An Expensive Meal and a Quiet Reminder

Today, January 11, I ate my first—and hopefully last—solo meal that cost over ₱1,000. I dined at Flour Café and ordered salmon teriyaki, a parmesan brioche butter croissant, pain au chocolat, barbecue pork buns, and tea.

It was expensive. It tasted good. And most of it was unhealthy.

As I sat there at 3 PM, I felt two things at once: gratitude and guilt. Gratitude because I can now afford something like that. Guilt because I know what refined carbs and poor food choices do to my body.

I felt it immediately—my body inflamed, my system unsettled. It reminded me how far I’ve come, and how much discipline I still need. I don’t regret the experience, but I won’t romanticize it either.

This is a reminder to myself: I thrive with structure. Fasting, home-cooked meals, mindful eating—these are not restrictions, they’re freedom. Three days of bad habits end today. I’m back on track.

Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness, correction, and commitment. I’m in control—but I need to maintain it consistently, not only when it’s convenient.