Something I get asked all the time since my gastric bypass surgery is, “Aren’t you hungry?” The trademark answer is, “No, not really.” And it’s true. Sure, I feel empty, but never really hungry. I am finding I CAN eat more than I should, but physically, I realize I don’t have to anymore. Give me some Oreo’s and milk, mix in a stressor or three and I can still woof them down like a pro, but I don’t get hungry.
At least I thought that was the case. But lately, I have been finding myself very hungry. Not for a couple subs from Barbato’s Italian Restaurant or for trying to figure out what to have for 3rds at Thanksgiving dinner. It’s said that hunger is all in the mind, but what to do when it’s the mind that’s hungry? I learned a new term when relearning to eat; “nutrient dense food.” Since I couldn’t eat much, I had to make the most of what I ate. High protein, lot’s of vitamins and minerals keep the water up and stay away from empty calories. I’ve decided I need some nutrient dense food for thought. There’s no shortage of information being bombarded upon us all. But it’s all fluff, spin; empty calories. It’s so bad it’s not filling anymore.
I’m hungry.
So, I’ve picked up an old copy of Walden at the used book shop near Chautauqua. I have some other reading I have been putting off for way too long. Since I can’t go off and build a cabin on the lake at the moment I will have to retreat in my mind. Working in the garden helps. I took the hundreds of mistakes I made last year that I have whittled down to double digits. I even got some asparagus this week and I should have strawberries soon. The raised beds are working so well I might make more over the summer and use them almost exclusively next year.
Until I can visit
It’s quiet for the moment. I have the house to myself. Before the rest of the gang gets home and I put my virtual retreat on hold I think I will take my book to the swing and have something good to eat.
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