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Mother's Day, 2011
Let's talk about food and feeling full
I'm nursing, so I'm eating way more than I was before I was pregnant.
At the same time, I want to improve my eating habits and be healthier. I was on bed rest after giving birth, and utterly wiped out for a good deal of time after that, so I got really used to eating pasta at least once a day because it was easy and comforting. Even after I moved away from that, I still found myself centering my meals around grains (quinoa, barley, rice, pasta, bread, whatever) at the expense of other healthy foods.
For the last week, I've done at least one grain-free meal a day. But no matter what combination of other foods I've tried, I find myself hungry way sooner than if I had some sort of grain.
Is that normal? Can you suggest combinations of foods that you've had that are tasty and filling so I'm not eating more frequently than my 7 month old? We only eat meat 3 or so times a week, but I'm not adverse to changing that since I just found a great local meat co-op we could sign up for if that's how we want to go. I'm not at all interested in paleo-eating or anything like that, though 
Mother's Day, 2011
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Let's talk about food and feeling full
I'm going to play the devil's advocate and say that those grains you're craving ARE a protein source--and it sounds like you're eating things like quinoa which is a complete protein and a whole grain. Nothing to be ashamed about there! You might try to include lots of veggies in your pasta--not just, say, cheese and butter (which, with your being a theology student, I'm confident you will understand when I say that my holy trinity has always included cheese and butter--it's the third thing that sometimes rotates to include God).
Um, and those whole grains are galactagogues, too. So you're being a good mama.
aspade here, just trying to make you feel good about yourself and all of your choices. : P
I generally think in terms of protein for trying to stave off hunger. Do you eat dairy? I found yogurt and hard-boiled or scrambled eggs to both be good for protein/going longer between eating. An easy snack for me has been a handful of almonds (again, good for the protein). Also, edamame (I buy the cooked and frozen pods from Trader Joe's, and you just have to thaw them to eat). I like to add avocado to sandwiches or wraps (or just eat straight as a side dish with a sprinkle of salt - I *love* avocados) helped make them more substantial, probably because of the good fats in them. Carrots or apples dipped in peanut butter or cottage cheese are also decent options with nutritional value.
But, man, when I was nursing more (probably up until DS was 12-14 months), I needed to eat all the time! Maybe it just comes with the territory?
I hadn't thought of grain as protein, or remembered that quinoa is a complete grain, so that's good too. I knew oatmeal was a galactalogue, but oatmeal all too often feels like vomit, so I tend to stay away unless it's in pancakes or cookies. I might make up a batch of pancakes to have as a healthy side, though.
And I hadn't thought about hard boiled eggs, either. I ate so many of those while pregnant that I just forgot they exist. It is deviled egg season, though...
And it's really good to hear that others were eating ALL.THE.TIME too
Thanks women!
Mother's Day, 2011
If you're concerned about eating too many grains, I would suggest maybe eating vegetables first, and then eating grains until you feel full. Instead of filling up on grains and then not being hungry for fruit/vegetables. I know that a plate full of healthy vegetables doesn't make a meal, but it can fill your stomach up somewhat. Or eat the meat and vegetables first, then have rice or sweet potato afterwards.
I know with DD I could never get enough food when I was nursing. I can't imagine how it will be with a 2.5 yr old and a baby and nursing!
Like pp, I think you're doing pretty good with the quinoa, and even the other whole grains. As long as you're balancing it out with a lot of veggies and getting enough healthy protein... Just don't do what I do and have mounds of soba noodles and what you THINK is a lot of veggies, but once you get it mixed in... well... it pales in comparison.
And yes - pasta, butter and parm cheese - *swoon* I have at least gone to olive oil over the butter.
I once asked my GP if it was possible I had a tapeworm.
She asked if I was always hungry.
I said yes.
She said that meant it wasn't a worm, because those live in your intestines, so I was fine.
But if you really want the multiple syringes of banana flavored good, I'm sure I can get some samples from a friend who's a vet.
Mother's Day, 2011