Have dinner for lunch!

Earlier this week, I started reading Dr Vivian Vetrano's eBook, Genuine Fruitarianism; The Ecological, Sociable, Satisfying Way to Eat which goes very deeply into the physiology surrounding our need for protein in the diet (spoiler: You definitely need nuts and seeds in your diet!) In the discussion on protein deficiency, she listed off the related symptoms and how when you're deficient in proteins, your appetite doesn't go away even after eating large meals of fruits and/or salads. This is a problem that I always suffer even though I may have just finished a large salad complete with nuts.

It occurred to me that perhaps my problem is that although I've eaten plenty of protein, my body has yet to assimilate it so the appetite is still running! So yesterday, I decided to eat my nuts and salad dinner for lunch instead. I finished this meal about 12:30 and went out for the rest of the afternoon helping disabled people sail around the local lake. I was pretty busy so by the time I got anywhere near food (doughnuts in this case,) it was 3:30 and I found that I had absolutely no interest in having one.

I came home and fixed up a large smoothie for dinner which I finished about 6:30 and then went out to choir practice for several hours. Coming home from practice has always been a challenging time for me in the past as I usually have a serious desire for something sugary and usually give in to something unhealthy. This time, I had absolutely no interest in snacking at all even though I was up for another hour and a half.

Thinking this might be just a one off, I tried it again today. I had my usual (of late) breakfast smoothie and for lunch tucked into the large salad with sunflower seeds. I then got busy in the garden for the next several hours noticing that several times I thought about how nice it would be to have a snack but never seriously considering it. Since then, I had a smoothie for dinner and here I am at 10pm not concerned in the least about food, feeling quite content and satisfied in that department.

What I think is happening is, my lunchtime protein is being assimilated during the afternoon and by the time I get to dinnertime, it has registered with my appetite. I must say that I wasn't particularly hungry for my dinner but was eagerly awaiting it and enjoyed it immensely. Even so, by the time I was finished, my appetite had well and truly been fulfilled so there was no "craving" remaining to fight with.

I'll continue to test this theory and report back on progress.

Regards,

John

Tags: craving, deficiency, fruitarianism, nh, nuts, protein, salad, seeds, snack, vetrano

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by dandelion on June 16, 2012 at 7:28pm

Very interesting post, John. I might give that a go and see if it makes a difference. Thanks for sharing.

Permalink Reply by anabea on June 16, 2012 at 10:39pm

wow John, that is so interesting. I will totally look at this book. Just to get more details... how much are we talking? A handful? A few ounces? This is really interesting. I personally, have been adding tahini to my salad dressing lately which has left me quite satisfied. I always thought this went against the 80-10-10 principles, but it has kept me in the raw and in the fruit. Does that make sense? That little bit has helped me immensely. So, of course, I am totally fascinated by your post.

thanks so much!

Permalink Reply by John Jasper on June 17, 2012 at 8:27am

anabea,

Strangely, Dr Vetrano doesn't actually say (unless I glossed over it) but general Natural Hygiene advice is 1-2 ounces (50 - 100 grams.) I tend to go for the higher amount because any less leaves me wanting more every time.

While I'm at it, this is day 3 of continued success! I'm loving it!

Permalink Reply by Dovima on June 17, 2012 at 11:27am

So, you don't bother having fruit midday? Interesting! keep us updated

Permalink Reply by anabea on June 17, 2012 at 9:40pm

how interesting... ok, thanks so much!!

Nora Lenz also talks about transitioning this way. She is amazing too. Will look into Dr Vetrano. Thanks so much John

Permalink Reply by John Jasper on June 18, 2012 at 6:18pm

Anabea,

You're an angel or a highly gifted psychic! You couldn't know that the night before you wrote this reply, I posted a request on another forum for information on how to naturally heal my wife's dog who's just been diagnosed with diabetes. Yet, you've provided the answer to my question.

I hadn't heard of Nora Lenz but thanks to you mentioning her, I checked out her website and found that she provides the very information that I needed. Spooky!!!

Thanks ever so much!

Permalink Reply by anabea on June 18, 2012 at 10:49pm

I just got the chills!! I hope that the sweet dog heals. I know Nora has taught me so much about this program for me and for my dog. She has helped to heal us both. best of luck!!!

Permalink Reply by John Jasper on June 18, 2012 at 6:27pm

Yesterday, circumstances conspired to keep me from eating my salad and protein lunch so instead I had my fruit lunch in the mid afternoon. I was a bit concerned that this could have negative results in the evening but I shouldn't have worried. I had my salad meal for dinner and once again found that it was easy to forget about eating once I'd finished. I think that was a combination of new-found resolve from the previous days' successes and "knowing" deep down that if I felt any desire to keep eating or snack on other items, all I had to do was leave it an hour or so until my appetite had a chance to switch off.

Thanks so much for feedback, amigos.

Permalink Reply by Dovima on June 22, 2012 at 12:17am

So, I'm eating more protein at dinner and I'm mind-blowingly amazingly completely satisfied with my diet. Three meals a day, no snacking. I'd love some more updates on how the new tweak in your diet is working for you.

Permalink Reply by anabea on June 22, 2012 at 1:04am

hey dovima, mind me asking what protein you are doing at dinner? Just greens or are you adding something else?

I too want to do three meals and no snacking. Can't get there yet as I am still hungry. I love the cleanliness and simplicity of that though and am working towards that.

Permalink Reply by John Jasper on June 22, 2012 at 8:05am

Dovima,

This tweak has given me real control which even though on two occasions I've slipped slightly, I've gotten right back on track the next day.

I'm so glad that you're doing so well. :-)

Permalink Reply by Mera/Feather Story on June 23, 2012 at 4:32pm

How interesting. Thanks for sharing, I will try this tomorrow and see how I feel. Strangely enough I was thinking of switching my cooked meal to lunch because today I did that and after my huge smoothie dinner I was so extremely satisfied and my daughters were the same way. I feel so good now, I want to transition back to around 3000 fruit calories a day again.