Do you know what your body needs?

**lynnzop**[$] · #1 05-09-2003, 11:16 AM

I need protein. It's going to combat that damned chocolate WW 2point bar I had this morning that is making me ill. I can tell I need protein, well, just because. I can't describe it, but I know I need it.

My husband swears that he can tell when he's vitamin-deficient in something, takes a supplement or eats something that contains what he needs, and he's fine. I'm not quite that in tune with my body, but I can always tell when I need to eat protein or carbs.

Does anyone else do this?

Lynn
who ate a piece of chicken that was supposed to be lunch and now feels much better.

**mjfrombuffalo**[$] · #2 05-09-2003, 11:23 AM

I know when my blood sugar is dropping and I need to eat some fruit or candy quick. But as for carbs, my body consistently tells me I'm not getting enough, and that's after eating half a loaf of bread.

**hadassahchana**[$] · #3 05-09-2003, 01:27 PM

I can tell when I need extra iron and calcium. When my hemoglobin goes down, I start craving beets, salads and red meat. The veggie craving isn't unusual, but I almost never eat red meat, so when I crave that, I go with it.

Cindy

jenninca · #4 05-09-2003, 06:13 PM

I have gotten very good at noticing the first signs that my body needs water.

Other than that, not much luck.

Cindy

murasaki · #5 05-09-2003, 06:29 PM

I get low-blood sugar attacks when I go too long between meals. A lot depends on how much I ate for the last meal.

I know I need protein intellectually because of the amount of exercising I do, but I don't get cravings for it. I don't get cravings for much except sweets.

--naomi

magenta321 · #6 05-10-2003, 02:33 AM

I totally do!

I think it was you who disagreed with me one time though, Lynn.

I need, and I do mean need, chocolate when my seritonin levels drop.

I can tell when I am low in iron. It's hard to explain, but, I can feel anemia without really being ill from it, per se.

I can tell when I need protein, but, I'm fine as long as I get one meal with protein in it per day.

I never crave fruits or veggies, nor can I tell when I need them (other than the iron thing). Shrug.

I usually listen to my body.

**mjfrombuffalo**[$] · #7 05-10-2003, 08:15 AM

I listened to my body last night.

A bowl of pasta, four chocolate chip cookies and two brownies later, my body said, "Ok, that'll do for now."

mj
who is trying to get her body to shut up instead

susanwhipple · #8 05-10-2003, 11:33 AM

Sure. I know when ever I'm craving cereal what I really need is calcium. I know this because I eat plenty of grains and not enough dairy.

Whenever I crave Lay's chips I try to force myself to drink some water. I think Lay's are probably the saltiest food I eat.

I'm a firm believer in listening to your body and trying to give it what it really needs instead of giving in to the craving itself. I don't have a ton of will power, though so I usually give in to the craving.