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Thinking about cravings and habits. Over the last few months, I have eliminated high-fructose corn syrup, then all sugars, then all refined carbs from my diet. As someone who loves sweets, these changes happened more easily than I would have imagined. I suppose in part because I was motivated from a place of deep understanding of what sugar, in particular, does to my health. And, I want to be, not just look, healthier.
As I eliminated these foods from my diet, I am finding the cravings for sweets or treats of some kind have almost completely vanished. I eat three meals a day. Sometimes I would be fine with just two. I truly feel satisfied by the food. This was something I have never experienced very often before. When I would lose weight it was an act of will. "I have to stop eating because I want to lose weight" was my mantra. Not, "I will stop eating because I am full and don't want to eat anymore." When I think about having a nice salad for lunch, I don't feel deprived by this choice, but instead look forward to all the wonderful tastes and textures that can come together in a salad.
Occasionally, I do have a craving for something sweet. A reward. And that is the word that came to mind when one of those moments arose the other day. It was a stressful day, and I was feeling a little run down, and wishing I could "reward myself" for slogging through all that I had. In that moment that I made the association I realized that when I was in my carb addicted state, I would have said yes to that idea. But now, it was easier for me to separate the emotional desire for a reward from the true sensation of hunger. I was not hungry. I did not need to eat to reward myself, or placate myself, or numb myself. I just needed to acknowledge that yes, it had been a stressful day, and I was feeling a bit worn out. Done. The moment passed. The craving passed.
It has me feeling more certain of the potentially addictive nature of some foods for some of us. For me, refined carbs are dangerous. Last night we went to a lovely little cafe in Boston, and ate outside. They brought us some yummy looking bread at the beginning of the meal. I was not going to touch it. I positioned it a bit further from me, and closer to my husband and daughter. A little later when I asked my husband if it was good...sometimes looks can be deceiving, he said it was, and offered me a bite. No. I declined. I realized one bite is harder than no bites.
I had a delicious nicoise salad with seared tuna, and some wonderful fresh berries. It was pampering at it's best. Healthy, vibrant colors and flavors, and delicious. Was I deprived because I didn't have any of the bread? Not in the least. I had a wonderful meal. I felt satisfied, not stuffed. And, I had no regrets, and triggered no further cravings.
These observations have made me more committed to this way of eating. I am too sensitive to the effects of refined foods. I just can't go there. It is a hole that can't be satisfied, let alone filled. Once I start I just want more. And I want to be healthier more than I want to be a slave to that constant desire.
Diet Calendar Entries for 03 July 2012:
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2213 kcal
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Fat: 167.31g | Prot: 123.75g | Carb: 56.03g.
Breakfast: Milk (2% Lowfat with Added Vitamin A and Protein), heavy cream, coffee, bacon, trader joe's uncured, eggs, coconut oil, 6 cheese italian blend, trader joe's olive tapenade. Lunch: applegate smoked turkey, cheddar cheese, egg, red pepper, Red Onions, avocado hass, olive oil, red wine vinegar, tomato, yellow , cucumber, spring green mix. Dinner: yogurt, strawberries, red wine vinegar, garlic, shallot, pancetta, kale, pork chop. Snacks/Other: cashews, trader joe's, macadamia nuts. more...
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4215 kcal
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Activities & Exercise:
Sitting - 6 hours, Housework - 1 hour, Bicycling (slow) - 11/mph - 12 minutes, Bicycling (moderate) - 13/mph - 9 minutes, Bicycling (very fast) - 17.5/mph - 4 minutes, Sleeping - 8 hours, Resting - 8 hours and 5 minutes, Walking (moderate) - 3/mph - 30 minutes. more...
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