583298 Sun Dec 28 12:16:39 -0800 2008 158 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 4277886 Saturday morning I was in the deli at Whole-Foods type market looking for something to take for lunch. After days of holiday excess, the rich foods I usually love just didn't appeal to me. Then I saw the organic kale salad (chopped raw kale with pumpkin seeds, slivers of red onion, in a sesame vinaigrette). I don't normally like kale. I'm not sure I've ever eaten raw kale. But my body clearly wanted it, because it tasted delicious. So that started me wondering, what healthy foods do you sometimes crave? I don't mean healthy foods you like okay that you eat because you think you should, I mean healthy foods that you actually *want* to eat. I also mean foods that are intrinsically healthy (like kale) and not foods that have been altered (alternate fats and sweeteners, for example) to make them more healthy. Maybe we can all discover some delicious healthy foods! Sun Dec 28 12:16:39 -0800 2008 10159 Ruth Lafler 1 4277972 Fruit. My sister and I both adore fruit of all kinds and keep a big basket of whatever's in season on the counter for snacking. But I've noticed that healthy-food craving seems to be a habit - since I started making a point to eat more vegetables a plate just doesn't look complete without something green on there. Sun Dec 28 13:00:32 -0800 2008 4277886 102571 mordacity 2 4278810 i'm so with you and the other fruithounds out there. i really have to watch myself when i have a bowl of grapes, cherries, clementines, melon, etc... in front of me. i'll stuff myself silly and rue the consequences, later. in the non-fruit dept, i also love turnips, sliced and eaten raw with salt, and sometimes have really strong cravings for roasted asparagus and roasted brussel sprouts. sometimes i crave roasted sunflower seeds (generally when i get a little underweight from having too many long, low-appetite days at the office or when the weather's cold and i need the fat). i regularly crave chicken liver, though the healthiness of that is probably debatable. fresh-made salsa is also high on the list. and probably like many other chowhounds who like sashimi / nigiri, i go through periods when i want it three times a day. i think this has come up on this board in the past, but i strongly believe that your body tends to crave what it needs. whatever's in raw kale, i must not need much of. ;) Sun Dec 28 20:09:28 -0800 2008 4277972 64215 cimui 3 4278952 I know the feeling of stuffing oneself with fruit! I have absolutely no self control when there is fresh watermelon, honeydew, grapes or mangoes in front of me. I will eat it until I am SICK. Also, I love, loveee roasted brussel sprouts. My body needs it at least twice a week. ETA: I also crave tofu all the time. I prefer it to meat, when presented with the choice. Sun Dec 28 21:28:27 -0800 2008 4278810 166743 pinkprimp 4 4278967 Oh I totally crave watermelon with sea salt in the summer! And honeydew and other melons as well. Fresh mango slushies, lychees, all the juicy fruits. The craving usually happens in the summer though. And when the weather is hot, I crave fresh, cold sashimi or raw seafood. Sun Dec 28 21:48:23 -0800 2008 4278952 54254 kobetobiko 4 4280566 tofu's another good one. the really fresh, soft, creamy stuff is better than ice cream. mmm! Mon Dec 29 12:52:43 -0800 2008 4278952 64215 cimui 4 4295390 Hah! While I don't crave fruit necessarily, I've been known to eat strawberries until my belly hurt. Although come to think of it, I can eat quite a bit of other fruits. As for the vegetables, I may have a problem. Like pink, I MUST eat brussel sprouts at least twice a week. I prefer roasted, but have also had steamed. I will go on broccoli binges. And as to the OP: I have constant cravings for miso kale. Clearly I like my greens. I am the person, however, who sneaks back into the kitchen after dinner to snack on spinach leftovers, I haven't decided if my aubergine cravings count, because it feels like such a luxury food. Sun Jan 04 14:29:42 -0800 2009 4278952 16734 Lizard 5 4297230 Eggplant's a luxury food? Mon Jan 05 08:49:17 -0800 2009 4295390 116513 linguafood 3 4280954 i get cravings for fatty fish like salmon and tuna i blame it on omega three imbalance, i also have got into a habit of eating tons of frozen spinach and i regularly get a craving for brussel sprouts or other brassica family members. i also crave an apple and lemons around three or four o'clock with a vengance. same with prunes and dried figs every two weeks or so Mon Dec 29 14:41:10 -0800 2008 4278810 235412 umbushi plum 1 4278000 Brussel sprouts and red chard. Brussel sprouts roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper until the edges are crisp. Red chard on top of the stove with olive oil and salt and pepper. Pretty much every day. Sun Dec 28 13:14:04 -0800 2008 4277886 239340 latindancer 2 4278859 oi vay... brussel sprouts prepared this way are more compelling than *any* dessert, to me. the only thing that might edge them out in my book are french fries. Sun Dec 28 20:34:04 -0800 2008 4278000 64215 cimui 1 4278018 Fruit (all kinds, raw) Salmon (grilled with kosher or sea salt, no other dressing) Taro (steamed or baked) Japanese yams (baked) Broccoli (steamed) Sun Dec 28 13:22:07 -0800 2008 4277886 11583 ipsedixit 1 4278078 Amaranth. Great by itself, but also great in a 3:1 ratio with brown rice. Add some roasted chestnuts or top with gamasio. With a good butter it's amazing, but that sort of lessens tthe health angle. Roasted brussel sprouts with EVOO and a spinkle of some vinegar - brown rice vinegar or, for sweet, sherry or balsamic. Kukicha tea. A tomato *still on the plant* plain or with a touch of kosher salt. It can't get any fresher. Sun Dec 28 13:50:08 -0800 2008 4277886 95291 Richard 16 1 4278173 Avocados! Sun Dec 28 14:47:22 -0800 2008 4277886 176882 carlee134 2 4278232 Avocados are very nutritious, but they're also really high in fat. One avocado has about 300 calories, so they need to be eaten in moderation. Sun Dec 28 15:15:19 -0800 2008 4278173 10159 Ruth Lafler 3 4279873 I'm gently chiming in...yes, they are high in fat but it is monounsaturated fat which is better for you...I would not eat one every single day, probably...here's some more information in case anybody is interested: "Avocados are a good source of vitamin K, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate and copper. Avocados are also a good source of potassium: they are higher in potassium than a medium banana. Although they are fruits, avocados have a high fat content of between 71 to 88% of their total calories - about 20 times the average for other fruits. A typical avocado contains 30 grams of fat, but 20 of these fat grams are health-promoting monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid." Mon Dec 29 09:24:53 -0800 2008 4278232 11983 Val 4 4279894 Even healthy fats have 9 calories per gram. I'm just thinking of people I know who put a whole avocado on their salad and wonder why they aren't losing weight when all they eat is salad! Mon Dec 29 09:29:30 -0800 2008 4279873 10159 Ruth Lafler 5 4279940 Point well taken...could be what they are dressing the salad with too and how much, no? Bottled dressings are an entire other subject! Thanks, Ruth! Mon Dec 29 09:44:06 -0800 2008 4279894 11983 Val 5 4280233 Ruth, it's too bad there's not a gentle way for you to point out to these people that a *serving* is only 1.1 ounces...or about one-FIFTH of an entire Haas/California avocado :) Mon Dec 29 11:15:54 -0800 2008 4279894 103920 goodhealthgourmet 4 4280603 I hate you all. I'm now desperately craving guacamole and I can't have it until summer! Mon Dec 29 13:00:47 -0800 2008 4279873 102571 mordacity 5 4280695 i just bought some deliciously buttery Haas avocados here in Jersey, so the only reason i imagine you're waiting until summer is for really good, fresh tomatoes...in which case, i suggest you track down some good, organic cherry or grape tomatoes, and make yourself some guac! Mon Dec 29 13:25:58 -0800 2008 4280603 103920 goodhealthgourmet 3 4280285 Ruth, I will eat as many Avacados as I want. They are insanely good for my heart and have very good anti-inflammatory compounds. They have been one of the biggest reasons that my bad cholesterol has dropped about 40 points in 18 months--along with a liberal use of olive oils and eating walnuts and pecans. These are the foods you should be eating more of, not less of. Many people eat salads in the hope of loosing weight, but then drown it in unhealthy dressings.I like a simple drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Granted, I don't eat a whole avacado at once. Usually 1/2 is enough to be satisfying for me. Mon Dec 29 11:33:09 -0800 2008 4278232 48839 rokzane 4 4280431 spot on ! I eat half an avacado with a head of romaine almost all winter for lunch. By adding no more than olive oil/acid and pepper it is not a health scare lunch. Mon Dec 29 12:13:02 -0800 2008 4280285 203919 lcool 4 4280677 Granted, I don't eat a whole avacado at once. Usually 1/2 is enough to be satisfying for me. ************* Exactly what I suggested -- moderation! Mon Dec 29 13:22:29 -0800 2008 4280285 10159 Ruth Lafler 5 4281989 I feel compelled to point out here that Ruth has always hated avocados. Mon Dec 29 21:49:51 -0800 2008 4280677 138816 jlafler 6 4282950 :-) Tue Dec 30 09:34:49 -0800 2008 4281989 10159 Ruth Lafler 4 4280970 i'm a teenager with a really fast matabolsim i suppose because i eat two avacados in one sitting when i have them on taost! yummy and good for my heart i suppose. Mon Dec 29 14:46:25 -0800 2008 4280285 235412 umbushi plum 1 4278223 When I saw the title of your post I immediately thought KALE! So I guess we have that in common. I often crave beans, greens in general and nutty grains. WON ------- http://whatsonmyplate.wordpress.com Sun Dec 28 15:12:04 -0800 2008 4277886 92591 wontonfm 2 4345433 i love tofu, spinach, kale, avocados, rice and all of that good stuff! I am actually trying to gain weight (always been skinny and now i'm in my 40's.. need to fatten up a bit!) so i will eat that entire avocado that's on the counter! i love raw oysters too... great place called Rodney's Oysters in Toronto... Wed Jan 21 14:21:02 -0800 2009 4278223 170878 rib lee 1 4278238 -edamame - egg (poached egg, egg white omelette, onsen tamago, etc.) -raw oysters and clams and shellfish (yes, high cholesterol, i know...) - a warm bowl of rice congee - non-creamy soups that require long hours of boiling - fresh made tofu - super fresh tomato when in season Sun Dec 28 15:17:10 -0800 2008 4277886 54254 kobetobiko 1 4278251 I crave watercress, spinach, seaweed, oysters and lobster - probably an iron deficiency since I don't eat meat. That's my story and I'm sticking to it ;) Sun Dec 28 15:25:12 -0800 2008 4277886 51746 chowfamily 1 4278258 Kombucha tea, salmon and spinach. I'll never forget one week I was taking final exams in law school-- I would only come home from studying to eat boxes of frozen spinach I cooked up with a bag of frozen chicken and veggies. The chicken mix was just a vehicle for the spinach. I think I went through a couple of boxes of spinach a day, and when the spinach spree ended, I felt quenched. And I don't know why, but when I crave spinach, I only want it cooked. Sun Dec 28 15:30:23 -0800 2008 4277886 64882 Vetter 1 4278270 I went through a recent period of craving celery. I ate an entire head in 2 days, repeated the same the next 2 days, on and on for about 3 weeks. I couldn't get enough. Turns out it was my first pregnancy craving. Sun Dec 28 15:35:58 -0800 2008 4277886 11778 irishnyc 1 4278282 -Beans of all kinds - Porridge oats - Natural yogurt - All fruit (I eat at least 5 different types a day) - Dry fruit - Tomatoes, squash, green leaves Sun Dec 28 15:41:41 -0800 2008 4277886 240789 Paula76 2 4345445 i'm allergic to eggs so i have to avoid them. boiled eggs look so good! people always tell me that eggs are overrated, but maybe they just feel sorry for me! i think a nut allergy would be 20 times worse!!! i don't eat much meat, mostly just chicken and fish, so i drink protein shakes and eat tofu (which i love).. Wed Jan 21 14:23:36 -0800 2009 4278282 170878 rib lee 1 4278286 Funny - I was just thinking about this exact question this morning as I ate scrambled egg whites for the third time in a week :). Also on my list: cottage cheese, tofu, baby carrots with hummus, grilled skinless chicken breast, steamed vegetables with nothing but a little salt and pepper . . . Sun Dec 28 15:44:44 -0800 2008 4277886 14819 cookie monster 2 4278361 I love baby carrots with hummus -- I bought some last week, and it was, now that I think about it, a crave-like impulse. Sun Dec 28 16:18:31 -0800 2008 4278286 10159 Ruth Lafler 3 4280982 i get hummus cravings too especially with little baby carrots and lots of lemom and garlic in the hummus i also usually don't put much olive oil or tahini in my hummus its a lot fresher tasting that way which i like ;-) Mon Dec 29 14:49:17 -0800 2008 4278361 235412 umbushi plum 4 4285554 Ok, now I'm craving garlicky hummus. I get cravings for olive oil and for sushi. Wed Dec 31 08:43:13 -0800 2008 4280982 152043 TampaAurora 2 4299244 I like to dip baby carrots in organic peanut butter. I know, I know, not too much peanut butter. Mon Jan 05 18:54:16 -0800 2009 4278286 75006 amy_rc 1 4278339 Salads -- be it mixed leaf lettuces (I know, I know -- they have little to none nutritional benefit, and I could just as well eat a wet handkerchief -- but I LOVE salad), or cucumber salad, any kind of green salad with tomatoes and red onions, and toasted pumpkin seeds... I especially seem to crave green stuff in the winter. I can't go more than two days without having vegetables (in general) or salad. Recently, I've been going nuts over the French beans that are available at Wegmans. I steam them quickly, and then stir-fry with some olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts. Tofu. I have been craving ma po tofu, though I guess the overall healthiness of that particular dish is open to discussion. Unfortunately, I rarely crave fruit. Though I seem to crave citrus in the winter. Oh, and I have serious cravings for raw fish (salmon, hamachi, mackerel, you name it) over rice. No good sushi in Central PA. *sigh* I guess cheese (calcium!!!) doesn't count '-) Sun Dec 28 16:09:05 -0800 2008 4277886 116513 linguafood 2 4279362 Me too. Big old, garden variety, veggie-filled salads. Mon Dec 29 06:31:31 -0800 2008 4278339 11106 tatamagouche 3 4280987 its weird i crave a salad whenever i eat any grilled meat or any meat for that matter. Mon Dec 29 14:50:46 -0800 2008 4279362 235412 umbushi plum 1 4278355 I read the Op to my wife and she immediately replied chocolate. For me: bananas Pinto beans! Sometimes I'll throw a corn tortilla on the gas range burner, flip it and stuff it w/ pintos, fold and eat. Oranges Sun Dec 28 16:16:46 -0800 2008 4277886 93538 Passadumkeg 1 4278398 NOT really nutritious ...but on the other hand NOT unhealthy...sometimes I just really need a hunk of iceberg lettuce. Usually when I have salad, I will get spinach as the base, but when I am craving the iceberg, I just need it unadorned, as a big crunchy hunk. Sun Dec 28 16:39:44 -0800 2008 4277886 12237 L_W 1 4278449 Cabbage, lately I've been craving cruncy foods and raw cabbage salads seem to work well. Also grapefruit, about once a month I get a really strong craving for grapefruit. Sun Dec 28 16:59:45 -0800 2008 4277886 94635 adventuresinbaking 1 4278592 Our 19 year old is humus junkie. He's a college kid home for the holidays and I noticed HE WAS BUYING IT. Yesterday we cooked 4 cups of soaked dried garbonzos and made a mess of humus. What a good kid he is. Sun Dec 28 18:12:17 -0800 2008 4277886 93538 Passadumkeg 1 4278619 i'm sort of a freak (as many of you have noticed by now) - i tend to crave healthy foods more than anything. - veggies - kale, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, mushrooms, zucchini, cucumber, radishes - fresh chopped salads - cottage cheese - plain yogurt - hummus - celery - fresh fruit - depending on the season, grapefruit, pears, apples, berries - raw nuts & seeds - fish - seaweed - quinoa - green tea - either a matcha blend or genmaicha - egg whites - oatmeal - tomatoes in season i know it's ridiculous, but i honestly crave - and eat - those foods pretty much every day. of course i DO also crave other foods that aren't quite so healthy, but that's not what you asked for! Sun Dec 28 18:29:02 -0800 2008 4277886 103920 goodhealthgourmet 1 4278662 In general I am vegetable-centric but especially during the holidays when I may not have control of what is being served I wake up in the morning and just want my vegetable soup. Right now that is carrots, torn chard, maybe some dandelion greens from the garden, and lots of halved brussel sprouts cooked up in homemade chicken or turkey stock with fresh chiles (from the garden individually frozen) I make a pot and eat my first serving for a late breakfast and just keep getting a small bowl when I need a boost. Spinach also seems to energize me. When I am feeling like nothing is right in the food, body, mood department I make spinach cooked with garlic first in a breath of butter, then the green and if I am feeling the need for comfort a grate of parmesan and maybe a splash of cream (or fat free 1/2 & 1/2) Sometimes the need for fresh and crunchy vegetable strikes and I make up a big bowl. Current fave is grated carrot, relatively green mango slivers, green onions, bit of cucmber- all dressed with a SE Asian standard fish sauce/sugar/lime/chile mix. I prefer the sugar to be unrefined to give it depth. Sun Dec 28 18:56:52 -0800 2008 4277886 17682 torty 1 4278838 -steamed cauliflower and broccoli, well done -baby grape tomatoes or any sweet ripe tomato really... -egg white omelettes with veggies (namely mushrooms, onions and tomatoes) -eggplant -fruit - honeydew, fuji apples, pears, grapes -seaweed -almond butter (defatted so it's chunky and chewy) -yakon -raw cacao nibs (just the nibs) Sun Dec 28 20:22:30 -0800 2008 4277886 15572 Emme 2 4279991 Emme, what is defatted almond butter? Mon Dec 29 10:02:40 -0800 2008 4278838 91258 forzagto 3 4280245 Emme probably does the same thing i do - pour off the separated oil that rises to the top, instead of stirring it in. "chewy" is a very good way to describe the resulting texture, and i *love* that. Mon Dec 29 11:20:31 -0800 2008 4279991 103920 goodhealthgourmet 4 4282113 beyond that... i put a paper towel across the top, rescrew on the lid, flip it upside down, and allow some oil to drain off. then i switch the paper towel over and over. eventually i'll refrigerate it as well. as soon as paper towel will fit folded inside the lid i start stuffing if in, so that the oils continue to drain out. and as i begin to eat it down, i continue to add new "dry" paper towels, and also keep the old ones inside as well, so as to keep the jar stuffed and pressure on the almond butter to continue getting drier and chewier :) Mon Dec 29 23:48:10 -0800 2008 4280245 15572 Emme 5 4282782 ok, i'm totally trying that on my next jar! i've never gone farther than pouring off the oil, patting down the top, and wiping out the upper portion of the jar & inside the lid. thanks for the instructions :) Tue Dec 30 08:40:51 -0800 2008 4282113 103920 goodhealthgourmet 5 4282821 Wow. I've never liked almond butter very much -- it has such a slimy texture compared to other nut butters. But this sounds like it would take care of that problem. What a great idea! Tue Dec 30 08:51:35 -0800 2008 4282113 138816 jlafler 6 4284829 yes! i don't like nuts at all... any of them, but this has allowed me to get the healthy fats, as it makes it taste less metallic (?) to me... you just have to keep adding more paper towels to the mix, even as you eat down because they continue to suck the slimy moisture out making it chewier and chewier. i also put it in the fridge after about 36 hours or so, and i always store it upside down, so that gravity helps pull downward into the paper. i buy tj's chunky... Tue Dec 30 22:18:57 -0800 2008 4282821 15572 Emme 7 4285165 Just out of curiosity, any idea what the calorie difference is? Part of me thinks it would be significant, since you remove so much oil, but then a little voice says, "nah, it's probably not as much as you would think." Kinda like when people "blot" their pizza ... despite what some think apparently that barely makes a dent calorie-wise. Wed Dec 31 06:26:58 -0800 2008 4284829 23389 charmedgirl 5 4285278 emme, you need to pour off that good almond butter fat and send it to me. i love it -- and i consider it a healthy food! so much good vitamin E in there... Wed Dec 31 07:11:15 -0800 2008 4282113 64215 cimui 6 4285786 Nah, she should save it and use it on her skin -- almond oil is really good for the skin, especially in winter. Wed Dec 31 10:04:48 -0800 2008 4285278 10159 Ruth Lafler 7 4285965 i eat it and roll in it. =) the danger with the latter is that my dog won't stop licking me, after. Wed Dec 31 11:17:16 -0800 2008 4285786 64215 cimui 8 4285995 LOL! ok, now that one made for a great visual :) and charmedgirl, you can remove a lot of oil - and consequently an appreciable proportion of the fat & calories - by doing this...though to get the exact calculations you'd have to weigh/measure all the removed oil. Wed Dec 31 11:26:54 -0800 2008 4285965 103920 goodhealthgourmet 8 4285996 LOL! Mine either. Mine will actually lick any lotion off my skin, but she's particularly enthusiastic about massage oil. Wed Dec 31 11:27:05 -0800 2008 4285965 10159 Ruth Lafler 6 4286387 haha it's not the fat i care about... i eat almond butter *for* the healthy fat, but i prefer the chewy texture and resulting taste of my doctored paste :) Wed Dec 31 14:02:07 -0800 2008 4285278 15572 Emme 6 4286430 i know it reduces the calories a bit, but that's not my focus :) Wed Dec 31 14:15:47 -0800 2008 4285278 15572 Emme 7 4287475 Didn't mean to imply that it was! I was curious for my own purposes. :-) And thanks for the reply goodhealth, that makes sense! Thu Jan 01 08:47:11 -0800 2009 4286430 23389 charmedgirl 5 4333666 Emme, i just had to say thanks for sharing your method. i did it with my new jar of TJ's crunchy, and it's the driest, chewiest almond butter i've ever had. i'm loving it! :) Fri Jan 16 19:37:55 -0800 2009 4282113 103920 goodhealthgourmet 6 4333786 i've gotten more obsessive about it... constantly changing the paper at the bottom and mashing it in and around the top layer of butter to reach the moister underneath... i also keep all the old papers above it to keep the pressure within the bottle... mmmm... best way i've discovered to actually enjoy my healthy fats :) Fri Jan 16 21:12:23 -0800 2009 4333666 15572 Emme 7 4334519 i hear ya - just started stuffing the jar yesterday, and i've already changed the bottom towel 4 times! :) Sat Jan 17 10:23:15 -0800 2009 4333786 103920 goodhealthgourmet 8 4335805 nice! now i've started to use a spoon to lift the top dry layer a bit, and get the towel down into the still gooeier areas... Sat Jan 17 22:47:52 -0800 2009 4334519 15572 Emme 1 4278964 I love kale too! Specifically my local vege store's Hail to the Kale salad - very much like the one you describe: Kale, balsamic vinegar, bragg's liquid aminos, flax oil, tamari seared pumpkin & sunflower seeds, grated carrots and red onion. For quicker healthy snack fixes: raw carrot sticks and sugar snap peas Sun Dec 28 21:41:20 -0800 2008 4277886 138472 maplesugar 2 4279173 Kale grows 13 months a year in our garden, unless we heit 15-20 below. I also dig up the whole plant, put int in a 5 gal. bucket and it'll last a mont or 3 in the root cellar. We are confirmed Brussel sprout junkies. Is beer a health food??? I make very grain rich home brews and veggie wines. Ooooo carrot wine is sooo beautiful! Mon Dec 29 03:58:37 -0800 2008 4278964 93538 Passadumkeg 2 4317448 That used to be my favorite salad too! It's from Planet Organic, right? However, about two years I found a GIANT industrial-sized staple in it and I haven't been able to bring myself to buy it since. Sun Jan 11 19:43:24 -0800 2009 4278964 131149 Jetgirly 3 4922806 I got a staple too! Thu Aug 06 09:56:25 -0700 2009 4317448 109905 laliz 3 4922939 (apparently I missed your reply sorry jetgirly) A staple?? OMG I guess it's better than finding half a staple (or half of some 6 legged creature) but still - a staple? geesh. I pick up deli food 2-3x/month from Planet Organic (the Varsity store) and never had an issue. I have their cookbook which has the recipe for Hail to the Kale I think I'll make it myself from now on. Thu Aug 06 10:30:48 -0700 2009 4317448 138472 maplesugar 1 4279267 Blueberries, blackberries, grapes, rambutan, mangoes, melons, limes, grapefruit, oranges, bananas, dried fruits, fruit in general, lettuces, kales and all greens, cabbages, green onions, cassava and sweet potato tops (young leaves), sukuma wiki, chiles, beans, homemade yogurt, honey, red wine. Mon Dec 29 05:32:27 -0800 2008 4277886 36661 Sam Fujisaka 2 4280315 Hey, come visit in August and you can pick blueberries and blackberries (and raspberries too) right behind the house. google Bartlett's Estate Winery. Blueberry wine you'd swear was a pinot. Mon Dec 29 11:40:26 -0800 2008 4279267 93538 Passadumkeg 3 4280934 Going to have to. Thanks! Mon Dec 29 14:36:26 -0800 2008 4280315 36661 Sam Fujisaka 1 4279277 There must be something wrong with me. I don't crave food. There are, however, some foods I enjoy eating more than others. For example, I like veggies of all colors ten times more than fruit. I prefer seafood, poultry, and game much more than beef. I'd rather have a plate of sauteed mushrooms than a piece of chocolate cake. Maybe I need an intervention. Mon Dec 29 05:40:20 -0800 2008 4277886 75332 Gio 2 4279457 Gio, don't you ever get a hankering for something? you'll just think, man i'd really love some ___________ right now, or you're hungry, and a particular food pops into your head that you *really* want at that moment...? Mon Dec 29 07:06:59 -0800 2008 4279277 103920 goodhealthgourmet 3 4279574 No actually, GHG.. I don't and really never did. I hate breakfast but have a small bowl of oatmeal & broth. I could go all day without eating but know I shouldn't so I do have a bit of something around 2:00ish. Usually a leftover something or other then dinner is at 7:00ish and that's usually a main, a side and sometimes a salad. Absolutely no cravings during the day. Weird, huh..... Mon Dec 29 07:44:52 -0800 2008 4279457 75332 Gio 4 4280274 jeez, and you call yourself a Chowhound? ;) i'm totally kidding. but that is really unusual - you're definitely the first person i've encountered who has NEVER craved a single food...ever. i can't imagine it. i'd never be able to decide what to eat! Mon Dec 29 11:28:01 -0800 2008 4279574 103920 goodhealthgourmet 5 4280616 yeah, that was a massive surprise to me, too. especially for someone who's on CH.... Mon Dec 29 13:05:04 -0800 2008 4280274 116513 linguafood 6 4281443 GHG & LF: I spend a lot of time planning dinners so that DH is happy with his meal and we can share something that pleases us both. You have no idea how the COTM has helped me this year. If I know we're going either to a restaurant or a friend's house for dinner, I cannot eat anything during the day because I know I'll not be able to eat later. The same is true of a lunch date. That's it for the day. During a long drive to a holiday destination I never even think about stopping to eat.... I don't know why this is but it's probably psychological..... my mother did not want me to be fat.....I used to cook up a storm for holiday dinners but hardly wanted to eat once we were seated.... Mon Dec 29 17:38:49 -0800 2008 4280616 75332 Gio 4 4921676 This is just bazaar to me! I have cravings almost every day of my life. =) What about when you smell something really good? Does it make you crave what you are smelling? Wed Aug 05 22:04:30 -0700 2009 4279574 1081227 DishDelish 2 4281005 i'm exactly the same give me a big plate steamed veggies over a piece of chocolate cake anny day! and i much prefer leann meat and fish over pork or beef. i've always hated anything fatty as a child i used to send back sandwhichs whem we where out to lunch if they put butter on them and i wouldn't touch the fatty white parts on bacon ham or anything. i think we need help;-) Mon Dec 29 14:56:42 -0800 2008 4279277 235412 umbushi plum 1 4279315 All green vegetables,all legumes,there is a 36" table just for fruit in a cold corner of the kitchen.We eat onions daily on or with something. SALADS / OLIVE OIL / OLIVES with stale bread and or cheese Mon Dec 29 05:59:33 -0800 2008 4277886 203919 lcool 1 4279434 honeycrisp apples....i crave. roasted vegetables of any kind, but especially mushrooms and eggplant and such. I can eat a whole head of fennel by myself, love the stuff. any kind of stir fry with peanut butter mixed in. Mon Dec 29 06:58:06 -0800 2008 4277886 153184 im_nomad 2 4304262 Honeycrisp apples and roasted vegetables for me too. Love the fennel, I've gone through a bulb or two by myself as well. Add in clementines and lately, it's been roasted cauliflower. I hated steamed cauliflower but someone made a roasted version a little while ago and now I can't get enough. It feels like I need to make up for lost time! Wed Jan 07 10:18:26 -0800 2009 4279434 11750 fickle 1 4279467 I am a sucker for bitter greens of any sort: kale, mustard, arugula and those giant bundles of Asian vegetables one can only find in Chinatown and that are a hassle to clean in anything smaller than a bathtub: yard-long beans, swamp cabbage, etc. In the cold weather, as of late, I have been getting cravings for dal and other porridgey foods; but given the amount of fat I tend to consume with congee or dal, they probably no longer count as healthy. Mon Dec 29 07:08:55 -0800 2008 4277886 68363 JungMann 1 4279743 Spinach...I've been craving it and eating it. Also, himachi and udon noodle soup. Mon Dec 29 08:44:47 -0800 2008 4277886 11408 melly 1 4279763 The healthy foods that I will crave are: Sprouts in huge quantities on all my sandwiches or salads Raw cabbage- I love to chop it and make a fresh pico de gallo salsa Beans-oops I guess I better swap out that ham hock for a turkey wing Fresh spinach- the really nicely bunched spinach that needs dunking in cold water,not bagged and I do love oatmeal and cream of wheat made with water- sans milk or toppings. yum! Mon Dec 29 08:48:26 -0800 2008 4277886 50431 chef chicklet 2 4280627 oooooh I forgot, Kim chee!! Mon Dec 29 13:08:38 -0800 2008 4279763 50431 chef chicklet 1 4279964 Wine. 8>) Mon Dec 29 09:52:43 -0800 2008 4277886 116540 kali_MM 1 4280076 Whenever I crave healthy food (which, actually, is quite often), it is of the cold, crispy, crunchy variety. So I will crave carrots, celery, shredded cabbage, apples, iceberg lettuce, raw squash, slightly underripe melon etc. I probably eat two or more things off this list almost every day. Mon Dec 29 10:28:21 -0800 2008 4277886 23389 charmedgirl 1 4280120 Clementines- could eat them all day. Pink Grapefruit- I eat them like oranges Watermelon- I love it, I always crave it after a night of too many glasses of wine. Mon Dec 29 10:39:48 -0800 2008 4277886 158016 cassoulady 1 4280330 Lately, I've been obsessed with Tuscan Kale. Can't get enough of it. I have put it in soup, cooked it with cannelli beans, sauteed it with onions and garlic... It's different than regular kale..not as bitter and a bit sweet. And the leaves are "heartier" in texture, with such an interesting chew... Mon Dec 29 11:43:38 -0800 2008 4277886 48839 rokzane 1 4280409 Gads, it would have to be kale...OK, that's a standing craving. Along with buckwheat kasha cakes. Mmmm. But now, after holiday indulgence, my standard craving for gazpacho rears its ugly head. Thank gods I have a freezer filled with lovely billiard-ball-like farmers market tomatoes. Post NYE, there's a lively fresh-tasting gazpacho in my future, to slake the thirst for the "fresh" and lively. Oh, and someone else said melon...so many months to go for good melon... Cay Mon Dec 29 12:07:28 -0800 2008 4277886 49525 cayjohan 2 4280490 i get *raging* craving for gazpacho when it's hot outside. cay, how i envy you and your tomato stash!! it makes me crazy to have to wait for them to come into season. Mon Dec 29 12:33:21 -0800 2008 4280409 103920 goodhealthgourmet 3 4280735 ghg, just inventoried my tomatoes, as I was curious, and found out I also have a bunch of frozen heirlooms. Hate to gloat, but... :-) To anyone who has the gazpacho craving midwinter, freezing whole tomatoes is the way to go. Cay Mon Dec 29 13:36:04 -0800 2008 4280490 49525 cayjohan 4 4280941 And another good thing about frozen tomatoes is that you can wash the skin off under running cold water. Mon Dec 29 14:38:08 -0800 2008 4280735 36661 Sam Fujisaka 5 4281668 So true, but we generally keep the skins on...maybe because we're greedy. Plus, extra fiber. I do like the bits of skin whirled up in gazpacho. Cay Mon Dec 29 19:16:02 -0800 2008 4280941 49525 cayjohan 4 4280990 cay, that's just cruel. ;) it's a good thing i don't know where you live, i might have to raid your freezer! Mon Dec 29 14:51:05 -0800 2008 4280735 103920 goodhealthgourmet 4 4281091 I find that really interesting, given that one is supposed to NEVER put fresh, sun-ripe tomatoes in the fridge, for they shall lose their taste forever. Is this somehow not the case when frozen? I thought the cold does something to the acid and/or sugar, resulting in congealed or mealy tomatoes with little to no flavor... I am honestly confused. Mon Dec 29 15:29:08 -0800 2008 4280735 116513 linguafood 5 4281620 lingua, all I know is that throwing the whole ripe tomato into the freezer yields a summer fresh flavor (though not texture) upon thawing. Works great for winter gazpacho and tomato sauces where one wants a more "garden-y" flavor. Don't count on texture - leave these lovely little balls of frozen yumminess thaw slowly, collect the juice, then skin or cook or puree as you will, incorporating the delicious juice. The flavor is far better than you will ever find in your supermarket in northern North America. this time of year. Try it. Cay (getting hungry again...) Mon Dec 29 18:51:25 -0800 2008 4281091 49525 cayjohan 1 4280506 cannellini beans....love them. with tuna and crisp lettuce, even better. Mon Dec 29 12:39:15 -0800 2008 4277886 201378 frankki 1 4280620 * Tofu - I typically crave it in the spring.... * Spinach - fresh, wilted, as filling or side dish * Lentils * Pumpkin - mixed with yogurt & pumpkin spice; topped with fresh blackberries * Oatmeal - this is my idea of comfort food - a hot bowl of oatmeal cheers me up any time ;) * Sashimi And as far as I'm concerned, crusty bread also qualifies as health food, although probably not in the quantities that I indulge in .... Mon Dec 29 13:06:26 -0800 2008 4277886 95793 jeni1002 1 4280664 haha fruits don't count...no one hates fruits (and if they did...why D=?!), they're like nature's desserts. I love cauliflower and broccoli I have grown to like whole wheat bread Squash Potato though I guess they don't really count Grilled eggplant Spinach SHALLOTS OMG! I never knew how I could have lived without them, I put them in everything! Mon Dec 29 13:18:42 -0800 2008 4277886 212885 AngelSanctuary 2 4280692 Believe it or not, there are people on this board who hate fruit -- I've seen it listed in some of the various "foods you hate" threads. I'm with you: why? I can see hating various individual fruits for various reasons (texture, smell, etc.), but ALL fruits? Mon Dec 29 13:25:12 -0800 2008 4280664 10159 Ruth Lafler 2 4280736 "no one hates fruits (and if they did...why D=?!), they're like nature's desserts." ~~~~~~~~ we actually have a close family friend who *refuses* to eat fruit, or anything that contains ANY sort of fruit ingredient whatsoever. it's bizarre...and i'll never understand how it doesn't bug the crap out of his wife, who's a gourmet cook! (i salivate over the kitchen every time we go to their house - i swear it's the size of a one-bedroom NYC apartment. double wall oven, professional 6-burner stove, two sinks, two dishwashers...) Mon Dec 29 13:36:09 -0800 2008 4280664 103920 goodhealthgourmet 3 4281058 Arugula, broccoli, spinach, raw turnips, cauliflower, cabbage ... they're all awesome. I can't get enough of them. I'm lukewarm on kale and brussels sprouts, though. Last week, I bought a rutabaga. I have no idea why. I've only had it a couple of times in my life. I have a recipe for a soup that includes rutabaga, leeks, turnips, carrots and potatoes. It sounds great, but a week later, the rutabaga is still on my counter, leaving wax everywhere. I don't know why I'm so daunted by it. Mon Dec 29 15:15:04 -0800 2008 4280736 239809 1sweetpea 4 4281647 Peel it, slice it, chunk it up and roast it....S & P and a little EVOO. Veddy, Veddy good! Mon Dec 29 19:02:50 -0800 2008 4281058 75332 Gio 2 4298157 I'm one of those fruit dislikers. I have a stone-fruit allergy, which leaves me with few options, most of which are meh. Pineapple is the best of what I can eat, and even that just doesn't wow me. I'm not much of a sweets girl, though, and would prefer veggies every time. Mon Jan 05 12:59:55 -0800 2009 4280664 92744 invinotheresverde 1 4281676 I do not find that "healthy" is a craving, but I do find myself, craving to the point of feeling like I am gotta gotta have it NOW something that is opposite of what I just ate or overinduldged in. I very seldom eat sweets; but some meals or days trigger I must have sweet now (mostly in the form of chocolate!) I have come out of wonderous, amazing, stuffed to the gills, chinese food dining experience, ready to knock down the people standing between me and bread/cheese. I want to think that it is "my body knows what it needs" but am I sure, no. And yes, my cravings seem pretty equally divided between healthy or not. Mon Dec 29 19:18:36 -0800 2008 4277886 61669 Quine 2 4282930 I know what you mean -- I often come out of a Chinese banquet craving chocolate ice cream, which I hardly ever eat (I'm not a big ice cream person). But that's not really a propos to this topic. Tue Dec 30 09:30:40 -0800 2008 4281676 10159 Ruth Lafler 1 4281693 pineapples, oranges, grapefruits, pomms I use the juicer alot in the winter greek yogurt with pear sauce I could eat for weeks and never tire lots of hot & cold soups after the holidays Generally, I find I crave liquids over solids after the holiday food-fest Mon Dec 29 19:28:49 -0800 2008 4277886 36312 HillJ 1 4281998 I go through phases. There was a time when I ate so much yogurt that I bought it by the 1/2 gallon -- yogurt and berries or sliced mango was my big treat -- but I barely ever eat it these days. I used to eat a lot of nuts, but not any more since we don't keep them in the house due to my daughter's allergies. One currant biggie for me is whole grain bread. And turnips, lately I've been craving turnips. Mon Dec 29 21:58:31 -0800 2008 4277886 138816 jlafler 2 4282949 I know what you mean about the phases. I go through phases where I'll eat something almost compulsively, and then all of a sudden I don't want it anymore and the last batch rots in my kitchen. For example, at the beginning of winter I'll eat citrus, bags and bags of tangerines, mandarins, pomelos, kumquats, etc. and after a few weeks I'll realize that I haven't had one in days and they're growing mold in the fruit bowl. Tue Dec 30 09:34:11 -0800 2008 4281998 10159 Ruth Lafler 3 4283042 I have a classic Pavlovian response when I see (and smell) the first stem-and-leaf Satsuma mandarins of the season. But I guess one gets used to anything. Tue Dec 30 09:57:41 -0800 2008 4282949 138816 jlafler 1 4282136 Spent about a month at my brother's this holiday season and couldn't wait to get home to eat brown rice with my meals instead of white. Being Korean, it affected almost every meal. Tue Dec 30 00:34:51 -0800 2008 4277886 56183 soypower 1 4282507 After spending a few days in Puerto Rico where I ate mostly meat, seafood and starches (plantains, yuca,white rice) followed by 1/2 - 1 dessert a day, I find that the thought of eating more meat, carbs and sweets makes me sick. Even though it's freezing here in NYC, I find that I'm craving fresh, raw vegetables, especially with a lot of citrus (and I'm not a salad person at all). My last meal in PR consisted of baked red snapper stuffed with mofongo and it was served with one whole lemon. I squeezed the entire lemon on it. I knew objectively that one lemon was sufficient acid for the dish. But my body craved a lot more lemon than that. Tue Dec 30 07:03:35 -0800 2008 4277886 10763 Miss Needle 1 4282851 I wonder how many of these cravings reflect specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies -- especially the cravings for vegetables that people feel after the holidays. Or possibly it's the body saying "okay, time to move some of this stuff through the gut." Tue Dec 30 09:03:35 -0800 2008 4277886 138816 jlafler 1 4285591 - sashimi as well as grilled fish - anything off the raw bar such as oysters, shrimp, clams, etc -oatmeal -Glenny's soy chips -fruit -Salad as well as cooked veggies -Vanilla frozen yogurt ....and really good red wine Wed Dec 31 08:55:59 -0800 2008 4277886 134710 taboo 2 4351161 oh sashimi and the raw bar like oysters and lobsters are great, I'll gladly skip the rice on sushi. I also love grilled hamachi kama. (collar of a yellowtail) Fri Jan 23 10:33:43 -0800 2009 4285591 259065 amedemonet 2 4351169 oh sashimi and the raw bar like oysters and lobsters are great, I'll gladly skip the rice on sushi. I also love grilled hamachi kama. (collar of a yellowtail) http://spooninandforkin.com Fri Jan 23 10:34:41 -0800 2009 4285591 259065 amedemonet 1 4285862 After spending the holidays at our sons' house and eating rich foods I was more than happy to come back to drink lots of green tea and eat raw nuts. I also put on a big smile when I found a large container of previously made minestrone (with kale) in the freezer. That's what I crave. Wed Dec 31 10:40:08 -0800 2008 4277886 162997 lattelover 1 4285873 oranges, chard, broccoli, beans, brown rice Wed Dec 31 10:43:54 -0800 2008 4277886 30090 maxie 1 4287610 Fish (especially Salmon) Asparagus Watermelon Thu Jan 01 09:54:30 -0800 2009 4277886 115828 hotteacher1976 1 4287700 Ever since I've been pregnant, I've been craving fish. Raw fish in particular. This is probably because before pregnancy I ate sushi at least twice a week and now I'm not supposed to eat raw fish anymore. Pout! Thu Jan 01 10:38:39 -0800 2009 4277886 88113 victoriafoodie 2 4287752 Haha you sound like me 17 months ago before my second son's birth. Thu Jan 01 11:07:29 -0800 2009 4287700 115828 hotteacher1976 1 4294972 Fish (raw or cooked, all the time), milk when I'm stressed, anything green/uncooked (particularly spinach and cucumbers) when I've been to the South or have been eating too many winter squashes, melons and other high-water-content fruits during the summer... Sun Jan 04 11:45:56 -0800 2009 4277886 224238 Caralien 1 4295090 Tea- green, matcha, or oolong Greens, after the holidays sushi Seaweed Invertebrate seafood Tofu Cheese Sun Jan 04 12:32:41 -0800 2009 4277886 105625 EWSflash 1 4297246 SPINACH And asparagus. Wait, actually, isn't everything (natural) healthy as long as you're not eating it to excess? Brie must be healthy in low-fat diets, because your body needs it. And a nice healthy steak. Mon Jan 05 08:55:37 -0800 2009 4277886 180623 Soop 2 4297596 I wouldn't say "everything" is "healthy" as long as you're not eating it to excess. Everything is *not unhealthy* if you aren't eating it to excess. But there's a difference between "healthy" and "not unhealthy" -- by "healthy" I mean actively good for you (high in important nutrients). Mon Jan 05 10:32:15 -0800 2009 4297246 10159 Ruth Lafler 2 4297735 mm... soop, i'm definitely inclined to agree with you. except i'd say almost everything. i guess eating spoonfuls of pure crisco wouldn't be healthy for anyone, including ppl who need to gain weight. but as for avocados and nuts -- i say bring it. my body feels good and functions well when i eat them (not just as a temporary pleasure, but in a longer-term, well greased engine type of way). Mon Jan 05 11:07:22 -0800 2009 4297246 64215 cimui 1 4297572 I might have killed someone if i didn't have a granny smith apple waiting for me in my fridge when I got home from shopping saturday. Mon Jan 05 10:25:50 -0800 2009 4277886 142652 madgreek 1 4297608 Oddly enough, several: A#1: Granola, specifically Galaxy brand granola The other A#1: Cottage Cheese, 2% whipped 2: Puffin cereal 3: All Bran 4: Dried figs 5: Brussels sprouts 6: Homemade mango chutney and yes, all that fiber does catch up to me Mon Jan 05 10:35:51 -0800 2009 4277886 101707 yankeefan 2 4297980 As I posted this, forgot the soy chips which I was plowing through as I typed at my work desk. I can get through pounds of these, all flavors. The amount of protein in these are ridiculous. Unguilty pleasure indeed. Mon Jan 05 12:06:57 -0800 2009 4297608 101707 yankeefan 1 4297960 Every now and then I crave a glass of milk. (or a chug from the jug). And nothing else will satisfy. Always an odd sensation as I don't particularly like milk and rarely have it around unless I'm on a cereal eating kick. Mon Jan 05 12:02:26 -0800 2009 4277886 165021 Firegoat 2 4298035 I take a baked potato and top it with one of the Indian Vegetarian dishes you can buy in most supermarkets now in the pouch....I generally go with the madras lentils, or chana masala ( chickpeas) Mon Jan 05 12:23:34 -0800 2009 4297960 104118 paulispumonti 1 4299212 Sometimes I just absolutely crave tabouli. Or sometimes it's hummus and toasted pita. Mary www.BestinKitchen.com Mon Jan 05 18:45:23 -0800 2009 4277886 129054 MEH 1 4299257 Sushi, berries and dark chocolate Mon Jan 05 19:00:03 -0800 2009 4277886 75006 amy_rc 2 4337477 I have a salad that I make with candied pecans, blue cheese crumbles, baby greens, pear or apple and Newman's Cranberry Walnut Dressing. Sometimes I add grilled chicken. Right now that I my healthy obsession. Sun Jan 18 17:37:45 -0800 2009 4299257 75006 amy_rc 1 4317452 Really fresh tropical fruit with plain yogurt poured on top. I try not to drink calories, but yesterday I couldn't get my mind off orange juice. I trekked to the grocery store, in the snow, bought a litre and drank it all within the hour. I guess I needed the Vitamin C (or the acid... could my body be too alkaline?). Sun Jan 11 19:45:48 -0800 2009 4277886 131149 Jetgirly 2 4333922 Def. go though phases here..big healthy cravings for me are: FRUIT (LOT's of it!!!) - I could eat 10 (or more) clementines in a day, a banana, some berries, etc. etc. Tofu stir-fry's (but only the ones that I make) Salad with tomatoes and cucumbers and light wishbone italian dressing (ok maybe the dressing isn't healthy) Oatmeal with raisens and bananas (my current kick) Fri Jan 16 23:19:25 -0800 2009 4317452 131224 lovessushi 1 4334335 After a few days of indulging we do a big salad with lettuce, and plenty of raw veggies. Cauliflower, broccoli, cucumber, mushrooms, peppers. All cut into bit size and enough that it's tough to see the lettuce. It's amazing how much we devour these veggies after a few days of roasts, gravies, heavy desserts etc. D'Arcy www.simpleorsensational.com Sat Jan 17 08:37:12 -0800 2009 4277886 257588 dwyld71 1 4334520 my newest craving, which i'm thinking has to do with my body's yearning for Vitamin C to combat the germs of the season...citrus, citrus, and more citrus. i just stocked up on grapefruit & clementines at the market. Sat Jan 17 10:24:22 -0800 2009 4277886 103920 goodhealthgourmet 1 4337620 yes, definitely--sweet potatoes, bananas, soymilk, hummus, broccoli, celery, crunchy lettuce, oatmeal. Sun Jan 18 18:47:46 -0800 2009 4277886 258479 zucchini_bread 1 4345323 I love steamed broccoli...I just cant get enough of them. Wed Jan 21 13:44:21 -0800 2009 4277886 258723 LBeater 1 4351152 Spinach salad with pears, pistachios, and lemon mustard dressing when the weather isn't freezing cold. So today I'll be craving any tomato-based soups instead, mexican tortilla, tomato cheddar etc..... soups are easy to be healthy if you stay away from cream. http://spooninandforkin.com Fri Jan 23 10:32:13 -0800 2009 4277886 259065 amedemonet 1 4351743 Wow, I just joined and am so excited to see so many people like myself! I always thought I was an oddball for craving healthy foods almost 100% of the time! I absolutely love yogurt, grapes, frozen bananas, any kind of berry, steamed broccoli, roasted cauliflower, soymilk, wasa and hummus, and fresh spinach with red onion and dressing of balsamic vinegar and dijon mustard! Fri Jan 23 13:19:37 -0800 2009 4277886 254551 hasmitty 1 4921719 I think I get cravings for everything on here. lol. And now I am really hungry after reading this post which goodhealthgourmet sent me to from a post in which we were speaking of almond butter, which is one of my cravings. I love trail mix, which can turn into an unhealthy thing for me because sometimes I eat too much. I love sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds all kinds of veggies, I really love raw veggies like broccoli, celery, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, red, orange and yellow peppers, all dipped in the most delicious and healthy dilly dip ever, Dilly dip, made with low fat cottage cheese, green onion, and dill. I love cooked salads and raw salads made with spinach, mustard greens, kale, romaine, butter leaf, red leaf lettuces, cabbage, bok choy (I crave this one alot), I am sure I must be missing something. Many of the salad ingredients I crave include peas, avocados (love the avocado), onion (red or green), cucumber, tomato, fresh herbs, yummy homemade olive oil based dressings, and I also love to top with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or toasted almonds, homemade whole wheat croutons. I also crave soups all the time. Delicious homemade soups like split pea I make a really yummy vegan version sometimes, and bean soup, etc... Avocado in any way, plain or in something, or as a dip. My yummy homemade salsa, so good! I also love hummus, homemade, with soft baked pita bread drizzled with olive oil. Healthy Mexican dishes, I make my own refried beans with olive oil, whole wheat shells I love high fiber cereals, cold and hot ... and the higher the fiber the more I crave it. Yogurt, yum! I also crave fresh fruits, water melon, honeydew melon, clementines, really good apples, kiwis, mangos, peaches, nectarines, plums, Fresh berries, raspberries, strawberries, huckleberries!!!, I really crave the huckleberries and I can't have the real thing that often cause I don't live in Montana, blackberries, etc... Ok ... I am sure I am forgetting many of my yummy healthy cravings, but you get the picture ;) Oh yeah ... Dark chocolate! =) Wed Aug 05 22:40:07 -0700 2009 4277886 1081227 DishDelish 1 4922396 arugula with shaved fennel, shaved parm, and lemon vinaigrette celeri remoulade (c'mon, that's good for you, right?!) artichoke anything greek salad indian saag carrot ginger curry soup summer tomato sandwiches (and duke's mayo IS healthful, i say! ;-). summer corn tabbouleh, stuffed vine leaves, pole beans lebanese style (loubiah), baba g beans, peas, esp. chick peas, black eyed peas, black beans, white acre peas strawberry c-monster from odwalla stonyfield farms organic plain and vanilla yogurts (esp. the vanilla with oj and strawberries for a smoothie) kefir el sabor latino guava and passionfruit yogurts good apple cider in the fall fuji apples, gold pineapple, mango, watermelon fresh summer peaches (which are $3 a pound today in the store!). SOM TUM!!!! ~~~~~ dangit, i hate these threads, they just make me hungry! ;-)). Thu Aug 06 08:02:04 -0700 2009 4277886 105717 alkapal 2 4923614 Ohhh I barely got past the carrot ginger soup. Thanks for the craving. LOL. Thu Aug 06 13:34:39 -0700 2009 4922396 1081227 DishDelish 1 4922884 fresh peaches (must be peeled) fresh red cheries cucumbers honeycrisp apples Thu Aug 06 10:16:49 -0700 2009 4277886 109905 laliz 1 4923587 Glad to see this thread still alive. Last night, we made a broccoli salad loosely based on one published in the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/20/dining/201arex.html). It includes cumin seed, fried garlic, toasted sesame oil, vinegar. I was holding back at dinnertime because we have houseguests right now and I didn't want to seem too greedy. But I liked it so well, I had the leftovers for breakfast AND lunch. Thu Aug 06 13:27:27 -0700 2009 4277886 64215 cimui 2 4923616 LOL. That is awesome. I am a fan of these lunchy breakfasts myself once and a while. Thu Aug 06 13:36:18 -0700 2009 4923587 1081227 DishDelish 3 4923708 I feel like I should warn you away from this salad. Let's just say that if you become as enamoured with this as I did, you'll be very regular. Thu Aug 06 14:02:17 -0700 2009 4923616 64215 cimui 4 4923803 LOL. So funny! Did you see some of the foods I listed? High fiber among them. ;) Thu Aug 06 14:25:38 -0700 2009 4923708 1081227 DishDelish 4 4923830 not only "regular," ahem! <recall ace ventura -- my favorite film -- "do ...NOT... go in there......WOO!!"> LOL!!!! http://www.killerclips.com/clip.php?id=94&qid=988 Thu Aug 06 14:34:22 -0700 2009 4923708 105717 alkapal