What the [bleep] was up with my appetite today!? Good thing I had packed a beastly amount of food because, lemme tell you, I woke up with a hunger that just wouldn’t quit.
As per usual, I started the day with Jillian (Level 3 of the Shred). I felt great throughout the 20 minutes of this, that, and the other – it’s crazy how energetic it gets me at 4:30 am. But as soon as I got out of the shower my stomach was growling like a crazy rabid Rottweiler. This is pretty atypical for me because my GI tract is slow to get going in the morning. Not today! With only food on the brain, I made my way to the kitchen to quiet my tummy (this was at 5:15 before I was even dressed!).
As I stared into the cabinets, I couldn’t stop thinking about how bizarre my body was being. I felt woozy almost. Need food. Need food. Need food.
On work days, I normally pack two breakfasts: the first is for the road (or to eat in my car right before work), and the second is for when I get hungry again at work (at a more “normal” breakfast time).
Today, however, I knew there was NOOOOO way I was going to make it to work on coffee alone. Here’s where things get really weird.
All I wanted was walnuts. I craved them in a major way.
[My mom is probably about to keel over reading this]
Why is this weird? If you know me, you know how much I detest most nuts. I have only recently learned to like cashews and almonds, and it’s been a long road. But walnuts are (were?) still a gag-inducing no-no food.
My poor mom has made special nut-less versions of her banana bread and Thanksgiving stuffing for years just because of my issues…and here I am eating raw walnuts by the handful naked in my kitchen before the sunrise.
Odd.
After downing a pretty bossy amount of the creepy looking buggers, I decided to put them in a dish. I knew I needed something with real staying power, so I turned to the ever faithful tupperware of oats.
Oats, walnuts, cinnamon, banana.
Success! This got me all the way to work, but before the clock even struck 7 am, my stomach was already asking for more.
I know when to listen.
Breakfast numero dos was the last of the greek yogurt with pineapple, mango, papaya, strawberries, blueberries, and the home-made trail mix you see above (Three Sister’s Honey Puffs, cheerios, almonds, carob chips, dried dates, raisins, dried cranz, pepitas, sunflower seeds, etc.).
At long last I felt full. Which was good because there’s nothing worse than starting a 12 hour shift hungry.
Here’s the rest of the ensemble.
L to R: candied ginger, apple, apple, trail mix, yog/berry mix, PB & cinnamon sammie (heel piece!!), salad, quinoa/tofu/squash
Too fast? I’ll slow it down…
Quinoa, roasted butternut squash, and coconut/cornmeal crusted tofu
Spinach, bell peppers, carrots, cherry tomatoes
Dinner was delicious, but the pics are still held hostage on my camera. Time to pack up my lunch for another day back at the hospital tomorrow. Ciao!
I have days where my appetite is crazy like that too, usually the day after I am less hungry than normal. It all evens out!
I LOVE walnuts! (pretty much all nuts!)
I’ve been feeling really full these days – I’m only hungry at night! I wish my “normal hunger” would come back. I should stop waking up by 3pm… I bet this would help 😉
Great food pics, as always! I love your always-creative salads. They never disappoint me! Haha.
ahah i have been SO hungry lately- its slightly frustrating! i can’t fill up!
My hunger has been getting to me too. Especailly once the winter comes around 🙂
But I like it! Better than feeling bloated and stuffed all day right?
I love raw walnuts and could eat them by the tons! Maybe your body was craving the good fats in them? My appetite gets that way when I’m training for races and it just seems crazy.
oh my god is there a mini hungry hippie in the oven!?!?!
hahaha 🙂
Nope 🙂
That’s what I was going to ask!….lol
I am always super hungry after holidays b/c I expand my stomach so much from eating HUGE meals!
I got that same feeling the other day when I was getting ready for work. I usually wake up, shower, and get dressed before I even walk into the kitchen, but as soon as my alarm went off my stomach sounded like a roaring beast! Had to flip flop my morning routine and make breakfast first! So weird though that you were craving the one nut you dislike so much. Pecans are my fave, but walnuts and almonds tie for second!
I personally love hungry days 😀 But then the day after I feel like I don’t need to eat another meal for a week! I’ve learned to listen to my body to feed it when it’s hungry and to lay off if not.
I’m on a walnut kick these days too! Actually, I love walnuts anytime ;). Have you tried freshly shelled walnuts that are in season now? They knock the socks off pre-shelled ones! So much more fragrant and crunchy!
i used to hate walnuts as well – until i got a hold of sugar coated ones. they lured me to the other side!
I just recently tried the candied Ginger from tj’s and have found it curiously addicting!!
i love nuts! walnuts are a favorite of mine. and cashews.
you said awhile ago you were going to do a post about how you got in shape for your wedding. are you still gonna do that? i’m interested…you look/looked fabulous!
My Dearest Elise,
Walnuts? Really? Your appetite, cravings and lack of moderation in any activity will never cease to amaze me!
Much love,
Mom
its in the works right now!
hahaha. i am having a foodie identity crisis!!!
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