Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Made to Crave and WIAW

This week has been little off per se. Not really mentally, more physically. Let me explain my thought process here. Sit back and hold on tight, k? Winking smile

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I truly believe that God gives us STRONG cravings for a reason. He made our bodies to be very aware of what it NEEDS, yes NEEDS, not wants. Our eyes and nose may see or smell something that we want (fresh baked cookies from the oven, etc.) but a true CRAVING might just be the bodies way of telling us we're lacking something nutrient wise! Yes, we were made to crave. Thank GOD for that too!

So back to this week. My body showed me sure signs that I still was a little depleted from the heat last weekend. Thirsty like no other, a charlie horse (ouch) in my calf muscle, and craving salt like a mad woman! Yep, total electrolyte imbalance. I decided to let the cravings do the talking and get my fair share of potassium and sodium to even things out.

Here’s a look at a few foods that did the trick. And of course, it's WIAW, so perfect timing!

WIAWbutton

Yes, I had sea salt and pepper potato chip strings for breakfast (natural SODIUM).
 Along with a few dates (POTASSIUM)
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A few random snacks.

Pear (look at the cute leaf) for POTASSIUM.
Mixed Nut bar with protein (MORE Potassium).
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Lunch (whoops, not pictured).

But I did use this GF bread.
 Raisins in bread (POTASSIUM) along with some veggies.
And cottage cheese (SODIUM) with banana slices (POTASSIUM).
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Lets not forget my HYRDATION fluid with POTASSIUM
coco juice

Dinner, boy was my body craving EVERYTHING!
Black bean tamale bake with avocado salsa.
Spinach/egg/cucumber salad (lots of POTASSIUM there).
And brown rice with smoked paprika and salmon (SODIUM) mixed in.
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Dessert- Mint Chocolate Chip Bites
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You better believe theses suckers are filled with good nutrients.
 POTASSIUM in the goats milk powder.

I think that about did it. My “made to crave” theory just might have worked!
Want more ideas for potassium rich foods?-------> LOOK HERE!


Do you believe in “made to crave?” How to you make sure you HEAR what the body needs? Is that too deep of question? haha, don’t think too hard now.

Cheers!
LC

p.s.
I’ve got a workout ready to post. Not sure my body really “craved” but it sure left me sore. Options- post tomorrow or post Friday? I don’t feel like deciding. Winking smile

149 comments:

Katelyn Block said...

YES! I believe so so much in cravings. Part of the reason why I love them :) Slash all of your labels are making me think of sodium-potassium pumps!! Haha

lindsay cotter said...

haha, sodium potassium pumps! now you've got me thinking about it.
<3 u!
 
Lindsay



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tea-bag said...

it looks like your body was craving "delicious!"
i do believe that our bodies crave certain things for a reason.  i like to listen to my body's cravings ... plus, it's just more fun!

Heather @ Dietitian on the Run said...

Couldn't agree more about the cravings - learn to listen to the important ones, not the "wants"...the NEEDS. I'm hyper-aware of Need-cravings when I'm training and the body is really demanding some TLC :) Salt & Carbs tend to take over pretty quickly, but I am not about to push those body-memos aside!

Jess said...

I totally agree. I think I've been dehydrated this week and have been loading up on water like it's going out of style - that and lots of watermelon which is SO packed with water and I just love it anyway so if my body craves it, who am I to deny it?? ;-) I think you should post the workout tomorrow. Only cuz I'm dying to see it! ha! 

lindsay cotter said...

oh ya. I've been seeing your watermelon tweets! haha. I'm all for posting the
workout tomorrow, if not sending it to YOU!

<3!
 
Lindsay



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Heather (Where's the Beach) said...

Very cool - thanks for sharing the info about the foods and what they contain in regards to sodium/potassium. I definitely think that when you really listen to your body, it will tell you what it needs. It's just about learning what those signs mean. I finally figured out what was causing nausea after long runs - needed electrolytes big time. It didn't matter the amount of water or what or how soon I ate. As soon as I started drinking up gatorade, it was like a shot of "all better."  ;-)

Tri-Living...Together said...

Yes I believe in this! I actually crave salt.. a lot! I've been eating more avocados for my potassium too!

Molly Mcnamara said...

I definitely listen to my body when it's telling me it wants something badly...the trick has been learning to interpret, like how thirst sometimes manifests as craving sweets.  I KNOW when I'm feeling run-down in training that I need some red meat/iron.

Amanda@runninghood said...

Definitely a lot of truth to this made to crave idea.  I especially believe this when I'm pregnant.  I really listen to what my body is telling me.  You eat sooo stinking well.  Do you ever just crave Crap?!

Heather Rock said...

I was thinking about sodium and potassium pumps as well!

I totally agree that we are made to crave. Sometimes I am just really hungry and I have to accept that my body knows what it is doing!

lindsay cotter said...

Haha, yes! I crave ice cream like no other. The real good homemade creamy kind! Okay, now I want some. That and wine. Weird I know!
Thx amanda, might have to get my fix tonight.
;)
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Julia said...

I am SO glad you posted about this. There have been several times since it has gotten warmer out that I suddenly just crave salt all the time!! I am like a super sweater so I wondered if it was because I was not replacing enough salt or electrolytes but had really never had the experience before where I just could not get in enough salt until recently. Makes total sense now! So...I definitely believe that our body craves what we need and maybe our minds crave the rest (not sure my body needs chocolate as much as I crave it!!!! haha!). I notice it more now that it is hot out (like I said) but I am sure it occurs at other times as well!

Dairy_Free_Betty said...

You make food look goooooooooooooood!! :) hehe
I don't know about cravings, the naturopath told me once that craving certain things means you are allergic to them.  I think that may be a crock of s%it but what do I know!?

Casey said...

I absolutely believe we're made to crave. Way to balance out your potassium and sodium, girl!

Raina @ Small Town Runner said...

I totally get food cravings. Like Butter, chocolate, popcorn.....Or maybe that's just what i have handy.?
I do fill the cravings, but can tell when I need to buckle down. Often, what I am craving is not nearby and something else has to do! I crave cantaloupe and those salty chip-string-things look goooooood!

kalli said...

lindsay i too believe that we must listen to our bodies.....however sometimes we do crave things emotionally rather than physically and it is important for us to see the difference.  so glad you ate what you were craving....so important!

lindsay cotter said...

so true and I sometime think that we need to meet those emotionally cravings
too.Thats if and only if it can be in moderation, ya know? Its good for the
soul. Love your insight Kalli, thank you!

Lindsay



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emz said...

I so thought of you in Seattle like this.
LC is the bestest.
LC makes yummy food.
LC married a kiwi [extra points]
LC's bread would be 4,444 times better than this crap I just paid $5 for.
LC should open a GF bakery.

Gen said...

I definitely crave certain foods!!!!! Salty after a hard, tough workout is what works for me...and chocolate the rest of the time. :D

Courtney L. said...

First of all, Trader Joe's sells salt & pepper potato chips - and they are addicting!
In terms of cravings, I think we are made to crave things our bodies need. The important thing with cravings is to really try and understand them. Then you can honor them completely and give your body what it truly needs.

april said...

Dang that dinner looks good!! Do you have a recipe?

Matt @ The Athlete's Plate said...

Mmm... Sodium...

lindsay cotter said...

with this humidity, you know you want that salt! mmm, is right!
 
Lindsay



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Sarah said...

I totally believe in "made to crave" although sometimes nothing can beat a cookie craving but a cookie, or in my case a piece of birthday cake this afternoon! Yumm!

Brittany said...

First off, your dinner looks so good I might have drooled on my hand a little bit. I am a firm believer in giving into cravings. Sometimes I go a little overboard, but I've been working on that. Haha. I will try to satisfy a craving with something natural like your potato chips instead of Red Robin french fries. And of course the occasional (or regular) indulgence of chocolate. That is where I get all my nutrients from of course. 

Stephanie said...

I partly agree with you. I think when you *feel* like eating something, it means that's what your body needs. 

Where I'm not sure what to think is when it comes to my sugar cravings. I'm in my LAST annual unwind-recover phase, and this is always characterised by what I can only call a sugar obsession. I can't even fool myself with fruit in these phases, and I don't know what it MEANS. Is it because my body is in a reactionary period as it finally stops being asked to push the limits all the time? Am I secretly unhappy and needing a boost? I just don't know... do you have a theory?

hungryrunnergirl said...

I have never had a TAMALE....AHHHH, after seeing yours I NEED ONE!! You are SO right about cravings.  It is amazing how smart our bodies are.  I swear my bones are calling for calcium from ice cream all day long!

Monique said...

I've been downing coconut water like it's my job since living in AZ! And I think my body was made to crave sweets... you have no idea haha :)

Brittany said...

TOMORROW!!!!! DO IT!

Natalie O said...

The tamale bake looks really really good!  I love tamales but I've never made them at home.

lindsay cotter said...

hmm, that is tricky. When I crave sugar, I aim for dried fruit. or add honey to
things. Usually is our bodies response to a stressor (hormonal, emotional
stress, etc). It can also mean that your lacking in another macronutrient like
good fat/protein. I'd look at your diet/lifestyle and see if there is a missing
link. Serotonin can help too!

thoughts?

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

haha, love it! you need to try a tamale when you are out there in CA! I bet they
have some DELICIOUS ONES! I go through calcium craving too. At least you know
your body is getting stronger.

;)
 
Lindsay




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Jenny Houlahan said...

ohh that tamale looks wonderful! :) I definitely agree that the body tries to tell us when it craves nutrients, micro or macro. I think the tough thing for most people is that there is so much overly processed food out there that our bodies can become so addicted to. Then when we follow those cravings we can be taking in even more harmful substances. Definitely another great reason why it's best to eat fresh whole foods! :)

My problem is that PMS time equals chocolate and salty snack time. Perhaps I'm lacing sodium, magnesium and chromium! :P

Hope all is well and that James is recovering well also! :)

Jen said...

I also get calf cramps when I am dehydrated. Usually at night. They are so ridiculously painful! I 100% agree with you on cravings. Of course, I have some that are not necessary (dessert every night ;)) but I do gravitate towards certain foods/styles of eating depending on what's going on in my life and how I'm treating my body.

Side note, I want to eat your dinner right now.

Jess said...

TOTALLY believe in the "made to crave" idea. I do a pretty good job of listening to my body, but sometimes what I want gets confused with what I need!! Glad you are recovering from the Texas heat ;)

Holly said...

Your dinner looks really good- I love dinners like that...just kind of a mix of everything. And avocado salsa!? Sayyyy whhaaaa?! Do you have a recipe for that? I would love to try it!!
& I say you post it tomorrow- I LOVE your workouts! :)

Erika @ Dr.TriRunner said...

Um... can you come cook dinner for me? 

lindsay cotter said...

oh I wish I was with you in seattle. I wish I owned a little GF cafe! Would you
come visit me daily?
;)
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

I hear ya! oh and popcorn, definitely another salt craving. Just don't have it
around. If I really want/need it, I'll go get it. thats for sure!
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

thank goodness potato chips are gluten free, hehe.
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

now thats a theory! I kinda want to hear more about it too! Whats the reasoning
there? interesting as always jess.
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

me too! charlie horses at night are not fun! I am with you on the dessert. And
as our life changes/evolves I gravitate toward what my body needs. I think we
are good/lifestyle twins Jen!

Lindsay
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jobo said...

Type your comment here.I was craving all sorts of bad last week! Your cravings got nothing on mine ;-) I just wanted tons of (bad) carbs (like pizza and bagels etc) and pasta galore. Not even PMS related! I tried to alleviate it the best I could, but I like your way better! Finding ways to alleviate it by allowing it a little more than I was!

myveganstory said...

I totally think we are made to crave! I was vegan for a good 8 months until out the blue I started craving eggs like mad. I think my body was saying "hey give me some more protein" or B12 or whatever nutrient I was missing.
This is why I don't obsess over getting  X and Y nutrient. My body just tells me! :)

Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} said...

I absolutely believe our bodies tell us exactly what they need.  We just need to learn to listen! 

lindsay cotter said...

well said! body says it all! and eggs, can't live without them.
;) 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

funny how those can kick in all of sudden. I kinda think picking one good
craving and going for it healthy. No? Hope all is better now. More watermelon?
haha.
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

sure, fly me out. I'm there!
 
Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

I think you'll like this workout too! BTW, any luck with the kombucha?
 
Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

it really is a fine line, I agree. But for some reason, I almost have an
internal craving when my body says it needs something. Is that weird?
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

you are right on girl. I really wish we had access to more healthy less
processed foods so that would not happen. Slowly but surely,, right?
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

and I bet you are listening extra hard now. HOw are you feeling?
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

so glad you figured it out, Isn't it crazy how in the summer, our bodies can
signal us even more? Heat does crazy stuff to us! happy sweating Jules!
 
Lindsay




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Jess said...

not at all!!

Liz said...

Hmm, sometimes I think I my body must be needing a specific nutrient when I'm feeling run down, but I can never seem to put my finger on it.  This is very interesting!  

Jenny Mendez said...

I think when your body wants something it makes sure that we get it! My body keeps giving my hints that it wants sushi ;) Tomorrow I will satisfy it lol

Lindsay said...

I definitely believe that in "made to crave"! Obviously sometimes I crave junk food, and I don't always need that. But when I have a craving that goes on for days I always give into it and then I end up feeling so much better :). Yay for a workout post! Post it Friday

PeasandCrayons said...

I'm a big believer in this too girl! Our bodies know what it needs and wants... and once you learn how to nourish yourself properly its totally awesome to give into the cravings knowing you understand them and what you need!

the peeps that come to me saying they crave mcdonalds and can't stop eating it... well obv they need to learn their body first =) hehe! 

happy wiaw almond joy!

Cleaneatingchelsey said...

I'm a huge believer in you crave what your body needs! That's why it is so important to listen to our bodies when they speak to us!!

Vanessa @ Gourmet Runner said...

I love this! Our bodies are smarter than we give them credit for. Sometimes my "junk food" cravings are for a nutrient more than anything else. Great choices to fuel your body!!!

Tracy Simmons said...

I agree, our bodies know what they need to nourish them.  BTW, have you ever make your own GF bread?  I am on the hunt for new recipices :)

Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) said...

I definitely agree with this! We are all made differently and we all need different things. This is why I don't think all diets for for everyone. I hope you're feeling better. I know you two had a rough weekend and you really need some rest and good fuel!

lindsay cotter said...

good call, if that craving is there for days, its a must!
;) 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

oh man, my body definitely tells me when its time for sushi. PLease have it for
me soon! k?
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

Oh i love you Jen! You said it, they need to learn their bodies. Awesome! It
takes time and effort to do that too. Happy Mounds Wednesday!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh yes, lots of  good GF bread. I think I have some in the recipe section. What
kind you looking for?
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

and boy do they speak. I think the hard part for a lot is tuning in to really
listen. Ya know?
Lindsay




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Colleen said...

I totally believe it.  I know when my body is craving Iron (red meat sounds good... which doesn't happen often).  And when I can't get enough to drink, I know that it's because I'm depleted. :)

She Rocks Fitness said...

It has taken me a while to give into my cravings, but when I do, I feel amazing. Since I've increased my training by doing long bike rides and runs lately, I also have been craving salt and even carbohydrates, for at least one meal. So after an intense workout in the heat today, I was craving Mom's Italian sausage, sauce, and ravioli, with Italian bread. Did I eat it all...you bet ya! And I am hoping to sleep like a baby. :) Hope all is well girl! xoxo

lindsay cotter said...

good call gen! hope the workouts are going well.
;)
Lindsay




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Green Groats said...

Your salad equals EPIC! It looks amazing :)

lindsay cotter said...

agreed. Intense hunger happens for a reason. Feed it well!
 
Lindsay



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Missy said...

No. I don't believe in made to crave. I KNOW made to crave. 
KNOW it. 
I have depleted myself to the point where I am just in awe at what my body will drive me toward. 
Sometimes it's like "mmm...pickles dipped with mustard!" or something equally salty that would make most people gag. It's then I realize ..hmmm...if I am eating this I may be dehydrated. 
Other times I sit there and literally have the drive for "PROTEIN" or "CARBS"...like a specifi directive. When I go to the fridge it's like I have a mission. So exact. It never says "shrimp" or "crackers"...it just tells me PROTEIN..etc. 
My cravings actually speak nutrition when it gets that bad. 

PS: Potassi-YUM!!!!!

Allie said...

I usually dont give into cravings because if I do I do way overboard :(

lindsay cotter said...

oh gosh, been there too. Its so funny how the body responds differently for
everyone. BTW, so excited for your work!
Lindsay



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Katie said...

I hear my body a lot.  Usually it is screaming for chocolate and the only way to shut it up is to....well you know.  :D

lindsay cotter said...

yes yes! I knew you'd have great words to say. needs are so important to listen
to. I think some people justify it with wants, but thats a whole other topic.
Right? Training definitely gets my salt/carb fix going.
;)
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

of course, delicious is a must! hehe. and it is fun. I like how it keeps me in
tune as well. ya know?
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

oh girl, I need to come to dinner at your house! that sounds amazing and yes,
sleep tight!
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

it was pretty epic! a repeat for sure.
 
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net   
www.cottercrunch.com




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lindsay cotter said...

ditto on the iron. I can definitely tell when the iron is low and a good steak
is heavenly, right?!
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

I'll have to post the recipe. Its pretty easy to make. By the way, I think my
comments on your blog are going to spam. uh oh! 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

oh how i want a TJ's! it would make my day. Maybe we just need to come visit
you.
;)
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

gosh, been there too! the depleted iron feeling. Nothing like a good steak to
feed that need.
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

oh ya, good call nora. Need to pick up some avocado asap!
 
Lindsay




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Kate said...

Those shoestring potatoes look so good, I'll have to try them!  I feel like the only thing I ever crave is chocolate - is it possible that I was made to be a chocolate monster?  Honestly though, I've heard that different people crave or need different things that different things are good for different people - take gluten for example!  I definitely think there's something to it.

Dorry said...

I love having you in my life, Linds! Your knowledge is so beneficial to me - but you know this since you're the person I always turn to. I definitely agree with you and believe our bodies tell us what we need. That's one of the reasons I've been eating eggs and fish again after months without them. My body craves them and digests them well. Win-win!

Gina said...

Great post! Our bodies are amazing machines and definitely know exactly what we need :)

Btw that breakfast looks great to me ;)

klh said...

I always love your posts!  Good for you for truly listening to your body and giving it what it NEEDS!!  Umm...post the wrkout on whichever day you decide ; )  Happy Thursday Linds!

Katie : )

Bre said...

hahah oh Lindsay...this post just made my night. It's 11pm and I just got back from the grocery store b/c my body has been haywire with cravings all week too...and I literally just ate almost exactly what you ate for dinner. Spinach and romaine salad, with mushrooms, tomatoes, carrots, and salmon...been eating eggs, dates, bread, bananas and raisins like there is no tomorrow since the weeekend too! I even ate a non oatmeal breakfast yesterday like your potato sticks...except I had cookies- super ginger ones! Depleted electrolytes make a girl crazy!! ;)

Krazy_Kris said...

SO AGREE!!!!!! I've been thinking about this a lot lately because I have a LONG time not feeding or hydrating myself well at all. It's the strangest thing tho - I don't get thirsty (my thirst signals are STILL out of whack) - but I CRAVE stuff (sodas, crap, whatever). But I accidentally had water once instead and thought - wow - that was weird - I think that craving was a sideways way of my being thirsty.
Enter twilight zone music....
And, when I'm well fed and watered (like an old mare), my cravings are SOOOOOO different and can totally be satisfied in really different ways (i.e., no 10 pm trips to store for 3 candybars LOL).

lindsay cotter said...

is to drink a chocolate stout? jk! I think your body craves cookies...the oh so
heavenly kind! mmmm...
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

haha, twilight zone for sure! I definitely have had that SAME experience Kris.
Our bodies talk loud, am I right?
;)
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

haha, I almost bought those GF ginger cookies the other day. We have the same
cravings, thats for sure!
 
Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

and I always love your comments. BIG SMILE
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

so true, i think we need to give them more credit. right?!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

win win for sure! I love how in tune you are with your body Dorr. Its so
encouraging and refreshing!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

there is definitely something to it. Gluten can make some crave sugars
supposedly. Oh how the body works...mysterious
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

and I think thats fine too. You know how your body responds so way to listen!

p.s.
Why do I always lose your blog site. Ugh. Can you send it again?

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh amen to that Missy! I will drive for the same thing. and pickles in mustard
are my go to. haha! I love my new wasabi mustard for that reason!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

diet almost starve certain body needs/cravings. Not a pretty thing either! and
thank you sarena, we are all good now! Rest this weekend is coming. YEA!
 
Lindsay




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Allie said...

haveyourwaywithme.blogspot.com that is my blog

lindsay cotter said...

true true. And I love homemade junk food for that reason. REAL food too!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

that happens to me, then i take a bite of something and its like it knows! hence
the potato chips for breakfast, haha.
 
 



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lindsay cotter said...

the tamale bake was half way homemade. I should share the recipe. Maybe?
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

chocolate has amazing nutrients, yes m'am. Why would God create it otherwise?
hehe.
 
Lindsay



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Allie said...

I really believe in "made to crave"!! When I swam I could never tell that I was sweating in the water but would get CONSTANT cramps in my calves. I realized that I needed me some salt and bananas haha.. it is strange how you don'r sweat in water but do on land. 

Good job listening to your cravings and blessing the body God gave you :)

Susan said...

I absolutely believe this craving stuff.  I mean I know my cravings shift and I don't necessarily know what it's for right away but I end up finding out.  I think it's great to listen to your body and find what you want instead of just imposing on yourself what you should want.  Great post!!!

Kath (My Funny Little Life) said...

This is a very interesting and important question, and also a tricky one! I've spent years (yes, years!) pondering about this question! My conclusion is that a healthy bodies does exactly that - it tells you what it needs via cravings (mostly for certain kinds of foods or tastes). I remember my onion craziness or tomato craziness or broccoli craziness just too well - I get that once every few weeks, in it goes in rrepeating cycles that I eat a lot of a certain food for some time, and then lose my appetite for it, but get an appetite for something else instead and eat that a lot for some time, etc.

On the other hand, a body that's out of balance doesn't function like that anymore. One of the concepts of systems theory I love a lot (and I actually just understood that when I started reading about attractors in the context of physics and social interaction, but the same principle holds for the body as well, because the body is a very complex system on its own) is that everything tends towards a certain stable equilibrium. There's not just one, though, but several (depending on the area of interest and actual environmental conditions, sometimes there are more and sometimes less). You can think of that like a landscape with valleys and hills, with the valleys being the points of different equilibriums, and the hill points being the spots of critical instability (because you don't know to which valley at the different sides of the hill top the whole systems ill end up developing to). Health as well as sickness are both cases of equilibrium and tend to stabilize themselves. If you think of a ball that lies in one of the valleys, it takes a lot of effort to move it out of the valley uphill. (This is why changing an established state is so hard, especially at first.) If your body is healthy overall, and iit gets out of its equilibrium due to environmental factors (stress, unbalanced nutrition, straining exercize), it will signalize you via cravings or whatever (the language of the body) what it needs to get back to the stable state of healthiness. But when a body is unhealthy, the signals it sends maintain the state of unhealthiness (which is also a stable equilibrium, although a dysfunctional one), and thus the cravings you get will rather make you eat foods that aren't good for your body and nourish the unhealthy state (lots of sugar, processed foods, white flour, etc). It gets worse because those foods also tend to be addictive. So, to get out of the unhealthy equilibrium takes effort, patience, and sometimes resisting what you body pretends to "need" because these signals aren't valid. But if you've made it over the peak of critical instability and come to rest in a valley of healthy equilibrium, things become much easier, because this is state that tends to stabilize itself now.

Sorry for the novel, but you see, I love systems theory, and I find it so helpful to understand complex processes and developments in various areas of life. :)

Salah said...

I definitely believe that we have cravings for a reason.  I, for the most part, have a very low sodium diet, but when I have days like last thursday where I spent half the day working out (I sweat like the worst men....its bad lol) I lose so much sodium and potassium I do nothing but crave that stuff!  I was all about edamame last thurs with salt, and then more salt!  It worked though :-) lol 

Shannon said...

I definitely think that our cravings can definitely tell us something's amuck!  love how well you "listened" :)

lindsay cotter said...

that happend to me too! i'd get cramps in the pool. ouch!! Glad you figured it
out Allie.
Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

edamame and sea salt and the perfect potassium/sodium combo. And pretty dang
delicious. You don't sweat nearly as bad as my husband. That I am sure of. haha.
 
Lindsay



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LauraJayneBlog said...

I'm still re-learning to listen to my body and what I'm craving - I had a sort of "ah-ha" moment last week, when I was snacking like crazy before bed, and realized that I was just trying to make up for my work-related light eating all day long.  I was eating a lot because I was hungry!  Sounds simple and like something I should know - but in my quest to lose weight, I'd forgotten about what I need to eat and only focused on "food as numbers".  I'm learning, but I'm starting to listen to my cravings now, and trying to respond to those (within) reason!

lindsay cotter said...

kath,
i absolutely LOVE this theory because its practical and TRUE! DO you mind if i
copy and paste to use later. I always love the way you explain things so
VIVIDLY!
Thank you.
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

nicely done Laura. and since you are in marathon training, your body is probably
kickin up that metabolsim! 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

so are your cravings loud and clear now that your pregnant? Tell me, whats one
weird one? gotta know!
Lindsay




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Sarah Lynton said...

I totally agree that our bodies can crave what we're actually needing!  Really interesting to look back over "phases" of eating and notice where my diet reflects what my body was needing!  Great reminder to continually listen to what we're craving and not just get stuck in ruts. :)

Amy Frey said...

I think your body definitely tells you what it needs. if its missing something..suddenly you crave foods high in those nutrients..its pretty amazing. i think our societies problem is  junk foods are way too convenient so instead of listening to our bodies needs...we go strictly off of wants..like cookies :) which is totally fine...in moderation of course :)

lindsay cotter said...

Couldn't agree more. Our society has gotten way to used to convenient. Hopefully that changes!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

k said...

love that as I'm reading this I am (strangely enough) halfway through a large pack of dates... only 'cos they're cheaper than apricots ;)

Rachelle Wardle said...

I definitely believe in Made to crave but I dont think I'm always the best at listenning to what my body needs.  Thanks for sharing your perspective.  The food looks delicious as always. :)

Madeline said...

I've had such a hard time commenting on your blog this week! Fingers crossed that this one sticks! I have found that my body is usually spot on with food "cravings." If I've been eating a lot of crap, I'd kill for some veggies and fruit! After a long, sweaty workout all I want is salt. Hunger cues are so important!

lindsay cotter said...

got it! so sorry its been hard to comment. But I am glad you did! I hope you get
those veggies soon girl!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

it takes a lot to listen. I agree. But i think it gets easier if we keep trying!
right?
 
Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

and they are just as good! dates galore.
;)
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

I agree sarah! Espeically with the seasons. Cold weather less vitamin D and hot
weather less potassium. God knew what he was doing, thats for sure!
;)
 
Lindsay



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Katy said...

I get serious cravings for water when I'm dehydrated. It's the ONLY time I crave water, even though I drink it alot. :)

lindsay cotter said...

haha, me too. ICE COLD WATER. And i never crave water. For sure sign.
;)
 
Lindsay




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Claire Virgona said...

I completely agree- listening to your body is one of the smartest things you can do. 
I get crazy cravings when I'm out of whack (dehydrated/sick/too much exercise) I crave vinegar like there's no tomorrow... I've been known to drink it straight out of the bottle before. I regularly have salads for breakfast too, when you wake up really wanting something healthy whats the point in fighting it?... even if it's not a 'traditional' breakfast! 
I really enjoy your WIAW posts & seeing what you eat- Ta

Holley Theodore said...

i really think listening to what you body NEEDS is so important! when we eat a healthy diet our bodies will tell us what we need! SOMETIMES that is a cookie... ;)

Sophia said...

Yes I totally believe that God made our bodies as miraculous machines with a better IQ than us. Of course, the problem comes when we try to manipulate our bodies into eating what we think it needs to eat, or when we mistake greed for need. 

lindsay cotter said...

i love that. I sometimes have my leftover dinners for breakfast. Salmon and
veggies taste just as good in the morning! well, in my opinion. Thanks for your
kind words Claire!
 
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net   
www.cottercrunch.com




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lindsay cotter said...

oh definitely! I think you've done an amazing job with that too Holley! I can't
wait to hear how things are with you. HOw are you feeling these days?
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

you are so wise sophia. I think greed and manipulation are so overlooked and
almost considered normal in our society these days. Which is sad. It actually
takes a WHOLE LOT to really listen to the bodies needs and let go of all that
crap, eh?!
 
Lindsay



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Holly said...

i completely agree that we truly crave what our bodies need.  i also know that for me, when my workouts are off (or missing as they have been this week), i'm prone to making terrible eating decisions (cereal for dinner anyone).  that creates a vicious cycle because poorly fueling means i don't feel like exercising which means i don't feel like eating right, blah!  i've been very convicted this week of my lack of time with God and Godly friends lately which is certainly to blame for my reclusive behavior.  praying for a closer relationship and all the joys that come with it...

emily@runningperspective said...

I totally agree with the listening to what our bodies crave! it is definitely hard to distinguish between what we want via our senses and what our bodies are really trying to tell us! but it def takes practice!
great post!!

Susan said...

I think pickles and mustard.  I cannot get enough - I meant the combo.  It's delicious and a perfect snack for me!! 

Emily@ eat.drink.run. said...

wow that dinner looks so incredibly good! recipes!? i definitely believe that we crave things for a reason. i'm not much of a meat person most of the time (and am trying to fix my iron deficiency that is a result of that) but really wanted steak the other day, so i had it. after eating it i felt really good and satisfied, and my runs have been easier since (that may be partly in my head but i'm going with it!).

lindsay cotter said...

I am so with you on that Emily. I don't eat a lot of meat, but when I crave it,
I go for it!
Lindsay


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lindsay cotter said...

oh I couldn't agree more Holly. Body craves certain food and time with GOD> hope
you get to meet that craving soon!
;)
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

yes, and practive makes perfect! right? Or at least progress!
 
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net   
www.cottercrunch.com




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katie said...

 hey mama!! I LOVE how you talk about cravings being a gift from God!! I have never thought about it like that!! I love that! you are soo sensitive to the Holy Spirit and I LOVE IT!!!!! basically my last post was a brief update on my life, haha. i still am going to email you soon (AHH I know i say that all the time! haha!) but I just love chatting with you. youre so awesome. love you sista!

lindsay cotter said...

oh sweet friend,  you make my day! I love hearing from you. and yes, email me
when you can! have a great 4th!
 
Lindsay



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Stephanie said...

Oh my goodness you are soo healthy you put me to shame lol..  I love the craving piece, I could not have siad it better. I totally feel that way especially for fro yo, pizza, and icecream hmmm lol

lindsay cotter said...

ice cream is a mandatory craving during the summer. I makes me happy! hehe.
 
Lindsay



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Stephanie said...

Oh my, that dinner looks so gorgeous!  Absolutely beautiful.  errr...I think I might be craving it right now.  I find that my body tends to crave texture almost more than certain types of food, so I don't think that I'm yet intuitive enough to know what I should eat based on cravings.  I mean "chewy" isn't really a nutritional requirement, right?

lindsay cotter said...

hmm, thats interesting and I can totally relate. I crave crunchy. I think that
still has do with the certain nutritional needs. check this out. kinda
interesting.
http://www.katu.com/amnw/segments/47070852.html
 
Lindsay




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