Episode 066 – The Intuitively You Podcast

Is it Possible to Crave Vegetables?

Have you ever thought it was nearly *impossible* to actually crave vegetables? I used to think the same. I craved the sweets all the time – the chips, the chocolate, the cookies, the ice cream… but how could I possibly crave vegetables? 

Back when my past self was on-and-off diets, non-stop eating sweets into the evening, and trying to be as “good” as possible during the day, I didn’t think anyone could actually want to eat more vegetables. But last weekend I was truly craving veggies. And I want to chat with you about it! 

This post and episode is a good example of what intuitive eating can look like in real life. I share a lot about where I used to be and how I got to this point where I can feel so at peace with all foods, that I actually crave vegetables. And I want to explain whats actually going on here, so that you can see how a relationship with food like this might be possible for you too (because it is!). 

My Past Negative Relationship with Food

First let’s rewind to that version of me that was stuck in the diet-binge cycle. That version of Jenn was:

• On and off diet plans or attempts of “clean eating”
• Forcing herself to eat more, and more, and more veggies
• Not allowing herself to have the “fun” foods like cookies, ice cream, etc.
• Veggies = “good,” and fun foods = “bad” in her mind

All of that led to this weird mentality I had around food. Where there was an irresistible magnetism to the chips, chocolate, cookies, and ice cream (since they were placed off limits). And an icky feeling about veggies because I was forcing myself to eat them since I had to “be good.”

Cue: the out-of-control feelings around the fun foods + the “ugh, not salad again” feeling towards veggies. 

My Positive Relationship with Food Now

Fast forward to today, I’m now the version of me who truly has stepped into her intuitive eater era and healed my relationship with food: 

• No more dieting or rules about food
• All foods fit – the veggies, AND the chips, cookies, chocolate, etc.
• Let go of thinking as food as “good” vs. “bad”
• Honouring my body’s needs + desires in a way that just feels really freaking GOOD to me in each & every moment

And now that I have truly embraced this positive relationship with food, there are no more of those funky feelings towards food. 

There’s no more “I just can’t leave the cookies alone if they’re in the house.” Instead I eat cookies when I want to, and mindfully in amounts that make me feel my best. And I actually enjoy eating veggies because I know I feel better overall when I do. 

No more “shoulds” just truly a beautiful dance with my own body’s inner wisdom has led me to this place. This is exactly what I help my clients with! How to re-find your inner wisdom, how to eat in ways that make you feel your best (without rules!), and how to allow the fun foods back into your life without feeling out of control around them. 

Why Was I Craving Vegetables?

What happened to make me crave vegetables? Simply put, I had a weekend that was lacking in veggies that led me here.

I was busy traveling all over the place and having fast paced days over Saturday & Sunday. Because everything was a bit of a whirlwind, I’ll be honest, food became a little bit of an afterthought. (Yes, it can happen to dietitians from time to time too, I’m only human!) I ended up eating meals that didn’t really have many veggies in them for most of the weekend. 

After that weekend, I found myself really getting the cue from my body that it wants and needs more veggies! Since I’m so in-tune with my body, it literally tells me whats up and what it needs.

What I Did About Craving Vegetables 

Once I noticed this vegetable craving, I knew that’s what I was going to lean into. After that weekend I started to ask myself, “how can I ADD more veggies into my day?”

Now here’s where I want to make a very important distinction. This is absolutely not from a diet-y mentality, but from a place of just caring for my body and what it needs. 

This had nothing to do with “making up for” a weekend lacking in vegetables. And it had everything to do with just honouring what my body was asking me for. No shame, no guilt, no “shoulds” or rules.

Want to Become an Intuitive Eater?

If being able to have a relationship with food where you feel at peace and empowered around all foods, the veggies and the fun foods, sounds like a little bit of a dream for you, I’d love to help you find your version of food freedom too!  

If you want to explore what working with me could look like for you, book a Free Clarity Call by clicking here. On your Free Clarity Call we’ll be able to uncover what you need in order to improve your relationship with food and get clarity on which of our programs at The Intuitive Nutritionist would be the best fit for you, your needs, and goals.