I ate too much...again

Nacho Mamma's in Stillwater is renown for generous portion sizes and authentic-tasting Mexican food. Going with a group of couples, the evening turned into a challenge of machismo and masculinity. I don't understand why men believe it's necessary to shove as much food as they can through their intestines to prove their worth as a man. Sadly, at times I'm guilty, and last night was one of those times.

Over a month ago, our small group bible study decided this Wednesday would be a social event and we'd spend some time eating dinner together. I appreciate opportunities to fellowship with other Christ followers. Somehow, prior to our get together, the amount of food I can consume in one sitting became a discussion topic and the challenge was brought forward to see if I could eat the smothered burrito at Nacho Mamma's. Of course, the others doubted more than Thomas (notice the bible study analogy), but I had none. I knew I'd be the only one feeling the regret of downing an entire three pound burrito, but I did it anyways.

During a typical dinner with friends, others are astonished by how much food I eat. I don't know why, but I've always been able to eat a lot. As a child, we never had leftovers the next day. I would sit at the table after everyone was excused and clean all of the pots and pans of extra food. I have vivid memories of finishing 2-3 additional servings of rice straight from the pan after dinner. To those who eat alongside me for the first time, this comes as a surprise, but it's not a surprise to family members or others I've shared meals with in the past.

I once ate the 40-ounce "Beefeater" at Prime Quarter Steakhouse in Madison in under 30 minutes. I also tackled the "Big Ass Burger Challenge" at State Street Brats. Think two-one pound patties on a loaf of sourdough bread with a pound of fries and 32 ounces of a beverage of choice. Naturally, the trick is to eat the fries first (starches digest quickly and leave room for the meat). These challenges aren't even when I eat the most. I usually consume the most food when I make a gourmet meal or we're out to eat and Liz or someone else doesn't finish their meal.

So, in the spirit of eating way too much food, I killed the smothered burrito. I didn't feel as though I overate until I left the restaurant to wrestle with a few athletes at Victory. That decision was far worse than packing my arteries with a 3,000 calorie burrito. I paid for it all through the night. The most irrational part: this is the third time in two weeks that I haven't been able to sleep after overeating. Last week I ate two large pizzas from Papa Murphy's for dinner (I couldn't stop eating because I couldn't get enough of the taste) and also overate the night I made a rib roast and lentils. Stupid. Dumb. Crazy. Idiotic. Good food, though.

I love food - sometimes too much. I'm sure this will happen again and certain I'm the only one who loses in moments like this, even if I win the contest.