Remember when all of my breakfasts looked like that ^^ ?? Lots of nut (seed) butters, granola, chia, and fruit. Most of the time served over oatmeal or yogurt.
I can’t explain my palate. It is incredibly finicky, and I really have no idea what to expect when I wake up each day. My diet has changed a lot in the past 1-2 years, and not really for any intentional reason. I just evolved.
These days I am eating less…
>> nut butter. Still love it, but don’t feel the need to put it on everything like I used to. Favorites are Whole Foods brand peanut and almond! I don’t get to Trader Joe’s as much to get sunflower butter, and I still love crazy flavors, but only when I can find them easily 🙂
>> granola. Perhaps this is one of the more intentional changes, but I do get a little out of control when I have granola on hand, so I stopped buying it as much. Totally delicious though! My favorite kind remains the Nature’s Path brand that is airy and crunchy. I have such fond memories of the days when I tried a different granola every week! That was a delicious time in my life. Need to make a homemade batch soon!
>> bread. Less bread is coming in my front door these days, so naturally I’m eating a little less. Still going to Great Harvest when I do need to stock up though! Matt was a big “bread on the side of the meal” eater so I used to jump on that a lot, and request a small portion when he would toast his. I’m mostly just eating it for breakfast toast and the occasional sandwich these days.
>> dark chocolate. I used to CRAVE dark chocolate after meals. That craving is gone – no idea why. It might be because I just haven’t had any really good dark chocolate in the house in a while. Hmmm….!
>> craft beer. This is another “well if the beer drinker is gone….” type of taste. I’m finding too, though, that if I’m going to drink I’d like to drink wine, so I’m choosing beer less in public too. This could be seasonal though – I like a good thick craft brew in the winter!
>> Hugh Jass salads. (Say that one out loud if you’re confused!) I’ve been eating a lot more leftovers and vegetable sides this year, and just haven’t been into salads as much as I used to when I prepare them. When I’m out though, bring on the biggest kale salad one can find!
And I’m eating more…
<< eggs. There has to be something physical about this because I got on an egg kick after Mazen was born and it hasn’t turned off yet. I think eggs make such a great breakfast, and with toast and fruit, I feel great. I used to want to feel super full after breakfast each day and oatmeal left me so satisfied, but now I like breakfasts that keep me fueled but don’t overload, and eggs/toast/fruit seems to do that.
<< wine. See beer comments above : ) Love me some vino!
<< coffee. I used to be all about the decaf coffee because I am sensitive to caffeine. Well, I am still sensitive to caffeine, but I’ve gotten hooked back on regular coffee. Particularly a French press pot of Shenandoah Joe’s with half and half. Still love my Nespresso machine for cappuccinos!
<< green smoothies. Smoothies have been my go-to all summer, and Mazen loves them too. I make a pretty hearty smoothie with oats, banana, peanut butter, Vega, spinach, and organic cow’s milk. It keeps me full until lunch, and is a great quick-to-make balance of nutrition.
<< cheese. Cheese is the new chocolate! I can’t get enough good cheese these days. Manchego, aged gouda, triple cream brie. It is fairly calorie dense, but I like to think the pros outweigh the cons 😉
<< steak. Randomly I have been craving steak more often. I used to eat a lot more vegetarian, but this is another one of those “blame it on pregnancy” cravings that has stuck with me. I do always try to choose grass-fed beef when out (like at Citizen Burger!) and always buy it for cooking.
<< alternative salads. I haven’t given up on salads! But I just got so tired of mixed greens and baby spinach. Lately I’ve been getting heads of romaine and making really crunchy salads, and of course long live the kale salad! I’ve been into making homemade creamy dressings too! Like this one all the time.
Interesting to note that there are both healthy and unhealthy foods that I wrote down, so I guess I traded some for others! I have no idea where my cravings are rooted and what causes taste to change. I’d like to think there’s a nutrition piece to this puzzle, but I’m not so sure. I do tend to literally crave salads after a day or two of less-than-ideal eating choices, but beyond that I doubt that my body is craving a nutrient that’s in a green smoothie. I think it’s more emotional and memory connected than anything else. What feeling does dark chocolate bring to me verses how I feel eating cheese? My cravings are seasonal too, and I think this list will probably change again in the next month or so as colder weather rolls in.
What food can you not get enough of right now?
Danielle @ Wild Coast Tales says
It’s so interesting to look back and see how my diet changes over the years too! Thanks for an insightful post… I like what you say about food being connected to memory and feeling, it’s so true. It’s such an emotional thing! Lately I’ve been a lot more eggs and sweet potatoes. Dark chocolate still going strong 🙂
Kori says
I love this post! My palate/tastes have changed some too. I credit Matt with introducing me to savory breakfast creations. I used to be oatmeal/smoothie/yogurt bowl/cereal all the time, but now I *crave* eggs, savory oatmeal, toast, etc. We do love sweet-savory combinations too — the best of both worlds. I include eggs far more than I used to. I believe it’s for a few reasons: I counsel my patients all. the. time. about protein, so naturally I’ve subconciously included more in my own diet. Again, Matt has introduced me + blogger recipes. Lastly, our new understanding of egg nutrition and new research on cholesterol that demonstrates they may not impact our levels as we once thought. Long comment, sorry! But I appreciate the conversation on this topic.
Ash Diamond says
I love this and it resonates with me as I too have had a shift in what my body and I crave. I’ve switched to smoothies more often than yogurt bowls and am doing alternative salads using leftovers and chopped vegetables vs the traditional greens.
Alan says
Oh my–this was a fun post. I am in late 40s so a bit ahead of you but clearly, as I’ve aged, I’ve had my food tastes change. I eat way more fruit and vegetables than 20 years ago, and way less sweets. About 10 years ago, I tried to lose weight–successfully–about 25 lbs and got out of the habits of chocolate/sweets at that time and never developed it back. Well, most of the time. I do think food tastes change over time, some for physiologic reasons and some just “I’m sick of X”
I drink beer intermittently–never quite sure where my tipping point is regarding weight gain–but I have become more picky. I brew my own so I am always looking for “good” small batch stuff. But then I wonder if my belt and pants agree so I go through periods where I am a teetotaler. Alas, in my 40s I cannot seem to lose at all, regardless of what I do. (Most of my weight has been put back on, slowly, though thankfully I am still a smaller pant size than 10 years ago–still fairly in shape but who doesn’t want to lose 5 huh??)
Thanks for sharing.
Lisa Valinsky says
Love this post! I find food cravings fascinating, especially when they change during and after a pregnancy. I still have a sweet tooth since having our daughter, but it’s not nearly as strong as it used to be.
I, unlike you, am all about the nut butters lately! Especially cashew butter or Teddy’s unsalted peanut butter. I love eating a big spoonful with breakfast or before I go to bed. Maybe it’s because I’m still nursing, but I often find it’s the one food that keeps me full (and takes care of that sweet tooth). 🙂
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
My cravings seem to change with the day! haha I just go with the flow.
Katie says
For some reason, plantains. I want to eat all the plantains. Generally as crispy tostones but I will take them any way which is weird because I have never really had plantains before and I have no pregnancy to blame it on!
Chelsea says
I used to eat tons of nut butter, eggs, smoothies, and oatmeal. I don’t have a jar of nut butter, I just bought my first dozen of eggs in a long time on Wednesday, I don’t find smoothies satisfying anymore, and I haven’t eaten oatmeal in over a year! I have developed an allergy to eggs-they REALLY upset my stomach so that explains that.
What I can’t get enough of? Avocado with siracha-YUM! Salmon, Lamb-more savory things. I actually don’t really crave sweet stuff anymore which is a big change.
Emily says
I’ve been eating a ton of eggs, but I seriously cannot get enough plantains. I don’t even think I had tried plantains before moving to Guatemala, and now I eat them every day. They are SO GOOD!
KathEats says
Someone else said the same thing!
Cara says
I have had very similar shifts in my eating preferences over the last year or so. Some of the same food swaps too less nut butter, more eggs, less etc. It is interesting how our palates shift like that. I have been really into cheeses lately!
Erin says
I can eat eggs in any form – salads, breakfasts. I just love them, too. After babies, I just cannot eat loads of pesto, tuna and don’t really crave desserts anymore…after morning sickness. Also loving baked fries with seasoning from 5 guys. It’s a least a little healthier then the fried fries. 🙂 And salads, tea, wine, and sparkling water.
ashley says
We have the same fridge! Looking into yours feels like looking into mine, especially with the 365 ketchup and hot sauce (but not sriracha :o) on the bottom left.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
My tastes definitely change over time as well, and sometimes I just get on a kick for something and then get tired of it! I’m back on the oatmeal train for breakfasts, and loving eggs, hummus, and a green veggie mix for lunch!
[email protected] says
It’s so fascinating how tastes change! Right now for me I used to HATE tea. I thought it tasted like dirt, now I can’t get enough of it. I’m also really loving hummus. I put that stuff on everything.
Beth says
How do you cook your eggs? Mine never turn out like yours look? Thanks for the help
KathEats says
I have a post and video about it : ) https://www.katheats.com/perfect-scrambled-eggs
Beth says
thanks. I never coat the pan with butter. I have always just used the nonstick sprays. Maybe that’s why they taste so rubbery. You add 1 T butter no matter how many eggs you make at once? 2 or 8?
KathEats says
I’ll use a little less if I’m just frying up one egg – just enough to cover that spot on the pan
Rose, RD, LD @ The Donut Dietitian says
I’m just curious what kind of vega protein you use? There are SO MANY different varieties and I’ve been meaning to order some for weeks but have heard mixed things about the taste.
KathEats says
This is the one I buy. I just love the flavor!
Mallory says
MORE:
-Coffee (with real sugar & cream)
-Beer! (Used to not touch the stuff)
-Pizza
-Muffins
-Pasta
LESS:
-Oatmeal
-Greek Yogurt
-Apples (they hurt my stomach so bad)
-Sweets/dessert
-Fake Sugar
-Cereal
I weigh less now than I ever have… and am running faster than I ever have! Yay!
Katie says
love this!! So fun 🙂 I’m really into eggs right now… Along with apples (seasonal)
Linda @ The Fitty says
Interesting! People tend to eat MORE nut butter these days because of fall.
Also, I’m also eating more eggs than usual this week too. I need to finish them before they expire.
Erica says
Like you, I don’t eat much red meat, but I’ve found myself really wanting good burgers lately. I had a wonderful grass-fed one last night while I was out to dinner. I think part of the appeal is the comfort food factor, so it may be a “blame it on grad school” thing…we’ll see!
polly says
this is a fabulous post kath!
gosh my tastes have changed too. I am just not into nut butters as much either. I think they started to feel thick and heavy and idk just kinda stopped. i do love peanut butter but lately.. nah.
and also eggs! I used to be oatmeal girl too but now.. it’s more eggs or just some slices of meat leftovers of something. i just don’t like feeling extra full anymore either. in fact if i do oats, its normally at night for a snack before bed.
also just don’t crave the fruit i used to. not sure why. i just don’t know why but my tastes have changed so much. maybe hormones or age? idk maybe the new even simpler way of eating makes the times i do have a treat or a piece of pie or whatever even more special. and that’s pretty cool 🙂 XOXO
Teresa says
With an 8 week old baby at home, I’m pretty much eating whatever I can scrounge up in a moment or whatever a friend generously drops off! Haha. I would eat smoked salmon all day if I could though!
Question: we are buying a new fridge and I was looking at models just like yours earlier today. Can you recommend a brand? Thx
KathEats says
It’s my second Samsung fridge, and I love them!! I don’t know the exact model (actually that picture is of my old house!)
Liz says
I’m pregnant.
Cold baked oatmeal with fruit and almond butter for breakfast. Every day. Otherwise nothing sweet. Eggs, avocado, smoked salmon, salads, and red meat on occasion. I used to have a huge sweet tooth (all the dessert) but it’s gone away. Peanut butter makes me gag. La croix lost its luster. Crazy hormones.
Jenn says
Granola – the same! I like to make my own, but then I find myself standing in the pantry with bowl and spoon in hand. Next thing you know, I’ve eaten half a cup! So hard to use control:)
Melissa says
I am with you! I was not an egg lover or hater before my first baby. I was served a cheesy egg in the hospital as one of my first postpartum meals. Something about that birth made me regard eggs more highly (appetitewise). I am relying alot them more lately because I have been sadly told to go GF and dairy free.
Leatitia says
Very interesting post! My palate changed too in the last few years. I used to eat a lot in the morning. Since having my son (5y ago), breakfast have been on the smaller side. Maybe because moms are always running around to do everything. These days, a small piece of bread and an egg, or a small oatmeal + fruit, enough for me. I’m not hungry until lunch. Lunch is usually spinach + heated leftovers. At night, I used to crave sugar like CRAZY but now, a few nuts and I’m fine. I’m not hungry all the time like I used to.
I pretty much stopped eating added sugar overnight last month and I’ve been feeling so much better. I shed a few pounds too, so that’s an added bonus. I haven’t been able to lose in two years, even adding 5 workouts to my week. Not a single pound. 4 weeks with no sugar, 7 pounds gone. Pretty amazing. And I feel pretty amazing too. 🙂
Aileen says
Have you posted your smoothie recipe before? I’ve tried to drink smoothies with Vega but haven’t been able to stomach the taste.
Aileen says
Also, how many eggs (portion size) do you eat for breakfast? Trying to find a good amount to start the day.
KathEats says
I’m not sure I’ve done an official recipe because I change it a lot but that would make a good little blog post! And I have 2 eggs for breakfast 🙂
Kristen says
I just wanted to say that I’ve read your blog for years and have noticed the shifts over time.–so it was fascinating to see you look at it through a personal and nutritional lens all together in one post! I love it.