Indeed, this post reads and eats like a meal because that’s what it is. With that, I’ve been doing a little experimentation in the food department. I basically intermittent fast on the regular which now just happens subconsciously as I’ve been doing it for so long. I’m not strict or ‘perfect’ on the hours fasted. I’m approximate – which works for me. I like my flexibility hence intuitive eating is the name of the game around here.
The Ritual
- Step One: intermittent fast (with flexibility).
- Step Two: break the fast with a delicious coffee. This one.
- Step Three: eat! I’m into the below right now.
For starters, when I break my intermittent fast I’m usually not starving because I love-up my morning beverage pretty hard (2 rounds aka 2 cups). When the time comes I’m hungry enough that I want something substantial yet I do not want to eat a small mountain of the wrong food that will make me sluggish. Who wants a mid-morning food coma? Not me.
I’m also a big believer in not snacking TF out of my days at this age (I’m 37 years old). In my 20’s I was more of the eat every 3 hours notion (and I did go to the gym at that point in time and do proper cardio and lift weights). Through trial, error and education – one of my besties, Vanessa Spina of Ketogenic Girl, mentions throughout her work that it’s necessary to give your organs “a break” between meals. I concur. My body is happiest when I’m into this ‘between meal fasted state’.
On fasting between meals, because I’m an intuitive eater, I allow myself what I want when I want it which means a handful of Salt & Vinegar Kettle Chips or dried figs, nuts or whatever it is, isn’t off the table. I suppose that’s not exactly a strict fast between meals but you get the picture. The point is that I’m more focused on satiating, filling meals vs semi-filling meals and a shit ton of snacks peppered throughout my waking hours. Intuitive eating hack: give your organs a break from needing to digest food all fucking day.
As stated in my T&C, all I share is based on my experience and perspective. What I share isn’t intended to be calculated health information – although I’m pretty well versed as I’ve spent a lifetime obsessed with it as a competitive dancer whose body has been her tool hence I notice the difference every little thing makes.
Satiating Covid Breakfast #1
Strangely enough I’m loving fruit as of a month ago. Prior to, I haven’t really been jazzed on fruit so much. What’s keeping me full and happy in the fruit department is half of a large papaya cubed, 1/4 cup of pineapple (sometimes), preservative free, full fat French yogurt and 1-2 tbsp’s of Fatso nut butter: all in one bowl. Of course you could top this with chia seeds, nuts and whatever else you like. I’m into keeping it simple and this combo fills me up unbelievably. Note: hemp hearts are not a great choice to sprinkle a top this yummy, fresh, delicacy. They end up tasting like sunflowers (which I like), just not with this flavor combo.
Satiating Covid Breakfast #2
If you’re really hungry, add what I’m about to share to Breakfast #1 shared above. Toast half an English muffing, generously slather with butter, layer with this hot sauce, and top with two slices of havarti cheese. Quick and delicious.
Satiating Covid Breakfast #3
This is more of an honorable mention because it is so fucking good. I haven’t made it recently, though it’s on my list and I’m going to. I give you (in painting you a delicious picture): the breakfast bowl. My dear friend Nicky (dancer friend, intelligent, beautiful, kind, PhD psychologist friend) made me the most beautiful birthday breakfast one year! The perfect coffee ~ with flavored creamer at that time and, a breakfast bowl. Here’s the basis of the breakfast bowl which is pretty much just ingredients prepared and tossed into the same bowl (which also turns out to look pretty beautiful in masterpiece, usually):
- 1/2 a baked sweet potato, cubed
- 1 egg, however you like. Ours were scrambled.
- Add mushrooms or whatever veggies you wish if you’re scrambling your egg (or not). We kept it simple.
- Feta or goat cheese (crumbled on top once sweet potatoes and eggs are in the bowl you will eat out of)
- Kalamata olives (tossed on top alike the cheese)
- Season with salt & pepper
- Drizzle your favorite olive oil overtop
- Sometimes cherry tomatoes (cold) are a nice addition to switch up texture
- If I’m feelin it, sometimes I’ll also add a scoop of cottage cheese (again, I like the hot-cold contrast)
The breakfast bowl is the perfect combo of fats, protein and carbs, as are basically the entirely of the breakfast choices above. Perfect, for me.
Why a Satiating Breakfast Matters To Me
Without a satiating breakfast my brain does not work well – at all. I can’t live on coffee all day, I’m just not that girl. Post my two cups in the morning I really need (and want) food. I get hangry rapidly when my body knows eating hours are chiming in, and when in this state I spend time scouring the fridge and cupboards aimlessly when I should be focusing on something else that actually deserves my attention. Hence, avoid that state and instead satiate! And enjoy every single bit of it.
This is the coffee I start my day with, and it’s what’s currently also keeping me pleasant and on track in my current routine. Last year I was all about a solid Early Grey Tea latte with cream and couldn’t stomach coffee for some reason. This year, back on the coffee. Another intuitive eating hit I’m taking notes from that’s serving me well.
Are you an intuitive eater? Let me know! Becoming an intuitive eater has made my life so much easier, happier and FREE. Lighter in state physically and mentally, also. I don’t teach intuitive eating, though I’m always happy to share more on my experience and how it effortlessly came to be.
Muah! Hope you enjoy.
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