August 31, 2017
Craving has a bad reputation, and some of that is deserved, but when really studied, it's an important part of hunger.
A couple of months ago I met a friend at a restaurant that serves food native to India. We had a lovely dinner, staying for three and a half hours, eating amazing food, catching up. For weeks after, I kept thinking about returning to the place, but it is on the other side of town from my office and just didn't work out. Finally, two weeks ago, I was off from work, and I thought, I want to go there. And I did. This satisfied my craving, and while I'll go back as soon as possible, I don't think of the food almost daily now.
Craving is sometimes a message from our bodies about something it needs. A few weeks ago, a co-worker gave me two tomatoes. They were so sweet and delicious, and I wanted more, so I went to the Farmers' Market again after a few years of missing it because I couldn't seem to get my behind out the door on Saturday morning before starting the rest of my day. Over this time, I've bought pounds and pounds of tomatoes. They sometimes went into dishes I cooked, but most of them were sliced and eaten as they were (maybe a bit of sea salt). A friend told me my body might be craving iron from them, and she may have been right. I also think I craved the deliciousness of real tomatoes, not the tasteless things that pass for them at the grocery. My body craved their goodness, including taste and nutrition.
Craving is hard to ignore and best not to sometimes, at least for very
long, because it can turn into a binge (and hence the bad rep). I want
to be careful and not get into the diet industry's words here, but by
this I mean something out-of-control or over-the-top. If I crave
something for a few days, I'm trying now to have it within a reasonable time and quantity.
Tomorrow, I'll write about deprivation, which can turn craving into a monster.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Hunger, Part IX
August 30, 2017
Last night I saw a documentary about Wendell Berry's work and what has happened to farmers in America. I'm not a farmer or even a gardener. One summer two decades ago, I grew tomatoes and flowers, and I'll admit that I grew to resent the time that took from my other passions. I do sometimes wonder, though, if I might take more interest later in life like my father did after his retirement. Until he physically couldn't any longer, he grew tomatoes all summer, one crop after another off his carport. And he grew beautiful flowers. I do respect farmers and gardeners, and I, as readers know, am back to supporting my local farmers' market. I still hope the family farm can be saved, and I know part of that will come with renewed respect for the land.
I'm a person of contradiction. I love cities and cannot live in a rural area, but I realized last night that I have made a great compromise. My home is in a small city and is generally very quiet inside, but I travel to one of two larger cities (one is an hour's drive away, the other two hours) several times a year, and this year I'm going back to New York City. Circumstances have kept me from there for five long years, and I'm making that happen. I get energy that will last me months, and I give my energy in return. I'm also thinking I want to explore parks in my small city when temperatures cool. When I lived in the largest of those two cities I mentioned, I visited a park there, fed the ducks, walked around the pond, sat in a swing and read. I have recently remembered that and started missing it. I don't think you'll read about me walking in the woods, however. That scares me more than some side streets or the traffic in large cities. ;-)
But hunger...
The images and words of the documentary, along with an ill-advised cup of coffee ordered too late in the day, kept me awake far past midnight and brought restless sleep. I hungered for many things, including for quiet and peace, for the city I love and to travel to another city I want to visit so badly, and for the time and structure to do the work I truly wish to do. These are not new hungers--this has been coming. But last night this hunger, these needs (for they are needs, not wishes) burned, not in my stomach but in my soul. Some of the work I'm doing now will allow the necessary changes, and in fact already does more than a year ago. I'm starting to realize also why I need these in my life and how important satisfying these hungers is to my happiness. This hunger, I think, is fueling my others, for in dealing with those, I create time for these.
Last night I saw a documentary about Wendell Berry's work and what has happened to farmers in America. I'm not a farmer or even a gardener. One summer two decades ago, I grew tomatoes and flowers, and I'll admit that I grew to resent the time that took from my other passions. I do sometimes wonder, though, if I might take more interest later in life like my father did after his retirement. Until he physically couldn't any longer, he grew tomatoes all summer, one crop after another off his carport. And he grew beautiful flowers. I do respect farmers and gardeners, and I, as readers know, am back to supporting my local farmers' market. I still hope the family farm can be saved, and I know part of that will come with renewed respect for the land.
I'm a person of contradiction. I love cities and cannot live in a rural area, but I realized last night that I have made a great compromise. My home is in a small city and is generally very quiet inside, but I travel to one of two larger cities (one is an hour's drive away, the other two hours) several times a year, and this year I'm going back to New York City. Circumstances have kept me from there for five long years, and I'm making that happen. I get energy that will last me months, and I give my energy in return. I'm also thinking I want to explore parks in my small city when temperatures cool. When I lived in the largest of those two cities I mentioned, I visited a park there, fed the ducks, walked around the pond, sat in a swing and read. I have recently remembered that and started missing it. I don't think you'll read about me walking in the woods, however. That scares me more than some side streets or the traffic in large cities. ;-)
But hunger...
The images and words of the documentary, along with an ill-advised cup of coffee ordered too late in the day, kept me awake far past midnight and brought restless sleep. I hungered for many things, including for quiet and peace, for the city I love and to travel to another city I want to visit so badly, and for the time and structure to do the work I truly wish to do. These are not new hungers--this has been coming. But last night this hunger, these needs (for they are needs, not wishes) burned, not in my stomach but in my soul. Some of the work I'm doing now will allow the necessary changes, and in fact already does more than a year ago. I'm starting to realize also why I need these in my life and how important satisfying these hungers is to my happiness. This hunger, I think, is fueling my others, for in dealing with those, I create time for these.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Hunger, Part VIII
August 29, 2017
When the word hunger comes up, most of us think about a need for food, perhaps a dire need. That's understandable. It is, after all, the definition in the dictionary. I read somewhere once that if you're not hungry enough to eat an apple, you're not hungry. That's a great soundbite, but one shouldn't get so hungry that an apple, if not otherwise a favorite choice, is considered the only choice. This isn't, in my opinion, a good measurement of hunger.
Today's blog isn't about the kind of hunger that gnaws at your insides. It's about hunger for quality food, for food well-prepared with good ingredients. While I cook a lot at home and am learning more about using spices and herbs, I still find my best meals in restaurants. Recently I've tried two I'd never gone to. One serves dishes native to India, the other Thailand. Both were delicious. and I have or will return. I also have a place that serves the best black-bean burger in town and another that has the best salad bar. I don't tend to order salads when out. I make a lot of those at home, and I've noticed that often the calorie and fat count in a restaurant salad rivals that of heartier food that will fill me up more. With the salad bar I mentioned, though, I have a variety I cannot possibly carry in my home and can make good choices.
Restaurants get a lot of bad word regarding large portion size. There are ways around this. I can sometimes share a meal (though this is rare since I stopped eating most meat) or take leftovers home for lunch the next day. This makes a restaurant less wasteful and cost prohibitive.
But again, this kind of hunger is about eating something so good, my mouth is saying mmmmm before I've even put the fork inside my mouth (the nose already recognizes the quality). To not feel deprived, to mix things up, I go to restaurants two to three times a week on average. Having well-prepared, well-flavored foods served to me is a treat and a great pleasure.
And along the way, I'm learning to cook more flavorable foods also. Eating healthy shouldn't be deprived eating.
When the word hunger comes up, most of us think about a need for food, perhaps a dire need. That's understandable. It is, after all, the definition in the dictionary. I read somewhere once that if you're not hungry enough to eat an apple, you're not hungry. That's a great soundbite, but one shouldn't get so hungry that an apple, if not otherwise a favorite choice, is considered the only choice. This isn't, in my opinion, a good measurement of hunger.
Today's blog isn't about the kind of hunger that gnaws at your insides. It's about hunger for quality food, for food well-prepared with good ingredients. While I cook a lot at home and am learning more about using spices and herbs, I still find my best meals in restaurants. Recently I've tried two I'd never gone to. One serves dishes native to India, the other Thailand. Both were delicious. and I have or will return. I also have a place that serves the best black-bean burger in town and another that has the best salad bar. I don't tend to order salads when out. I make a lot of those at home, and I've noticed that often the calorie and fat count in a restaurant salad rivals that of heartier food that will fill me up more. With the salad bar I mentioned, though, I have a variety I cannot possibly carry in my home and can make good choices.
Restaurants get a lot of bad word regarding large portion size. There are ways around this. I can sometimes share a meal (though this is rare since I stopped eating most meat) or take leftovers home for lunch the next day. This makes a restaurant less wasteful and cost prohibitive.
But again, this kind of hunger is about eating something so good, my mouth is saying mmmmm before I've even put the fork inside my mouth (the nose already recognizes the quality). To not feel deprived, to mix things up, I go to restaurants two to three times a week on average. Having well-prepared, well-flavored foods served to me is a treat and a great pleasure.
And along the way, I'm learning to cook more flavorable foods also. Eating healthy shouldn't be deprived eating.
Monday, August 28, 2017
Hunger, Part VII
August 28, 2017
"My father believes hunger is in the mind. I know differently. I know that hunger is in the mind and the body and the heart and the soul." --Roxane Gay, Hunger
This quote first came to me via a Facebook post. Late yesterday, I came across it in the memoir.
Hunger, indeed, is in the mind and body and the heart and the soul. And while it is often seen as bad, it's actually good. Without hunger, we'd starve. Without hunger, there would be no knowledge. Without hunger, there would be no love and no deep truths. It's when hunger is seen as something to fear, to fight, to hate, when it's ignored, that it's dark side shows. But hunger listened to, hunger embraced, that can bring health and healing, happiness and even joy--and much light.
"My father believes hunger is in the mind. I know differently. I know that hunger is in the mind and the body and the heart and the soul." --Roxane Gay, Hunger
This quote first came to me via a Facebook post. Late yesterday, I came across it in the memoir.
Hunger, indeed, is in the mind and body and the heart and the soul. And while it is often seen as bad, it's actually good. Without hunger, we'd starve. Without hunger, there would be no knowledge. Without hunger, there would be no love and no deep truths. It's when hunger is seen as something to fear, to fight, to hate, when it's ignored, that it's dark side shows. But hunger listened to, hunger embraced, that can bring health and healing, happiness and even joy--and much light.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Hunger, Part VI
August 27, 2017
Yesterday, I wrote about spiritual hunger. Today, I'm going to take another big step and write about desire as hunger. This isn't the desire for material things, though having at least the minimum of security in our lives is important. After that, we move on up Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and that takes me to love, creativity, and happiness (or should I say joy?). A hunger for this higher sense of life is real, and the denial of it, whether self-inflicted or by someone else, is also real and causes a person to get stuck.
How do we get unstuck?
We make one small change and then another small change. Eventually, we make bigger changes. We put ourselves out there. In the past few weeks, I've started this blog. I've gone to the grocery and/or Farmers' Market weekly. I've been prepared for meals taken away from home. I've received an award, going up to a stage in front of hundreds of people and having my photo taken. I've worked on a room that needed work and taken steps necessary to organize my computer files. I've spoken my truth. I did some training to make my part-time job a bit more efficient. Now, I have a short story nearly ready to be submitted and am about to send queries to agents for my novel. I submitted a proposal to give a lecture in November, and it was accepted (yikes, now I have to research, write, and practice). Small changes. Small steps.
I'd felt stuck for a long time. I am fearful of getting stuck again, I'll admit. But these small changes are causing ripples, and I'm not sure I can go back now. I don't want to be stuck ever again and especially not for as long as I was.
My goals are love, creativity, and joy (yes, I said it). Forward.
Yesterday, I wrote about spiritual hunger. Today, I'm going to take another big step and write about desire as hunger. This isn't the desire for material things, though having at least the minimum of security in our lives is important. After that, we move on up Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and that takes me to love, creativity, and happiness (or should I say joy?). A hunger for this higher sense of life is real, and the denial of it, whether self-inflicted or by someone else, is also real and causes a person to get stuck.
How do we get unstuck?
We make one small change and then another small change. Eventually, we make bigger changes. We put ourselves out there. In the past few weeks, I've started this blog. I've gone to the grocery and/or Farmers' Market weekly. I've been prepared for meals taken away from home. I've received an award, going up to a stage in front of hundreds of people and having my photo taken. I've worked on a room that needed work and taken steps necessary to organize my computer files. I've spoken my truth. I did some training to make my part-time job a bit more efficient. Now, I have a short story nearly ready to be submitted and am about to send queries to agents for my novel. I submitted a proposal to give a lecture in November, and it was accepted (yikes, now I have to research, write, and practice). Small changes. Small steps.
I'd felt stuck for a long time. I am fearful of getting stuck again, I'll admit. But these small changes are causing ripples, and I'm not sure I can go back now. I don't want to be stuck ever again and especially not for as long as I was.
My goals are love, creativity, and joy (yes, I said it). Forward.
Hunger, Part V
August 26, 2017
This blog isn't just about food, eating, and weight. My intention for this blog is a more holistic approach, and today's hunger fits that well.
Hunger can be spiritual.
I'm not about to get all preachy or religious on anyone. I don't try to prescribe what someone should believe. But I do think that a lack of something spiritual, as a person defines their own beliefs, can cause an emptiness that masquerades as physical hunger. Figuring out what those beliefs are is imperative for most of us, as is not taking on someone else's dogma. Finding one's own path is the way to wholeness.
I pretty sure I'll be posting more about spirituality as this blog moves forward, but for today, I just want to mention this type of hunger and plant that seed. It is a first step in filling a chasm in the body that cannot be filled with food, not for long at least.
This blog isn't just about food, eating, and weight. My intention for this blog is a more holistic approach, and today's hunger fits that well.
Hunger can be spiritual.
I'm not about to get all preachy or religious on anyone. I don't try to prescribe what someone should believe. But I do think that a lack of something spiritual, as a person defines their own beliefs, can cause an emptiness that masquerades as physical hunger. Figuring out what those beliefs are is imperative for most of us, as is not taking on someone else's dogma. Finding one's own path is the way to wholeness.
I pretty sure I'll be posting more about spirituality as this blog moves forward, but for today, I just want to mention this type of hunger and plant that seed. It is a first step in filling a chasm in the body that cannot be filled with food, not for long at least.
Friday, August 25, 2017
Hunger, Part IV
August 25, 2017
Sometimes hunger isn't hunger; it's thirst. But how do you know? Follow the signs with these cues from Livestrong.
If I'm feeling hungry, I can first compare my hunger to the last time I ate. An hour or two ago? I am probably not hungry but I can try a snack to see. If five hours, I'm almost-certainly hungry.
If I eat a snack and food doesn't help, however, that's a sign I'm probably thirsty. After drinking a glass of water (about 8 ounces) and waiting 15 minutes, I can determine if I'm still hungry. Is my stomach still growling? Or am I now satisfied? Is my headache or fatigue gone?
This can be new territory, even for someone like me who has known that sometimes thirst masquerades as hunger. Having this information is one thing; using it is another. But when considering feelings of hunger, thirst cannot be discarded as a reason. And that's worth remembering before piling on a lot of food that won't satiate the hunger being felt.
Sometimes hunger isn't hunger; it's thirst. But how do you know? Follow the signs with these cues from Livestrong.
- Hunger: weakness, irritability or moodiness, stomach rumbling, and feeling empty. True hunger is felt gradually (that is, if you're paying attention to your body).
- Thirst: dry eyes, headache, sluggishness, nausea, dizziness, dry skin, and constipation. Dark yellow urine and a dry mouth are signs of dehydration.
- Eat at regular intervals, probably of about four hours each, but some people find smaller, more frequent eating is best for them and others have to follow someone else's clock so a snack between meals at longer intervals might be helpful.
- Drink water frequently throughout the day. Don't get thirsty, because that's a first sign of dehydration already starting. The recommended amount of water per day is 64 ounces, but more will probably be needed if you're working out or in a very hot environment.
If I'm feeling hungry, I can first compare my hunger to the last time I ate. An hour or two ago? I am probably not hungry but I can try a snack to see. If five hours, I'm almost-certainly hungry.
If I eat a snack and food doesn't help, however, that's a sign I'm probably thirsty. After drinking a glass of water (about 8 ounces) and waiting 15 minutes, I can determine if I'm still hungry. Is my stomach still growling? Or am I now satisfied? Is my headache or fatigue gone?
This can be new territory, even for someone like me who has known that sometimes thirst masquerades as hunger. Having this information is one thing; using it is another. But when considering feelings of hunger, thirst cannot be discarded as a reason. And that's worth remembering before piling on a lot of food that won't satiate the hunger being felt.
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Hunger, Part III
August 24, 2017
Beyond physical hunger and satiation, there's another kind of hunger. It grows not in the body but somewhere else, and it's the hunger I both know well and don't know at all. This hunger is one of unconsciousness, and it masks unrecognized feelings. It adds pounds to a frame without the person realizing how. But if allowed, if awareness is chosen, this hunger can unmask those unrecognized feelings, revealing them to be examined and dealt with. This is dangerous territory, as this hunger also can reveal our deepest hurts and desires. This hunger feeds on boredom, deprivation, pain,loneliness, anger, hurt feelings, fear, broken hearts, unfulfilled dreams, unexpressed desires... Behind this awareness is hope and a future.
I started keeping a food list on the first day of this month. It's nothing fancy, just a small wire-bound notebook. As I'm becoming more aware, it's not as necessary to write down what I'm eating, but it's in my bag, and I will use it any day I feel the need. Listing the food I'm eating makes me aware of when I eat and what I eat. I'm trying to not judge, just to list. This isn't a diet (that word!) but a way of life I'm trying to establish. Eating healthy, eating when hungry, not use food to mask (fill in the blank). I'm learning awareness. When I want something now and I'm not hungry, I'm asking myself, why? What am I feeling? What do I really want? If I listen, this hunger will answer.
Beyond physical hunger and satiation, there's another kind of hunger. It grows not in the body but somewhere else, and it's the hunger I both know well and don't know at all. This hunger is one of unconsciousness, and it masks unrecognized feelings. It adds pounds to a frame without the person realizing how. But if allowed, if awareness is chosen, this hunger can unmask those unrecognized feelings, revealing them to be examined and dealt with. This is dangerous territory, as this hunger also can reveal our deepest hurts and desires. This hunger feeds on boredom, deprivation, pain,loneliness, anger, hurt feelings, fear, broken hearts, unfulfilled dreams, unexpressed desires... Behind this awareness is hope and a future.
I started keeping a food list on the first day of this month. It's nothing fancy, just a small wire-bound notebook. As I'm becoming more aware, it's not as necessary to write down what I'm eating, but it's in my bag, and I will use it any day I feel the need. Listing the food I'm eating makes me aware of when I eat and what I eat. I'm trying to not judge, just to list. This isn't a diet (that word!) but a way of life I'm trying to establish. Eating healthy, eating when hungry, not use food to mask (fill in the blank). I'm learning awareness. When I want something now and I'm not hungry, I'm asking myself, why? What am I feeling? What do I really want? If I listen, this hunger will answer.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Hunger, Part II
August 23, 2017
I've heard for years that you need to stop eating before you're full because it takes 20 minutes for the body to get to the point of being full, and I've experienced this. The Web MD article I shared yesterday on "Hunger, Part I" offers these tips to this other side of hunger, "satisfied."
I've heard for years that you need to stop eating before you're full because it takes 20 minutes for the body to get to the point of being full, and I've experienced this. The Web MD article I shared yesterday on "Hunger, Part I" offers these tips to this other side of hunger, "satisfied."
- Relax before you start eating, and then eat slowly. Remember it takes time for your stomach to tell your brain that you're full.
- Stop a quarter of the way through your meal, and check your hunger level. If you're still hungry, keep eating, but stop again at the halfway point. No matter what your parents taught you, you don't have to clean your plate.
- Learn what proper portions are. We're used to restaurant portions, but restaurant portions usually contain much more food than we need.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Hunger, Part 1
August 22, 2017
Last Saturday, a friend joined me at the Farmers' Market, and we had breakfast there--mine was an egg and cheese on sourdough sandwich. This happened around ten o'clock. Later, we met at Starbucks, and I had a frapp. Hours later, we went to Ruby Tuesday for dinner; it was probably after six o'clock. I didn't know how hungry I was until I went to the salad bar, even before placing my order with the server. I'll rephrase that, my body didn't know, but my mind somehow did. My stomach hadn't growled, and I hadn't had other signals. It was only when I started eating that I physically recognized that I was famished. How can that be?
I found a hunger scale from 1 to 10 at Web MD and share it here:
I think one reason I didn't notice my hunger Saturday evening, and I should have been hungry, was that I was in my mind and not focused on my body. This is a signal for me to check in with it more often. Also, scheduling meals will help.
The good news is I have made enough changes already to eat healthy foods and even took leftovers home. But paying attention to hunger, not fearing it, is something I'm getting used to.
Last Saturday, a friend joined me at the Farmers' Market, and we had breakfast there--mine was an egg and cheese on sourdough sandwich. This happened around ten o'clock. Later, we met at Starbucks, and I had a frapp. Hours later, we went to Ruby Tuesday for dinner; it was probably after six o'clock. I didn't know how hungry I was until I went to the salad bar, even before placing my order with the server. I'll rephrase that, my body didn't know, but my mind somehow did. My stomach hadn't growled, and I hadn't had other signals. It was only when I started eating that I physically recognized that I was famished. How can that be?
I found a hunger scale from 1 to 10 at Web MD and share it here:
- 1—Starving, weak, dizzy
- 2—Very hungry, cranky, low energy, lots of stomach growling
- 3—Pretty hungry, stomach is growling a little
- 4—Starting to feel a little hungry
- 5—Satisfied, neither hungry nor full
- 6—A little full, pleasantly full
- 7—A little uncomfortable
- 8—Feeling stuffed
- 9—Very uncomfortable, stomach hurts
- 10—So full you feel sick
I think one reason I didn't notice my hunger Saturday evening, and I should have been hungry, was that I was in my mind and not focused on my body. This is a signal for me to check in with it more often. Also, scheduling meals will help.
The good news is I have made enough changes already to eat healthy foods and even took leftovers home. But paying attention to hunger, not fearing it, is something I'm getting used to.
Monday, August 21, 2017
Portion Size and Unconscious Eating
August 21, 2017
I'm reading labels more now and paying attention to portion size. Talk about sticker shock! A light shines above my head now about how I've eaten far too much, and often without thinking. I caught myself nibbling one day last week, and I stopped and said, What is going on? And I realized a problem was in my head but not consciously so. That was why I ate. I was getting hungry, too, so I dealt with the problem and prepared a meal.
One night last week I cooked some Trader Joe's pasta. The bag indicated it contained six servings, but I adjusted this to four and calculated the calories. In the future, I'm only cooking a third or half a bag because I don't want to have pasta for days, no matter how good it is. Yesterday, I cooked some Trader Joe's rice. I measured out what was indicated to be four servings, and when cooked adjusted that to three. I had some yesterday and have some for lunch today and then tomorrow. In time, I'm going to probably go to the serving size indicated, but I'm okay with this for now because my meals are fairly simple. I don't do several courses at home, but instead usually have only one item--like today rice with beans, guacamole (a good fat and in a premeasured container), and salsa. I brought a bowl of veggies and will spoon some of those on top. Because the beans are also a carb (and a protein), I probably could have had the regular size serving of rice. I'll consider that next time.
Portion size has a learning curve, and I'm in the early stages of that. Overall, though, I think I'm getting it.
I'm reading labels more now and paying attention to portion size. Talk about sticker shock! A light shines above my head now about how I've eaten far too much, and often without thinking. I caught myself nibbling one day last week, and I stopped and said, What is going on? And I realized a problem was in my head but not consciously so. That was why I ate. I was getting hungry, too, so I dealt with the problem and prepared a meal.
One night last week I cooked some Trader Joe's pasta. The bag indicated it contained six servings, but I adjusted this to four and calculated the calories. In the future, I'm only cooking a third or half a bag because I don't want to have pasta for days, no matter how good it is. Yesterday, I cooked some Trader Joe's rice. I measured out what was indicated to be four servings, and when cooked adjusted that to three. I had some yesterday and have some for lunch today and then tomorrow. In time, I'm going to probably go to the serving size indicated, but I'm okay with this for now because my meals are fairly simple. I don't do several courses at home, but instead usually have only one item--like today rice with beans, guacamole (a good fat and in a premeasured container), and salsa. I brought a bowl of veggies and will spoon some of those on top. Because the beans are also a carb (and a protein), I probably could have had the regular size serving of rice. I'll consider that next time.
Portion size has a learning curve, and I'm in the early stages of that. Overall, though, I think I'm getting it.
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