Look at me finding inspiration to write after saying I was in a funk yesterday. Go figure…
My hunger has a mind of its own. Some days I’m hungry at “normal” meal times, but other days I want food every hour. Now that I’ve been running consistently (and farther), my hunger levels are even more screwed up. What’s even weirder is that I’m the most hungry on rest days. I don’t eat less on rest days (is that a thing? Ew.) and I still go back for another serving of dinner if I’m hungry. I will fully admit that I do eat stereotypically healthy (lots of produce) but I eat what makes me feel my best and happiest. I’m not a fan of food shaming…to each her own.
Training or not I “honor my hunger.” This is one of those preachy easier-said-than-done phrases, I know. But once you get a hang of it, it becomes second nature. You KNOW when you need more food. Obviously I’m not an RD but after 8 years of running and 20 years of living, I can firmly state that I know what it feels like to be properly fueled. No more going back to the other side…it’s not fun. And there are fewer snacks over there.
End of rant. Start of food.
I’m linking up to Jenn for WIAW. This is just a snapshot of my meals from Monday. Not every thing I ate is pictured here.
Breakfast
Two bowls of GF instant oatmeal with Wild Friends Honey Sunflower Butter, cinnamon and strawberries. Side note: before I heat my oatmeal in the microwave I put a spoonful of nut butter in so it gets nice and melted. Then after it’s heated I stir it up before adding fruit.
Lunch
Lunch date with my mom at Piquant. We both got the exact same salad, like we do every. single. time.
Power salad: spinach, pulled chicken, brown rice, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, avocado + extra avocado on the side (duh) with a Dijon dressing. All the good stuff is on the bottom, of course.
Snack
Un-pictured apple and handful of almonds.
Snack
Smoothie bowl. LOVING these lately. This is banana, strawberries, kale, almond milk and Wild Friends Honey Sunflower Butter topped with KIND Vanilla Blueberry Clusters and sunflower seeds. Will add another topping of fruit next time.
Dinner
Bowl 1 of 3. Not kidding (ask my parents). Spaghetti squash with roasted tomatoes, asparagus, kale and grilled chicken.
Snack
Recycled picture of an apple + multiple spoonfuls of almond butter. I go through at least one jar of almond butter a week. I wish I could buy stock in it.
Definitely a snacker and most hungry in the late mornings, hence many snacks during the day!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Pond Hopping Part 2: Hiking and Eating in the English Lake District
I always have a snack on me during the day. Usually a Justin’s squeeze pack or KIND bar.
I tend to be ravenous on rest days too! I sometimes feel guilty about it, but I think this is quite normal! I don’t know the science behind it, though :)
Emily @ Sweets and Beets recently posted…I’m Back! With a 10 Day Sugar Detox
I’ve convinced myself that there is a logical reason for the hunger, even if there’s not.
AMEN Emily! this is awesome and you know what? My most ravenous days are rest days too.
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Healthy 1 Minute Tiramisu Cake + WIAW 266
Wooohoo for food filled rest days :)
I definitely snack a lot! I hate feeling hungry, so I always just eat when I feel like it, even if it’s late at night.
I’m usually most hungry after I workout, but that’s to be expected :P
http://activelygemma.com
I don’t like feeling ravenously hunger either. Especially because that can quickly turn into “hanger” for me.
When I’m running and training a lot, I am most hungry in the morning. Like bad enough that I wake up because my stomach is growling so much. It’s bad! I’ve tried everything to get it to stop, but nothing ever works. I think I just need to keep snacks beside bed so I can eat as soon as I wake up!
I swear I wake up so early some days (naturally before 6) because I’m hungry. I should start keeping snacks by my bed too because I’m too lazy to move haha
I am such a snacker too. When I am working or in class on a busy day, I don’t snack much since I am not thinking of it, but when I am home for a day, I snack all. the. time. I usually snack in place of lunch and graze throughout the day.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…No Bake PB Cocoa Energy Bars
I don’t snack as much on busy days either. But when I’m home and looking at the clock….I should just live in the kitchen!
I’ve been hungrier than I have been in years lately and I know it’s a result of increased mileage. It’s pretty amazing how much better you feel when you honor your hunger- and eat foods that are more nutritious. I ate more food than normal yesterday- on a rest day- but also ate extremely healthy (for me) and I slept better than I have in months because I finally had a decent combination. It’s definitely not easy to honor your hunger and also honor it with nutritious foods but you’re absolutely right that once you get into a habit, it becomes second nature.
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Camping Take Two
I can 100% tell the difference in my running, body, attitude, etc. when I’ve eaten quality food AND enough of it. YAY for great sleep…that makes a huge difference too.
Mmmm such yummy and fresh food. That oatmeal makes me want a bowl of strawberries. I definitely remember feeling hungriest on my rest days when I was running a lot. I am a snacker sometimes and other times not. Just depends on my schedule and hunger that day!
Hayley @ Full of Life recently posted…New York Part 2
I’m the same way. I tend to snack more when I’m not as busy but it’s not the same every day. I usually still get those 3-4 p.m. hunger pains though.
Most hungry during breakfast time! It’s like my body freaks having not eaten during sleep, hahahaha! But that’s why breakfast is so awesome ;)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Coriander Garlic Grilled Chicken + Green Goddess Sauce
Haha I completely understand! I want food when my feet hit the floor in the morning.
I am most hungry around lunch time for some reason, or ‘post-workout’ ;). I love to snack but I find that sitting down to have bigger meals/snacks works better with my digestion, and it allows me to not focus on hunger and get other things done ;).
And please, no shame in eating 2,3, 4, or even 5 bowls of food- that is the story of my life!
Niki @lifewithniki recently posted…WIAW | A Day Of Perfect Eats and Zac Efron
No matter how often I snack I prefer to have 3 square meals a day. Something about sitting down for a nice meal makes everything taste better and feel more satisfying.
We had spaghetti squash for dinner last night, too! :) And isn’t that almond butter from TJ’s the BEST?! It’s seriously my favorite! I need to restock, too!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables recently posted…A Vegetable Filled Day
I went through a TJ’s AB withdrawal because my store didn’t have it for MONTHS.
When I was training for my half marathon, my hunger levels were through the roof as well! And I definitely always felt the most hungry when I had a rest day. I feel like your metabolism catches up with you and since you’re not working out (and diverting blood to the muscles and not the stomach), you feel it all more.
Great eats! I want that power salad <3
Christine@ Apple of My Eye recently posted…ABC Survey
I knew someone would explain the science to me :) Thank you. All I know is that my stomach says eat, so I eat.
KIND Vanilla Blueberry Clusters is da-bomb! I could eat handfuls after handfuls of it.
Jessie recently posted…WIAW + Blue Diamond Almonds Review
I DO eat it by the handful. It’s great on everything.
As soon as I increasing my running mileage (which I hope to do soon once it starts to cool down), those “hangry pants” are in full force. I am most hungry in the morning and I like it that way, because I usually have a pretty big breakfast anyways and breakfast is my favorite.
She Rocks Fitness recently posted…Treat Yourself To…
Same! I want breakfast first thing every day (but usually wait until after running).
AMEN. All your food looks delish-esp that spaghetti squash dish. Thanks for being like 2 bowls of this or three servings of that. People insta food and I’m like seriously? That tiny plate was all you had?! I make dinner for my bf and I to feed four and we end up with not much leftovers sometimes. This morning I was ravenous and a pinch of guilt came into my mind, but seriously if I’m hungry I’m going to eat!
YES! I’m almost positive I go back for second/third helpings at dinner every night. And breakfast too. I NEVER have leftovers for that reason.
It’s as though we are foodie soul mates. My day yesterday looked very similar. I am working to honor the hunger and learn to differentiate between emotional eating and true hunger!
Aileen recently posted…Ready to lace up, lift or lotus?
Nice to meet you, food twin :)
I’ve noticed I am hungry on rest days too! Maybe its the hunger from the workout the day before kicking over. Who knows.
Dani @ Dani California Cooks recently posted…WIAW – Typical Spokane Tuesday
I think that’s it! Especially because it’s so hot out it might take a while for the hunger to set in?
I’m a total snacker, but I need to work on being a better mindless snacker. Sometimes I just find myself eating for no real reason … and I too would invest in nut butter if I could ! Haha.
Jamie recently posted…Say What #MIMM
I’m such a mindless snacker, especially at night. Nut butter is the usual culprit.
longer running (over say 7ish for me) really produces crazy hunger for me. one of the things i am looking most forward to after my half marathon is my hunger going back to normal ! i seriously cannot wait. i am not that great at listening to my body and eating when im hungry only. im such an emotional eater !
When I’m not running consistently I kind of forget how crazy my hunger can be!
safe to say I’m hungry 24/7! xx, kenz
http://sincerelykenz.com
kenzie negron recently posted…Goals for Fall 2015 Semester
Pretty much described my life!
Boy, I used to be a very rigid eater. I wouldn’t/couldn’t bring myself to eat a snack even if I was hungry. Now, it’s definitely becoming less of a method of control, but I still struggle with it, especially when I eat, and I’m still hungry an hour later. Yet, it’s also so much more freeing to eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re not, and not think about eating till you’re hungry again. Intuitive eating really is pretty cool!
Emily recently posted…WIAW: It’s Okay to Be Full.
I’m so glad to hear you are making progress! Intuitive eating/exercising/anything takes work at first but the work is worth it.
Currently snacking on Cashew butter that I ground myself in Whole Foods on Kensington High Street….. :)
Charlotte recently posted…Five Friday Favourites [08.14.15]
umm that sounds amazing. I need some more cashew butter in my life.
Hey Emily! I’m a fellow Celiac and runner and I love your blog. I had no idea that Trader Joe’s Almond Butter was gluten free. I’ve been sticking to Justin’s, but I’m sure TJ’s is cheaper. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Rachel, thanks for your comment. Yes, TJ’s is cheaper (still more than the Jif/Skippy) but delicious. It doesn’t say GF on it but it’s just dry roasted almonds. I like Whole Foods brand too.
Mmmm that oatmeal looks delicious! What kind of instant GF oats are those? I can’t really seem to find any instant ones I like that much so I’d love to know what you use! I am always must hungry in the morning when I wake up for breakfast! I am hungrier on rest days as well as I feel like exercise sometimes curbs my appetite!
It is Arrowhead Mills Instant Oats & Quinoa. The packets are kind of small so I always have more than one, but I love it! It’s plain but I’d rather than and then add flavor.
Great post! This is something I’ve been dealing with again too as my mileage ramps up. Michael and I even had a serious discussion if we need to start planning a second dinner at night. I think I eat more on rest days too, but I don’t worry about it, and just eat when I’m hungry. Sometimes I indulge in something really yummy for the flavor, but almost all the time I eat I am actually hungry, so I figure I’m doing the right thing by listening!
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon: Week Three
Second dinner sounds right up my alley. I agree, I think you’re doing the right thing by listening to your hunger cues.
I’m definitely more of a snacker. I eat about 5 or 6 small meals a day and that’s what works for me. Some days I am definitely more hungry than others and I am working on honoring my hunger, it’s so important to listen to our bodies! Great post girl.
sarah recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #1
Thank you :) The last few days I’ve been hungry every two hours, and I haven’t even worked out. Weird but I’m going with it.
I’m a total snacker! I snack in the afternoons out of a combination of boredom and hunger, but I think I’m most hungry around an hour after dinner. I typically eat a big snack/second dinner then :)
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #25
I always have a night time snack. Apples and almond or peanut butter for the win.
Oh man I never add the nut butter before microwaving I need to do that!! And I’ve been dying to try Piquant. Can you believe I’ve never been? We have to go togethaaa! Love this post :)
Christina recently posted…Peanut Butter Banana Protein Overnight Oats
Ok, now that is my favorite place. Not even kidding. Can’t wait to go with ya!
I am always most hungry in the mornings! I am NOT someone who can skip breakfast, however, as a child I didn’t like eating breakfast and would pick at what my mum made me. Now I wake up and want fooooooddd and tea before anything haha!
I’m definitely a snacker – I have had blood sugar issues in the past so small frequent meals works best for me!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recent Things: Post Workout Rituals, Spiraling and Oat-sessions
I have always been a breakfast person and I don’t see that changing anytime soon!