Legume cravings?

[SevenKindsOfCookie]

I'm usually a freak when it comes to greens. I always eat and drink tons of them, both wild and cultivated.
However, the past month I've lost interest in greens completely. I just can't get myself to eat them. Which is a strange feeling for me. I usually love kale for example, but the other day I almost threw up when I ate a small piece. Very strange.

Anyhow, at the same time I've been really craving beans and rice. Especially kidney beans, lentils and red rice. It's also strange since I've never been into legumes or rice even when I ate cooked food. But I had a really strong desire to eat them and it wouldn't go away.
So I've been making some dishes with red rice, kidney beans and lots of raw veggies. I thought I was going to feel sluggish after eating it but I felt really great. Strong and full of energy. This was clearly something my body needed.

I've been trying to figure out what those foods have that I couldn't get from my regular raw food diet. I've looked at the nutritional content and I can't find anything that I'm not already getting elsewhere.

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I'm not attracted to greens anymore? Do you have any ideas?
Perhaps you've experienced cravings for these things and found raw foods that satisfied them.

Not that I have any big problems with eating some cooked rice and beans a few times, but I would prefer to keep it raw.

[love4life]

Wow, no reply to this. I saw it before but since I had no input I just decided to keep my eye on it. I also get cravings for legumes. For me it's lentils or black beans. Sorry I cant offer any suggestions, just solidarity.

For now I'm also allowing myself to have them as a special treat. I wonder if its the warmth that we crave because I agree with you, I don't see any nutritional deficiencies in my diet.

Someone please help if you have dealt with this.

[RawHealthyBeauty]

I haven't had any, I too been craving beans lately. Maybe it has something to do with the change of the season. I'm going to look into beans a little bit more closer, after all it is one of the natural foods from the Earth.

[RawKnitster]

I usually love kale for example, but the other day I almost threw up when I ate a small piece.

but I would prefer to keep it raw.

Sounds like the reaction I had with chard. I was loving it in a smoothie everyday for about 6 weeks, then one day with no warning I simply gagged and couldn't drink it. It was many months before the desire to eat chard returned. I think it is true that all greens have a level of toxicity that builds up over time, especially when we eat too much of one kind. If we are listening our bodies tell us when it is time to change things up.

About prefering to keep it raw.. how about sprouting some ancient grains like quinoa and amaranth? Lentils are very hardy and tasty when sprouted. I've had sprouted chick peas made into raw hummus that was good.

I went to Thrive today. It is a mostly raw restaurant. The not-raw dishes served are called Warm Grain Bowls (http://generationthrive.com/menu/warm-grain-bowls/). Person at the next table had one. It looked good. A little bit of grain with lots of raw veggies.

[Shels]

Sorry, I don't have a definite answer for you. Maybe there's something addictive about them? When I start eating cashews I can't get them off my mind for the next few days.

[Cottonball McFluffy]

Seasonal change? It's getting cold and dark up here in the north so the body is gearing up to keep you warm for the winter?
Did anything similar happen to you last fall?

[Raw Angel Mom]

You can tried sprouted lentil and dr. Ann Wingmore green soup. Also try sprouted quinoa.

I have the same problem with those cravings. I caved in and gave in, i started to eat rice and legume to conclude that it only stimulates me to eat cook food. Plus i found out that rice made me gain unecessary weight. I am not a pro and just like you i am trying to figure out the puzzle. I can only conclude so far that for me and perhaps this is food addiction that gave me those cravings.

As for the greens, you need to rotate them always. You can try a smoothie with cilantro (mango/banana gives a good taste). Try wheatgrass, or a totally different greens.

p.s Sweet Red pepper seemed to help me with those cravings for some reasons. I would seak for a more condense food for you, such maca, quinoe, buckwheat, sprouted wheat berry etc...

[BlackKat]

I'm having somewhat of a similar problem. I am craving beans as well, not rice. And I am disgusted with greens. I've been eating a lot of them and have been loving them. And like you, am starting to get a sick feeling when trying to eat them (unless they are blended in a smoothie so I don't taste them). I'm kind of getting really discouraged by this.

[revdrcyn]

I find that sprouting garbanzos, lentils, or mung beans -- and using those in recipes -- satisfies my craving for legumes.

I buy raw rice from this seller on eBay:

http://myworld.ebay.com/bineshii/

It is collected by hand and never subjected to heat. I soak it overnight and make all sorts of wonderful raw dishes with it. Quite pricey, but well worth it.

RFT member katchmoleen has an amazing rice casserole recipe using this rice - check it out:
3/4 cup wild rice
3-4 cups water
4 portabellas, cleaned and sliced (I used regular button)
3/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 1/2 t salt
2 t paprika
1 T garlic powder
2 t onion powder1/2 t black pepper
1/4-1/2 t cayenne (I was newly raw and omitted this, but now I would include it)
1 T dried basil
1 T dried thyme
1 cup Roma tomatoes, diced

Put rice in half gallon jar with water and cover with lid. Place sealed jar in dehydrator at 105 degrees for 24h. Drain and rinse.
Marinate mushrooms in olive oil, garlic, and salt for 15-20 minutes. Drain, and add remaining ingredients except tomatoes and rice. Toss well and dehydrate on Teflex sheet for 2 hours. Combine with rice and tomatoes and enjoy!