Sometimes the truth really has to reach up and bite me on the ass to get my attention!
Craig and I recently attended a lunch where we knew that the food would be different from what we normally eat. I made sure that we had a healthy breakfast – a pineapple, passion fruit and cashew shake – and thought that we could just have fruit for supper if we were hungry, which I doubted. We had a fabulous time with our friends and didn’t eat too much of the salt-, fat- and sugar-laden food. I had one large glass of wine and two cups of delicious filter coffee.
That evening, on the hour-long drive back, I started craving more salt, sugar and fat. I became convinced that neither fruit, nor salad, would satisfy me. I started arguing my case to Mr. Asshole Perfect, a.k.a my loving husband. I wanted to stop at the Spur, or get a take-out somewhere. Craig, who is made of sterner stuff than me, would have none of it. I just about started crying, but he wouldn’t budge. When we got home, I grabbed the car keys and told him that I was getting take-out. He relented, gave me some money and off I went to get us Chicken Pitas from Nando’s.
I can still remember the relief I felt when I tasted the warm fattiness, the tangy sauce and the soggy pita bread. I felt like licking the paper afterward to get every single drop, yet at the same time I could acknowledge that it didn’t actually taste that great.
Remember, this is me we’re talking about. Miss-Whole-Food-(Mostly)-Plant-Based-Diet. What was going on here? Had I “fallen off the wagon”? Was I heading head-first into a binge, or a backward slide to old habits?
Not at all! Even while scarfing down the last bite, I realized that this craving had been caused by the food we’d eaten for lunch. Once those pleasure centers get activated, they will make your life a misery unless you indulge them again and again and again. Before you know it you’re “off the wagon” and gaining weight.
I have to clarify here that our lunch was home-cooked and home-baked. Our hostess hadn’t fed us processed food. Oh no, she’d lovingly prepared a traditional Sunday lunch from scratch and baked the puddings and cakes herself. But refined flour, sugar, salt and fat will get you every time.
Once I “got” this, I understood so many of my past behaviors. It was incredibly liberating to realize that I’m not as weak and messed up as I’d always believed. I was just having a physiological response to the food I’d been eating!
The next morning I woke up with a hideous food hangover. I actually felt weak during my gym class. I ate raw food only (lots of green smoothie) that day and felt fine by evening.
And I decided that that is it! No more sugar. No more excessive salt. No more heated fats. No more coffee. No more refined flour. These aren’t things that I have often, but when I do, they still harm me. People can harp on moderation until they’re blue in the face (I’ll just poison myself in moderation then, shall I?), but it’s not worth it for me. I don’t like feeling like that. I don’t like acting like a spoiled brat over food that I know is bad for me.
What’s more, I really, really, really pity anyone who’s trying to lose weight by controlling portions of processed and refined foods. Your life must be a living hell. You must spend a lot of time hating yourself. May I suggest a shift to a whole foods diet? It will change every aspect of your life!
I followed this link on Twitter last night. See what happens in your body immediately after you’ve eaten junk food. Your blood will run cold!
It’s just not worth it!
Click on image for info.
I just read an article on I think it was CNN’s web site about how appetizers are created with just enough fat, salt, sugar that they leave us wanting more. Scary that there are people out there doing this kinds of scientific work to sell more food. It’s know wonder we’re in the state that we are.
Thanks for your blog, it’s making me rethink what I am going to eat. Also, could you give me the recipe for the green smoothies?
Sheryl´s last blog ..I’m a secret sneaky friend
@Sheryl: The trick to green smoothies is to experiment! You can google “green smoothie recipes” and you will find thousands, but to start you off – and to tell you more about green smoothies – read Victoria Boutenko’s Ode to Green Smoothies.
Thanks for visiting!
I couldn’t agree more. It’s really difficult to just moderate my bread/cheese/fatty food intake for instance. Once I have it, I want more! I’m not saying it’s easy to just give it up completely but eventually that will be my goal.
Kudos to your husband btw! That’s awesome. He gave in, in the end, but he tried his best to keep you from going for the junk food.
You always provide such great insight into what makes us tick Hanlie. Thank you for that.
Daniele´s last blog ..Week 1
Amen, sister. I ate a lot of processed stuff over the weekend and it’s hard to break the cycle. But I am pretty darn determined.
So green smoothies help with getting back on track?
Kelly Happy Texan´s last blog ..Slightly Derailed
@Kelly Happy Texan: It was never a question of getting back on track. Monday was business as usual. No compromises there… The Green Smoothie is the Chuck Norris of nutrition!
OK, I just visited the link you posted. Wow, I had no idea that it would make such a difference after just one meal. That’s really amazing.
Kelly Happy Texan´s last blog ..Slightly Derailed
Isn’t it crazy what that crap does to us? And most people don’t even realize it. (ok, raising hand – I haven’t given it up yet) BUT…I’m so glad you have! You are my idol
Jen, a priorfatgirl´s last blog ..The Stairmaster Invitational!
Good decision. Staying away from junk, even as a treat, is the best thing. If you do it once, you will most likely do it again. My husband, who is totally vegan, and mostly raw, had a weakness for sweets in the old days. Recently, after “treating” himself to several cinnamon rolls, he developed a horrible pattern–he sneaks out to “treat” himself at least once a week (in the last 4 weeks). It just goes to show you how ADDICTIVE (purposefully so) processed food is. In addition to that billions are spent to develop flavorings and just right combination between sugar and fat that would captivate and enslave millions to the multi-billion food industry.
It is a good time we all start voting with our wallets and supporting only those companies that truly bring health.
You are doing a good thing for you and your future children–they deserve a healthy body to develop and grown in. Stay strong!
Elena´s last blog ..Vegan/Raw Meet-Up and Information Session, Longview, WA
SO WITH YOU on going the whole foods route.
Good point about the homemade goods, too… even if the cake is homemade, it’s still got a bunch of white sugar and flour in it which could leave us craving for more.
Sagan´s last blog ..Exercise vs. Sleep
I’ve tried the whole “eat healthy to fill me up before I get to the party” idea. It never works for me. I end up eating just as much, so know I eaten twice!
This post is pretty sobering and that link is shocking! I have some more re-thinking to do about my food choices.
Yum Yucky´s last blog ..Willpower Woman Has Entered the Building
“What’s more, I really, really, really pity anyone who’s trying to lose weight by controlling portions of processed and refined foods. Your life must be a living hell. You must spend a lot of time hating yourself. May I suggest a shift to a whole foods diet? It will change every aspect of your life!”
This says it all!! Brava Hanlie!! I also believe that what works for each of us will be slightly different. I would find it incredibly difficult to eat a vegan or vegetarian diet but that doesn’t mean that the meat/poultry/fish I do eat has to be processed. I aim for locally grown, free-range and organic as much as possible.
Karen´s last blog ..In Quest for Health, Self-Acceptance Comes First
Hanlie, this is a fantastic post. It is so true that one food choice can lead to a whole domino effect. What a great turning point for you! Like Karen, I’m not ready to go vegan but I do eat local, free range and organic dairy and meats. And I feel 100% better.
Foodie McBody´s last blog ..Eileen Fisher Made Me Fat
@Foodie McBody: Thanks! Remember, I’m not vegan or vegetarian, I just eat a predominantly plant-based diet. I have animal products once or twice a week, usually some kind of meat (not dairy).
I have not made a switch to a clean, whole food diet. Yet we have made tremendous gains in what we eat. The very thought of making the switch is a red flag to me and I know I’m not yet ready.
I think that it was a wonderful learning experience for you and will make you that much stronger in your journey. Your physiological response is very accurate.
Jo´s last blog ..Yes, I Cried While Watching, But…
First of all your Coppertone Girl takes me WAY BACK….remember bill boards with her and the dog?
ANYWAY…. I so HEAR YOU…. I have the toddler to prove it! Mostly he gets such a great diet….plant based, good protiens… very balanced…and then an oreo makes it his way….KID TURNS INTO baby HITLER! tantrum becasue there is not a second one…. tantrum over SUGAR. it’s AMAZING. We once gave him a baby version of a fruit roll up once and same thing…yea, it was “natural-sweetened with fruit” but it was SUPER SWEET and he, again went BONKERS.
(the rest of them sit on the shelf)
I have been in that self defeating “diet” world my whole life..and it IS HELL!
Thanks for the great Post!
Cindy´s last blog ..Kindle LOVE
This is a fabulous post, Hanlie! And thank you so much for your lovely comment on my blog post about my whole foods plant-based diet. We’re eating very similar, aren’t we?
As for cravings, I was amazed after cutting out all processed and refined foods that all temptation, lifetime food addiction & cravings absolutely disappeared. POOF! Just like that. Who would have thought? But I sure as hell know that if I eat any of those sugar and fat-laden foods that those cravings will return with a vengeance, so I can fully understand what happened to you.
I’ve never felt better in my life and eating this way is an absolute pleasure for me, not to mention the incredible difference it’s made in my health.
–Susan
The Crazy Woman Inside Me´s last blog ..Everything Happens for a Reason — Part Two: Live Long and Prosper
You are singing to the choir with me – totally agree and understand and am to apply all that you said to my own life.
Amen.
Ick! I’m so sorry you had to go through that, but as the saying goes, “Lessons are repeated until they are learned.”
As you know, my experience is/was completely different, so no pity necessary for me! While I do eat mostly whole foods, I still allow some favorite processed foods as part of my life. To be honest, I’ve never had more energy, nor felt more alive. Ever.
I think I’m going to count my blessings today that I don’t seem to have the same reactions to sugar and/or salt that so many people seem to have. Which is not to say, I don’t have a whole host of other issues.
cammy@tipptoediet´s last blog ..The Lonely Little Gym Bunny
Hopefully your loving and patient hubby is not to mad at you
You did what you did and now we learn from it. I am the same way as well. There is food that just trigger this relentless craving that just won’t go away. At least not until it is resolved. I feel that this whole journey is all about learning as well and we learn from others too.
I guess that’s why my trainer wants me to eat clean as well. NO and I mean really NO processed food and definitely NO sugar. I am lucky and blessed that he will allow me my coffee so I guess he does have a heart
You really hit this situation right on the nail and thanks for sharing what happened as well. Hopefully people can learn more about what eating bad foods can really do to your body.
Have a great evening and rest well…
Rob´s last blog ..Small, yet a Big Victory today.
This realization hit me this weekend. I had been doing good with the foods I was trying to give up and bam! Having just one soda on Saturday turned into drinking nothing but which led to headaches and grouchiness. I have given up quite a bit of processed/boxed foods and so if I have some once in a while, I notice the difference and that it’s really not that good.
Jenera´s last blog ..My First Harvest
I loved this post. I am in the process of cleaning up my eating. This has inspired me to do even better
I’m becoming more and more a person and lover of whole foods. I still do the “moderation” thing and it seems to work for me but feel myself leaning more and more toward the goodness of healthy real food. Glad you have learned your lesson.
BigGirl´s last blog ..Blink
I have to say I like the idea of eating totally “clean, whole foods,” but I don’t do it all the time. I do my best to buy organic, and prepare healthy food for my family, but we do still eat some processed food.
I like your comment about moderation – I don’t think I am moderating myself to death, rather I am moderating myself to stay healthy! I guess for me, even after all these years in maintenance, I still do enjoy the sweet treats now and then!
Great post Hanlie, and as usual gives me something to think about.
Diane, fit to the finish´s last blog ..Does Lazy Just Come In Large?
Love your post! It is hard to stop that cycle of eating the bad stuff…a slight step backwards can make the temptations pretty strong.
Mooreganics´s last blog ..Going “green” is for the dogs!
So do you have a plan of action for those times when you are invited somewhere for dinner and you know it won’t be clean foods? Good friends and family MAY understand, but how about casual acquaintances?
MamaBearJune´s last blog ..Avoid the WORST!
@MamaBearJune: Good question! Fortunately these occasions don’t present themselves often. Craig and I are not social butterflies. I’ll have to think about this…..
Hi, Hanlie. I can SO relate! It’s two steps forward, one back; okay, so sometimes it’s three back! Coffee, ice cream, ohgodthePASTA… Patting myself on the back, here, I can go for weeks and feel fabulous and so very proud of myself and then there’ll be the treat at the office for someone’s birthday, or the Sunday morning cup of coffee my husband so lovingly makes which I can’t refuse, or like just the other night the… Well, you know. THANK you for writing this and making me fully realize I am absolutely normal in my own version of the yo-yo game.
Julie´s last blog ..The Honor is All Mine
For me, this is one of your most powerful posts. And I am so sorry you had to go though the difficult time. I use to behave the same way about cigarettes, going all day without and then as night approached, I’d grab the keys and speeding off to the local store for my fix.
For me it is very similar…I can’t have just one cigarette. I know where that will lead. But I know there are people who can have just one now and then, and have much better control with those trigger foods. Wish I was one of them!
Patty´s last blog ..Why do we eat?
I guess some people aren’t as affected by the processed foods as others, or maybe they don’t realize they are. I haven’t had processed foods in some time, so I don’t know how I would react now, but I don’t recall ever feeling bad after eating them. Nevertheless, I know what is good and what is right, and that is what I stick to.
South Beach Steve´s last blog ..No Excuses, No Regrets!
Wow, that link is sobering…. Makes me really think about what I am putting in my mouth! I am having a green smoothie for dinner tonight and looking forward to it!
Kat´s last blog ..Mid Week Check In
Hanlie,
Thank you so much for sharing this experience. You are so strong to recognize the triggers and move on. I had never thought about what all of the refined and processed foods do. You are exactly right. It is hell trying to find balance with those foods. I really feel like this is 90% of the problem for so many of us. Again thank you for being so wise and you have certainly given me alot to think about.
Shannon Fab Fattie´s last blog ..Fit and Fabulous with Debra Mazda
You are soooo right! ONE bite of that stuff makes the brain want MORE! It’s like takinga little hit of crack if you are a drug addict.
Lisa´s last blog ..Better today… (comparision pics added to this post)
late to the party but had to chime in.
SOOO TRUE for me.
if I eat sugars I start tolling the kitchen for moremoremore.
I still eat them
but at least I know what’s coming next…and that it is physiological for me WAYWAYmore than emotional.
MizFit´s last blog ..Vtrim (guest post).
I hear you. Sugar highs leave you begging for more and more
Gilz´s last blog ..Conversations with Megan
You are totally right. I like the Yin-Yang theory where foods like sugar and caffeine are so ‘yin’ (expansive, make you feel light and ‘up’) that they’ll make you crave very yang foods like meat or potatos or salt. It’s why chocolate covered pretzels taste so good (sweet and salty together) and also why we often find ourselves on a rollercoaster of cravings. It’s just the body’s way of finding balance. To stay centered, eat foods that aren’t too yin and aren’t too yang, like whole grains and veggies!
Michelle @ Find Your Balance´s last blog ..Pasta for strong bones, say what?
@Michelle @ Find Your Balance: That’s a very good explanation! I’d better read up some more about that… but it makes perfect sense to me.
Wow, good for you!! I completely agree that eliminating all processed foods is the best solution–and yeah, that includes sugar and flour.
I’m curious though, what have you heard about heating fats?
darya´s last blog ..How To Eat In Restaurants: Healthy Tips For Real Life (series)
Well, you know how I feel about this as well.
My suffering & struggle ALWAYS ends when I begin eating whole foods. There is no mystery to it for me. Case solved.
It’s great how you made the connection even while in the midst of eating the take-away.
The people who are struggling & at the same time resistant to changing to a whole foods diet kind of shows you just how addicted they are. I’m talking about the people who have a problem with it.
Even mention the thought & they become quite defensive. I feel sorry for them too as it doesn’t have to be this way for them.
btw, bought the Food Inc. book which is related to the upcoming Doc but it’s taking its time getting here. Can’t wait!
Katschi´s last blog ..Typical Food Day This Week
Hanlie – Please don’t pity me. I have found that moderation is the best solution for me. I eat very little in the way of processed and sugary foods, but I don’t avoid them as if they were garlic to a vampire.
Personally, limiting myself to a “perfect” diet just made me into a very, very angry person. The physical side-effects you get from not eating clean could, on some level, be compared to the psychological side-effects that I get when I feel like I’m in a “food straight-jacket”.
I’m all for good, healthy food but the odd treat, be it crusty, white baguette or a spoonful of gelato does not send me into a physical tailspin. Constant denial would, though.
NewMe´s last blog ..Pictures