Erin Does Life.

I spend a lot of time trying (more and less successfully) to manage hunger. And from what I’ve read and experienced so far, satisfying hunger seems to be more than just the calories-in part of the metabolic equation. In practice, it seems more a delicate balance between physical bulk in the stomach (hence the emphasis on foods high in water content and fiber), chemistry (calories and the need for, say, protein to feel sated and to meet physiological needs), and this other “X” factor of psychology. 

I think the problems I’ve been having recently with eating are related to the fact that I feel hungry all of the time, and when I have a good, clean meal, it’s fine, but it’s not really creating the “I’m enjoying something wonderful!” sensation in my brain. My stomach can be full but my brain is not satisfied, and while there’s definitely an emotional/psychological component there, there’s also a physical one of actually meeting nutritional needs.

Apparently (not surprisingly) I need my healthy food meals to create that sense of eating something delicious to feel satisfied, and, perhaps even more importantly, not feel deprived. This is not to say that I can’t create that sensation with healthy meals - in fact, doing so has been key to getting to where I am now. But I haven’t been as successful as of late in making those soul-feeding meals (wow, I really need soul-feeding meals? What does this tell me about my relationship to food?), and so I still feel “hungry,” fixate on food, and end up on the hamster wheel I seem to be on now.

There are times when I’m less focused on food and the need to have something delicious for each meal seems to ebb a bit - but it’s something that seems important to recognize in how I perceive satiety. 

So, in that vein - I’m going to try to create meals that are less utilitarian and more delicious and healthy. If I’m hungry, I’m just going to eat a smart snack (preferably with protein).