I know, my students are right: I am definitely a bit off, huh?