This past week, my home was filled with laughter, connection, and 17 people I am lucky to call family. It was loud and full and messy…in the best way!

There was also A LOT of food…the kind that brings comfort, nostalgia, and joy.

Before the week began, I had every intention of sticking close to my Gluten Free and my newly and mostly plant-based way of eating and honestly, there were plenty of options that would have made it not only possible but reasonably easy to do.

However, I chose connection, celebration, and freedom over restriction.

I ate the bread and buns and I ate the meat at meals and I have no shame or guilt about my choices. I gave myself full permission to enjoy the food and the moment.

My body however, was not in agreement with my choices and it rebelled!

By the end of the week, my knees were puffy and screaming with inflammation that even going up and down the stairs felt like a challenge.

My energy was lower, my digestion was off, and I could feel the heaviness throughout my body that always seems to follow when I veer too far from what I know works best for my body.

Ten months ago I would have blamed all these symptoms on the wine or margaritas or whatever cocktail of choice was being drank over the course of the week but I haven’t drank in TEN MONTHS! (more to come on this in another blog)

I even gave myself permission to have a Margarita.  I poured one for myself, took a sip and gave it to my sister and made myself a spicy non-alcoholic margarita with jalapenos and enjoyed it knowing that I was in full control of my decisions.

This is where the deeper lesson comes in…

It’s not about punishment, it’s not about regret, it’s not about needing to “start over” or “make up” for anything.

It’s simply a reminder that our bodies remember and keep score, not to shame us, but to guide us. To show us what supports healing and what triggers inflammation and to help us stay in alignment with our deeper needs, desires and goals, not just our momentary cravings.

Listening to your body doesn’t mean living in a bubble of perfection. It means honoring your truth, noticing what shifts, and making choices with curiosity instead of criticism.

What this week taught me is that my body loves being nourished with whole foods.  It thrives when I reduce gluten, processed foods and alcohol and when I stray too far from that, it speaks loudly and clearly.

The goal isn’t rigidity. It’s awareness.

It’s knowing that I can indulge with joy and celebration and also lovingly return to what helps me feel most like myself.

So if your body has been trying to get your attention through pain, fatigue, digestion, or mood, maybe it’s not being difficult…maybe it’s just trying to speak the truth.

And maybe the kindest thing we can do is slow down long enough to listen.