Recipe: Food Hugs

Food Hug

Do you ever have days when you wake up hungry?  Before your feet hit the floor you sense this inner rumbling in your mid-section, usually quickly followed by an audible growl. 

This has always confused me.  How can I wake up hungry?  I didn’t jog 5 miles while I lay sleeping.  My confusion is usually followed by a little bit of dread.  If I have yet to move and I think I am hungry, how in the world am I going to stay on track with some form of self - control for the next 12 hours?  I need a plan.  A really good plan.  

At this moment you may be wondering why you decided to read this message.  The last thing you needed today was yet another reminder that you need to eat more healthfully.  Consume less. Move more.  Watch your calories, cholesterol and salt intake.  Sigh.  If you are at all like me, you know what you need to do  however there are days when you could just care less.  On this type of day, what you crave is what I have come to fondly refer to as a Food Hug.  A big old bang of flavor, comfort and yum that just makes you happy to the very core of who you are, yet is not so far out there that you will spend the rest of the day in a state of self-doubt about your lack of discipline. Your inner child is crying out for just a hint of something irresponsible.  Something that won’t get you into too much trouble, but satisfies you down deep so you can put your big girl shoes back on and face the world undaunted, in control and feelin’ fine sister.
 

In the last week, I have had several days that have started this way.  I have awoken to my inner child rumbling and growling around loudly, convincing me that a step onto the wild side for breakfast was just what I needed.  That a big old forkful of over buttered pancakes dripping with syrup was just the thing.  I am, after all a Chef!  It would take nothing but a few simple ingredients tossed into a bowl, deftly whisked together and whala….gratification would be mine!  What’s a starving girl to do but eat?!!  And so she did….
 

Resisting the urge to just engage in wanton behavior, I made the choice to engage my creative side.  To be a Chef from daybreak forward.  To make abundantly joyful choices from what I could find in my fridge, spice cabinet and pantry and whip up satisfaction!  I am Chef, hear me roar!!  And the frenzy began.

Brandishing a whisk in one hand, coffee cup never far from the other, I got to it.  And now I want to share two tiny little delicious recipes with you that came from those inspired mornings.  Ready?

20 Second Eggs

2 eggs (I prefer Organic Cage Free)

1 Tbsp. Whole Milk or Cream

1 Tsp. Finely Grated Parmesan or Gruyere Cheese

1 sprig Thyme leaves

1 tsp. butter

Salt and Pepper to Taste

1 deep soup bowl or soufflé cup

Enough Plastic Wrap to cover.
 

Crack the eggs into your bowl of choice, followed by the remaining ingredients (eggs thru salt and pepper). Do not stir.  Cover with the plastic wrap and place in the microwave for 20 seconds.  Let stand for 30 seconds.  Unwrap and enjoy.  
 

Banutty Toast

1 slice of your favorite bread – toasted (I prefer Food of Life Gluten Free Bread)

½ ripe banana – mashed

1 Tbsp. Nut Butter – I prefer Almond or Sunflower

1 tsp. Organic Honey

¼ tsp. Cinnamon

While your bread toasts, mix the mashed banana, nut butter, cinnamon and honey in a small bowl.  Spread onto your toast while still warm.  Sit down, relax and enjoy!

The moral of my little story?  You can have it all my friends.  You truly can.  Whether you are following a high protein, high fat low carb diet or a more traditional one, either of these two quick recipes will help you gain control of your inner child while your grown-up self-roars into the day well fueled and more importantly…deeply satisfied and in total control!!
 

Now say it with me…”I AM CHEF< HEAR ME ROAR!”