I spent too many years denying myself the simple pleasures in life, aka a good New York-style bagel.

Bread. Gluten. Carbs. All on the no list.

If I allowed myself to have one, it needed to be justified. It was a special occasion. There was a hard workout planned later.

My reasons today?

It was Wednesday, and I was near the "good" bagel shop.

I savored every bite of that toasted, buttery goodness without an ounce of guilt.