Hello, hello everyone! Hope you’re having a beautiful Tuesday.
It’s been an absolute crazy one for me. Between work and having to take care of a few last minute things before I leave tomorrow, I don’t think I’ve been able to sit down for more than five minutes all day. Actually, I shouldn’t even be sitting down right now – I still have to pack and I haven’t even taken my suitcase out of the closet yet. Oops.
Buuuut, I couldn’t resist popping in to say hi, especially because I don’t imagine blogging will be too easy over the next week or so. I’ll do my best to post daily and keep you guys updated on my time in Cali, but I have no idea how much time I’ll actually have to sit down and write something profound, so I’m taking advantage while I can. Actually, the real reason I wanted to blog right now (besides the fact that I hate packing, so I’m putting it off as long as humanely possible) is because you guys left some pretty awesome comments on my last post about your own experiences with insatiable appetites, and one topic in particular really got me thinking…
Cravings. We all have them.
Whether it be for something sweet…
… or salty.
Something refreshing…
… or comforting.
Something crisp…
… or doughy.
… there are certain times where only that certain something, and nothing else, will do.
The problem is that we often ignore what our body tells us that it wants to eat (ie: our cravings) in favor of what our mind tell us that we should eat. How often have you wanted a cookie but had carrots instead because they were better for you? Guilty, right here. Were you satisfied? No, I ate carrots until I was orange in the face and still wanted my cookie. Actually, oftentimes I find that an inability to satisfy my hunger is actually the result of an inability to satisfy my cravings – if I don’t eat what I truly want, I’ll finish eating only to start prowling the kitchen in an effort to rid myself of that feeling that something is still missing. This is why I often end up eating breakfast for dinner…
Plain Greek yogurt – nectarine – blueberries – Kashi cinnamon harvest – roasted almond butter.
Sure, it’s not veggie-filled and protein-packed, but if past experience has taught me anything, it’s that the term “veggie-filled and protein packed” means absolutely nothing when all I want is a bowl of yogurt with cereal. And yes I eat this meal a lot, but as long as I’m craving it, I’m gonna roll with it… at least until I can have my oatmeal back…
Another thing I’ve learnt is that a craving ignored is a craving intensified. I have a huge sweet tooth, and if I don’t honor my sugar cravings on a regular basis I get cranky they build up and become… uncomfortable. I’m well aware that eating sugar will eventually cause me to sprout horns and drop dead (please note the heavy use of sarcasm), but… really? No, sorry; I’m past caring about what may or may not help me live 1.3 years longer. I do my best to stick to the healthier options when satisfying my sweet tooth, but as long as I feel good, I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing, and right now that means going to grab a bowl of ice cream…
… to help fuel me through some serious speed-packing. My flight leaves early tomorrow morning, and I’ll do my best to check-in with you guys daily, but posting might be a little bit sporadic for the next week so apologies in advance. I’ll be updating my Twitter and Instagram more regularly, though, so follow me there if you don’t already! Lots of love!
Twitter: @runwithspoons
Instagram: @runwithspoons
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What kind of foods have you been craving lately?
Do you always honor your cravings? What about the less healthy ones?
I can’t believe I’ve let myself get this behind in your posts! Oh, how I’ve missed you my dear Amanda! (and I owe you a BIG email too…I haven’t forgotten!)
I loved this post…like seriously LOVED! I’ve always had a hard time “honoring” my cravings…because most of the time I don’t know how to distinguish between a a true craving (something my body is needing) and a “snacky” craving (something I only think I want because I’m bored, I saw it on the tv/internet, or feeling down). But after some recent realizations, I’ve decided that I’ve gotten very out of sync with my body…overriding my true cravings and, like you said, reaching for carrots instead because that’s what I’m SUPPOSED to eat. It may take me a couple of days to get the words to come out right, but I’m planning a post on this real soon.
I tend to honor my cravings the best when I’m proud of myself or feeling accomplished…
I’m a firm believer that when you crave something, like legitimately crave something, it probably means your body needs it. On the other hand, craving dessert could simply mean that your body doesn’t feel fulfilled and instead feels deprived (not of a nutrient but more of a mental deprivation). In either case, not listening to what you want only leads to trouble just like you said! The body knows what’s up and what it wants, even if it’s a beautiful cupcake (which by the way, I have no words for…wow). Thanks for yet another great, thought-provoking post 🙂 Keep ’em coming! And most importantly, have an AMAZING time in Disneyland!!!!
Hope you have a lot of fun in Cali and can satisfy some cravings – I think seeeeeafood! Had the best seafood of my life there 😉
On other terms – I love your post. It is so true and exactly what I experienced with my cravings. Sadly giving in into cravings is not always the most economic or practical thing to do. My mealplan often considers what food I do have to use up, since its fresh and I do not want it to spoil.
I’ve never replied to this blog before, but I just wanted to let you know that I think your blog/posts are so encouraging and inspirational. I’ll admit that I’m suffering from an ED right now. I’m trying to get on the road to recovery day by day, but it is a daily struggle. Baby steps. Really small baby steps. I’ve been living with ED for so long that I don’t know how to live without it, but I’ve been having insane cravings for months that just torment me horribly. I want to get better and live a life that isn’t ruled by my food fears and strict workout routines. It sucks. Big time.
I admire you for your courage, and draw strength from your posts for myself to give me hope that one day, I can be where you are mentally and emotionally. So, thank you. Keep it up 🙂
Jess
Thanks for saying hi, Jess 🙂 I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles with an ED, but never give up hope that you can get better. I know it seems hopeless at times, and looking at how far you have to go makes you just want to give up, but it’s all about baby steps. Recovery takes a LONG time, and it’s so gradual that you often don’t even realize that it’s happening, but if you just work at one thing at a time, even if it seems small and insignificant, it all adds up and it’ll get you to where you want to go… just never give up 🙂
Life lesson #36: Always give into cravings.
I definitely still have a hard time honouring those cravings I have, well I actually don’t even crave unhealthy things anymore. But, that could be due to the ED and not actually have had any treats in yearsss!
I would like to start honouring cravings more, I need to get out and actually challenge myself to these foods. I’ve got a sweet tooth as well:)
Definitely try it out! I remember going through exactly the same thing… I really managed to convince myself that I don’t like treats because I had forgotten how gooooood they were. What I did was go back and try a lot of the things that I used to love to see if I still liked them. Some things I did, and some things I didn’t, but it helps to know that it’s what you truly want as opposed to what your ED is whispering to you.
I can so relate to this post! Like you, I eat almost the same breakfast every day because it is what I truly want. But after just finishing a nutrition course in university, I’m in a state of mental conflict because my prof kept emphasizing that variety – eating a wide range of different foods – is really important to health. What is your perspective on the recommendation by Canada’s Food Guide to eat a variety of foods?
By the way, I love myself some ice cream as dessert as well! But I find that the ice cream cones by Nestle parlour are too sweet for my liking; what type of brand do you buy?
Ahhh the variety issue is a tricky one, but honestly, I try not to stress about it too much. I do tend to eat a lot of the same foods, but I like to think that I get enough variety throughout the day, and I find that occasionally I’ll get sick of the foods that I regularly eat and start eating something new. In the end, I think it all comes down to how you feel. I remember back when I was obsessed with eating a lot of variety, my stomach absolutely hated me for it and I was always lethargic and moody as a result. Now, even though I don’t get as much variety, my stomach woes have all but disappeared and I have tonnes more energy. It’s all about finding out what works best for you.
And as for ice cream, I’m pretty limited in what I can get because of my allergy to peanuts, but I buy either Chapman’s or Mapletons.
I can totally relate to the whole trying to eat something ‘veggie filled and protein packed’ just because I thought that was the right thing to do even when I didn’t want it and I just ended up eating more than I really needed simply because I didn’t listen to what I really wanted. So stupid…there are no rules!! And I have a major sweet tooth and I listen to that and am I a whale and about to drop dead within a week because I eat too much sugar? NO! 🙂
At the moment I’m craving lots of dairy which I’ve finally given into the past couple of months and I feel about a million times better for it 🙂
Hope you have a good trip lovie! xx
Ahhh dairy… I remember how good it felt to give in to that craving after going almost a year without. Glad to hear that it’s been the same for you 😀
I used to deny myself cravings for years to the point where I truly didn’t want them anymore. I felt I was “above” cake and cookies and pizza, and I completely forgot what it felt like to actually want to eat them. Now I do my best to honour my cravings – which lately have been sushi, eggs, oatmeal, bruschetta (just made it for dinner last night. Yummm!) and fro yo. I mostly crave healthy things, but pizza and chocolate are some of my less healthy cravings, which I honour just as much as my healthy ones. I think I’ve been making up for lost time with pizza because I’ve been eating it SO much these past 2 years haha.
I’ve definitely started learning that I need to honor my cravings! Like you said, eating carrots until I’m orange won’t make me stop wanting that cookie! As long as I’m not just eating out of boredom or stress, giving in to what I really want is what my body needs!
If you’re craving cupcakes you should definitely hit up Sprinkles Cupcakes here in Cali! 🙂 Or Dots!
i am the same way with my sweet tooth. i used to ignore it and try to be ‘good’ (whatever the hell that means), but i would blow up and down an entire chocolate cake in one sitting. now i know to indulge a bit each day and im happier for it!
You said it, sister! I’m guilty of using carrots as a filler at times too– but I’ve learned that it is MUCH more effective to just accept my craving for what it is and have what I’m dreaming about! Of course, this doesn’t ALWAYS apply because I have some food sensitivities (wheat), but ice cream and froyo is still in the clear 😀
I never know what I really want – my ‘cravings’ go well beyond the point of satisfaction. If I give in and have, say, peanut butter, then my mind moves on to chocolate, then cereal, then probably something which isn’t vegan because I’ve already exhausted all of my vegan ‘cravings.’ I think there’s a whole other universe when it comes to emotional eaters versus controlled eaters though – it must be very nice to have easily deciferable desires when it comes to food that, once satisfied with an appopriate portion of the food, actually dissipate.
I hope you enjoy your trip 🙂
Listening to my cravings and generally trying to be a bit more intuitive is something I’m getting so much better at, but I do think you need to be eating a mostly whole foods diet to trust that your cravings aren’t a result of a refined sugar crash or some chemical laden foods. I guess its all about finding that balance as an individual. At the moment I’ve been craving spicy foods and for some reason yesterday I actually was fancying carrots! I totally agree though, sometimes you need to just give yourself what you want or you’ll never be satisfied!
Ah so true about cravings.! It’s taken me a while to finally grasp that the longer I deny them, the stronger they are going to get! And ironically enough, the more I give into them, the less often they come banging! Just thinking back to how I used to treat cravings makes me realise how ridiculous I was- if I craved chocolate, I would eat a huge bowl of strawberries rather than a mere square…illogical or what!! And I’m with you about brinner (breakfast for dinner)- I crave oatmeal yogurt messes too much to only have it once a day!
Oh, crazy cravings! I had been craving lentil chips literally for years until I finally found it in a small import shop in Osaka. I bought a big bag, ate it in less than 2 days and said goodbye to the craving. It’s true – until you get what you really want, the craving won’t disappear.
During the past few months I have been honouring my cravings without overthinking it. Before that – not so much. It’s easy to notice the difference. If I allow myself to eat what I want, I don’t feel constantly hungry (bottomless pit days not included 😛 ). The cravings vary a lot – peaches, cherries, pizza, chips, Greek yogurt, apricots, feta cheese, a good steak, rusks, nut butters… Sometimes satisfying these cravings is difficult even without the “It’s not good for you” barrier because some of them are extremely hard to find in these parts.
Enjoy your trip and take a lot of pictures!
The food photography in this post is making me crave fluffy frosting, berry smoothies, almond butter and cookie dough (or whatever amazing deliciousness the “doughy” photo is featuring…recipe? 😉 ) all at once! In all seriousness though, your words really resonate with me. In my last post I talked about a self-imposed food rule that I “have” to eat vegetables with every dinner. I find that on nights I don’t feel like tossing a salad on to my plate, I’ll often microwave or saute spinach, so that it wilts down into a few bites. That way I get it in, without filling my stomach. How silly, right?!
I love this line: “No, sorry; I’m past caring about what may or may not help me live 1.3 years longer.”
You’re SO right. 😀
Hope you have a safe trip to California tomorrow!! Enjoy every minute of your vacation! <3
I try to do the same thing with my cravings–go for the healthier version, because I really do like healthy foods, but I don’t ignore them anymore or try to convince myself I really want something else. That just doesn’t work and it makes me feel unsatisfied. For example, I eat sweet stuff on a daily basis but I pick healthy options like dark chocolate, coconut milk ice cream and nut butter and it works out really well for me. I feel happy, satisfied and okay with my choices!
Have so much fun in Cali! I’m jealous over here 😉
I agree with everything you have said about cravings. But my bigger trouble seems to be, deciphering WHAT I’m craving,( obviously ,I get the minimum once a day nut butter & dark chocolate cravings, like every other sane persond:p), but when it comes to meal/snack times, I hardly ever know what I want,often too many things sound good! This is especially true If I let myself get too hungry. Choosing what to eat can seem awfully hard at times:/.
Have a super fabulous time in Cali! Remember to relax & enjoy your yourself & meet all your favourite Disney characters. And don’t worry at all if you are too busy having a blast too blog. We’ll all be here when you get back:)!
Xxx
I have the same problem with having a hard time figuring out what I want to eat if I let myself get too hungry, but it’s definitely getting better the longer I’m taking care of myself. Hard to believe, but recovery takes sooooo long…. even when you’re seemingly healthy, there’s still some lingering issues that take longer to go away.
Most people would be satisfied. But alas I’ll be craving oreos, then I’ll be craving ice-cream and at the end I’ve eaten the whole packet of Oreos and and the entire tub of ice-cream.
Have a great time in Cali – Disneyland is awesome you will love it. Make sure you come back though. No going away for a couple of days then not returning for a year!
Maybe your body is just craving sugar? Especially if you’ve been depriving yourself of it for a really long time? I used to get craaaaaaazy cravings that I couldn’t seem to satisfy, but they all simmered down eventually the longer I listened to them.
And no disappearing, I’m back and will be posting again soon 🙂
I couldn’t have said it better myself! I think this was one of my worst offenses the first time I was trying to lose my freshman 15 weight – I would crave something, then manage to convince myself that I didn’t want it, only to go on and eat like six other things that I “should”. But still had that craving, so I ended up eating whatever it was anyway, feeling guilty that I had then gone way overboard unnecessarily. No more! I probably eat some kind of sweet treat every day now. Mostly healthy, but I will definitely not deny myself that indulgent white-flour-white-sugar chocolate chip cookie 😛
oh, and safe travels!!
Well, I just died of a foodgasm haha That smoothie, apple, carrots, cereal bowls….good Lord woman, you sure know how to make a gal drool! Now I’m craving all of the above 😀
But really, I’ve had an insatiable craving for eggs and peanut butter. It’s so weird, like I honestly can’t get enough of that combo! I’ve eaten it in some form every day for the past 2.5 weeks and I’m nowhere near sick of it– I just want MORE!! 😀 Well, whatever the reason, it sure has been delicious honoring the cravings 😉
yummy! i’ve been craving ice cream, yogurt covered pretzels, pb, and peanut m&m’s lately. i have a total sweet tooth 😛 i honor my cravings because you’re so right! – cravings ignored are cravings intensified (x’s a million!).
vacations are so much fun, but i deeespise the packing part. and i always end up over packing because i don’t know what i want to bring and come up with all these scenarios where i think i’ll need that particular thing. enjoy that ice cream! 🙂 and have SO much fun and i can’t wait to see your updates!!
I’m definitely an over-packer! But I guess it’s better to be safe than sorry… or at least that’s what I try and tell myself lol.
Have an awesome time in Cali!! I always put off packing, too:) Haha – I’m usually packing stuff about 1 minute before I actually head out the door. Ohh well.
I’ve been craving cookies like nothing else!! I made some super-charge me cookies that are gluten free and vegan, but still have sugar in them. I loove those things, and they totally satisfied my cravings today!
So excited for you Amanda and your trip to California!!!!!! I always find it hard to sleep the night before vacation due to sheer excitement!!!!! I definitely have been craving sweets lately – especially after dinner. Kashi CInnamon Harvest is one of my favorite cereals – especially with greek yogurt. Some of my other favorite snacks are chocolate, almonds, or if im craving salty i choose hummus with pretzels!!!
Your food photos are making me hungry! I definitely listen to my cravings, but prior to digging into the almond butter jar or heading out for fro-yo, I take some time to think about *why* I’m craving certain foods, especially when it comes to treats. During days (or weeks) where I’m mindlessly snacking & ‘giving into cravings’ is usually due to boredom, habit (too many days in a row of indulgences) or as a distraction mechanism. At the same time, I crave healthy foods – usually things like avocados, sushi, eggs, nuts & bananas. I like to think it all balances out, but I think its important to evaluate any emotional triggers that could be “making me” crave cupcakes, chocolate, etc.
Definitely! Taking some time to figure out the “why” behind a craving is a great way to get more in-tune with your body too 🙂
Amen!
I’ve been craving pancakes A LOT lately that I’ve even been inclined to have them for lunch and dinner (not on the same day, though). It’s sort of getting out of hand but hey, don’t deprive a girl of her pancakes, mmmkay? 😛
I usually do honour my cravings, especially my cravings for chocolate cake because I know that I will be disappointed if I don’t honour them. I hate feeling disappointed after a meal so I’d rather just eat what I feel like and be happy! That’s not to say that I crave chocolate cake all the time! But if it’s there and I want it, I will eat it 😀
How do you come up with just the right topics every time you post? This was another post coming just when I needed it. My cravings usually are “unhealthy” ones – I can never get enough chocolate or soy pudding … And I feel you on eating huge amounts of healthy foods trying to make “unhealthy” desires disappear only to give in to them in the end.
Sometimes, though, I can’t really tell what I’m actually craving. It’s cravings like these that I find the hardest because I’m having bits and bites of many foods and never really feel satisfied. Do you experience that as well?
I hope you have an amazing Disneyland vacation with your family! Enjoy it and tell us everything about it (only if you feel like it, naturally!) afterwards! I’ve never been to Disneyland before and am certainly not going to admit to being jealous of you 😉 …
I definitely know what you mean when it comes to not being able to pinpoint a craving… It’s something that I’ve had to deal with a lot, and I honestly think it’s not a craving as much as it’s hunger. When I let myself get too hungry, I have a really hard time deciding what I want to eat, and I end up standing around the kitchen taking little bites of everything in an effort to feel satisfied… which never happens. I find that the only thing that helps in that situation is to eat a normal sized meal… that always hits the spot 🙂