Honor you hunger

Today I suggested a patient eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner. Gasp! She explained to me how she was a mail carrier and her days were super hectic. She went on to tell me that she eats dinner for breakfast. Something that’s hearty so that it can last her a while. It is usually greens, chicken, and rice. She says people always talk about her for doing that, but I was unfazed. It’s balanced with multiple food groups AND she managed to include leafy greens in the morning.

This patient said to me she has zero time to eat lunch so she instead eats snacks during her entire work day, which is anywhere from 9-12 hours. She’s then, understandably, starving when she gets home and ends up overeating or she’s so tired she sleeps through dinner. She had so many rules and restrictions in mind. “ I can’t eat the same thing I ate for breakfast because it is too heavy” and “is there something I can do so I’m not hungry at this time?”

We discussed a lot of strategies of what she could eat during her shift and when she gets home. One of her fave suggestions…a good ole PB&J. This was a telephone consultation and as soon as I suggested a PB&J, I heard her clap as she exclaimed “Oh my God, I’m so glad you said that!” You know why this works? It’s quick, simple, requires no cooking, and incorporates multiple food groups. Healthy carbohydrate, healthy fat, protein, and fruit. Is it perfect? No. But, we’re in a pandemic! Offering this as an option for this woman meant she was able to nourish her body in a way that was practical and pleasing to her after a long day. I heard the burden lift from her as her voice lightened. I share this story with you because it’s important that we’re gentle with ourselves and don’t try to squeeze into a mold of what healthy eating should be. Simply focus on listening to your body’s cues and honor them first and foremost.