I am out of control.
Let me rephrase that – my appetite is out of control. I have been an eating machine the past two days! I’m still all messed up from not sleeping well earlier this week and my eating habits always get out of whack whenever I’m overly tired.
I also get this super creepy eye twitch when I’m exhausted that makes me look like Dr. Evil. Muwa-haha. Muwa-hahaha! MUWA-HAHAHA!
Omg that reminds me of the fact that my best friend/roommate and I used to watch Austin Powers 2 every single Friday night before we went out in college, with an occasional Holiday in the Sun sprinkled in…
True story.
ANYWAYS! The past 48 hours I’ve been eating anything and everything in sight.
This morning I broke down and picked up a creamy Starbucks latte and oatmeal for breakfast, then made a compulsive decision to ditch my pre-packed salad for a You Pick Two at Panera with a Roasted Turkey Artichoke Panini (it was my first time trying the reformulated sandwich – I think I liked the old one better!) and Cream of Chicken Wild Rice soup for lunch.
Then I had an apple. And a chocolate chip cookie. And, fine. I got the chips at Panera too! My hunger is unstoppable, I’m telling you!
I think my munchies are also having to do with the fact that I am three days free of diet soda!!!!! 
I took a big gulp of a diet coke on Monday and had a terrible reaction to the artificial sweetener (I’m assuming.) Almost instant dizziness, extreme nausea and a terrible headache. NO MORE.
The only problem is I usually have a diet pop to keep my mouth busy in the afternoons, so I’ve been on the hunt for a flavorful replacement since Monday. Unfortunately that’s been not so figure friendly items like cookies and other sweets. I need to stock up on some SoBe ASAP!
Anyways, to take my mind off my stomach, I huffed and puffed my way through this insane 4 minute workout when I got home from work:
Loved: It was only 4 minutes long, but had me gasping for breath.
Hated: It was only 4 minutes long, but had me gasping for breath!
I did the routine twice and could barely stand by the end. Sheesh! PS I like how before the workout starts the girl’s like Pssht. 4 minutes? I TOTALLY got this! and by the end she’s just trying not to barf.
Much like myself. 
My hunger level had actually died down significantly after my little sweat sesh, so a light and refreshing dinner of Caprese Baked Eggs sounded like just the right amount of food for dinner.
Baked eggs are great because they’re easy, customizable and QUICK, by golly. All you do is spray an individual sized baking dish wish nonstick spray, then add in your ingredients.
To make my baked eggs Caprese style, I layered in the following:
- Chopped tomato
- Fresh basil
- Finely shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt & pepper
- 2 eggs
- More tomato, basil and cheese
- Final sprinkle of salt & pepper
I baked the eggs for 8 minutes at 350 degrees, ’til the sides were set, then turned the broiler on and let the eggs cook for about 2 more minutes until the center was set.
15 minutes from start to finish – not too shabby!
I adore warm tomatoes, especially in dishes like this where they get really juicy.
The tomatoes, combined with the other classic Caprese flavors of basil & mozzarella cheese – sprinkled with tons of salt and pepper – made this simple dish, simply irresistible.
A big ‘ol slice of toasted, buttered bread made the meal. Mmmm. Simple ingredients = big flavor. Totally loved this.
I am off to brush my teeth before I can do anymore damage in the kitchen today. I hear this technique works well. I’ll report back in the morning!
Good night!
~~~~~
What are your tips for taking your mind off a never-ending appetite?
Tips: EAT! Hee hee! No, but seriously, I find this happens to me every once in awhile, and I have to just satisfy my appetite. It doesn’t last forever. I don’t pretend to understand my body, just listen to it. And I haven’t gained a pound by doing so. It evens out.
I’ve been having one of those ridiculously ravenous few days too! I find it happens around that time of month, or just before. I embrace it now..but I used to drive myself bananas over it. Since starting my blog I have no excuse not to realize that it’s really only life and these things happen!
i’ve been having a never ending appetite too the past few days too! {in fact, i’m starving right now!} maybe something is in the air…
that baked egg looks deeelish.
{not gonna lie, i’ve watched holiday in the sun too…}
Frozen Grapes! They are sweet and a delicious frozen treat that you can’t just mow your way through! They take awhile to eat. Also, I’m in Physician Assistant school and we learned eye twitches are caused from lack of calcium….so drink some milk! LOVE your blog!
Eggs are usually my go-to dinner when there is nothing else to eat. I’ll have to try this dish – it sounds delish! And don’t worry about being hungry all the time, it happens to all of us!
Have you tried Izze or La Croix for a fizzy afternoon alternative? I think it helps as they are slightly sweet and carbonated.
I’ve recently tried La Croix and am totally loving it! It’s so bubbly and delicious and no weird fake sugars or fake flavors. I’ve only tried the Pamplemousse (grapfruit) flavor -it’s usper light and refreshing – but getting Coconut next time I’m at the store.
Congrats on quitting soda!!
I just tried Izze last weekend and loved it! Just didn’t love the 130 calories a bottle. :/
I also highly recommend LaCroix. It’s all natural, 0 calories (b/c it’s just carbonated water and naturally sweetened), and I adore them. Aquafina now also makes all natural sparkling water that is tasty too!
I absolutely LOVE La Croix sparking water…I am pretty much addicted to it
I love the lime and cran-raspberry flavors. I want to try coconut next time as well. It is the perfect thing to keep your mouth busy and it seems like a treat drink, but all natural and calorie free. I love Izze’s too, but I also don’t like drinking my cals, so these are saved for special times for me 
Paint your nails so you can’t eat for a while.
OMG, this is the most amazing idea ever!!! Can’t wait to try this out, thank you thank you!
I made monster munch this afternoon and can’t stop eating it. Really, I’m going to make myself sick. I blame you.
Right?! I can’t ever, EVER make it again!!
clean house, stay VERY busy and stay out of the kitchen!!!
I brushed my teeth with my daughter tonight in hopes that I wouldnt raid the pantry when the kids went to bed! still starving! hoping to fall asleep soooon!
curious to see how it turned out for you!
baked eggs sound great…i have to try!
I fortunately, am old enough to have missed the Mary Kate/Ashley popularity phase! I know a few people who were severely addicted to diet pop and had reactions when they didn’t have it for a while and then went back to it. I think some people develop a sensitivity to it.
I am a monster right before my “lady time”. Especially with things that have calcium, i.e. ice cream! It sometimes takes me a day to figure it out, but that is always it, I guess my body just really needs it then!!
The painting nails tip is a good one, you might chew a piece of minty gum or have a starlight mint. This may come in handy if you can’t brush your teeth.
It happens to me once in a while too – like the person above me said, especially before “lady time.” If you find the cure, let us know!!
You totally need to get a soda stream. Then you could make your own healthy alternatives to soda!! We have one and I love it!
I had those days while I was pregnant! Hmmmm, are you hinting at something?
Now that my pregnant days are long gone I eat an avocado and salmon (from a can or fresh). The fat from the avocado helps keep me satisfied and the salmon definitely fills me up. Just drizzle with olive oil and balsalmic vinegar and you’ve got a delicious lunch! Then you’re back on track.
Haha… leave it to mom to bring up the embarassing question!
Brushing my teeth after a meal helps me not want a soda, because of the nasty flavor of diet dew/coke with mint… gross!
Haha, different Iowa Mom!
This is happening to me right now too! I have really come to like sparkling water and it kinda does for me what you were describing diet soda having done for you. My favorite is La Croix, I like lemon, lime, and grapefruit, and it comes in a can so I even feel like I’m drinking a soda! Minus any sweeteners.
anytime my appetite is out of control i focus on adding healthy fats and lean protein to each one of my meals, and eventually my appetite subsides. it must be a hormonal thing, because i can never understand why my appetite is crazy one day and fine the next. those baked eggs look delish!
Drink lots of water, a personal favorite is the Propel Zero flavored water. Also, chew lots of gum.
I always brush my teeth early at night to prevent me from eating anything else – it works for me. Wow wants to brush again before going to bed. Not me.
I will either brush my teeth or chew gum to stop myself from eating when I know I’ve had enough. Hope it works for you!
I need to stop drinking diet soda so often. I don’t drink a lot, but I will drink a whole box if it’s in the house over the course of the week.
I’ve always been a bottomless pit the past few days, but I have hormonal reasons, err, excuses for it.
But yeah, lack of sleep always makes me eat more. Our bodies are searching for some sort of energy source.
When I can’t shake the snack attacks at work, I drink a bottle of water and chew some sugar free gum. If I’m STILL hungry after 30 minutes, I’ll allow some sort of healthy snack. I know chewing gum isn’t the best, but it beats eating POUNDS of chocolate which is what I would love to do, mwahahaha.
I’m with Iowa mom!
Sounds like cravings.. 
How the heck did you decide to kick the diet soda habit? YIKES! I have drank diet coke/diet pepsi since I was a girl. Now that I have 2 girls under the age of 3 – there is ALWAYS a diet pop in my daily routine. **Always tired** (although I am much better now than the years 2000-2004 when I was in college. Talk about drinking LOTS of diet pop!) Let us know how it goes!!
Stick test, missy….
Keep up the good work on kicking the soda habit. I used to have a job where I was on the road for 4 days a week from 7am – 4pm… and let’s just say the “Big Buddy” at Kum & Go filled w/ Diet Dr Pepper was a daily (sometimes twice daily) consumption. I’ve been soda free for at least 4.5 years now and I’m never looking back — YOU can do it
As for cravings, sometimes I just pretend it’s not a big deal — as if I had it planned that way all along. That way you don’t beat yourself up over it and are able to move forward and not stress (as much).
Nothing works for me better than to pack it in and go to sleep early!
That’s been me too!! I don’t know what my deal is.
I laughed out loud at Island in the Sun. Loved that movie. Glad I wasn’t the only one.
Dinner looks amazing!!
Drink water!
I drink seltzer water – I feel like the carbonation helps me feel a little more full. I also chew gum or eat sunflower seeds….and I sound like a baseball player
CONGRATS on 3 days diet pop free! It gets better after a week, I swear. As for alternatives, I mix club soda w/ a tiny splash of cranberry, or buy the mini G2 gatorades (30 cal. for 12 oz); the grape is really good. When cravings strike, if you can wait 30 min. or whatever set amount of time and are still thinking about “x”, then go for it. Sometimes I also channel my late grandfather, who used to say “the best exercise you can do is to push yourself away from the table”. lol
That’s so funny–I’m on my 4th diet soda-free day! Since I *hate* water (unless it’s during a workout), I’ve been surviving on coffee & SoBe. I recently discovered their “Pure” water, which is much less sweet than LifeWater. I’ve also been sticking to fruit/veg smoothies for lunch–apple, mango, peach, banana, blueberry, orange, & kale. So good!
Nice work – keep it up! I like the idea of a smoothie for an afternoon snack!
I make a myself a big pot of decaf green tea. More tasty and more comforting than a glass of plain water.
SODA WATER! I know that some people cannot stand the taste (I was one of them at one point!), but once you get used to it there is honestly nothing as refreshing. Add a little lime/lemon/orange to it and you’ll nix that artificial sweetener stuff for good. The La Croix flavored sparkling waters are good too!
Yum the Caprese Baked Egg looks amazing!!
I have days like that too. I drink lemon water, mint tea or shew gum to curb the non stop hunger!
When I have the urge to eat everything in sight, usually because I am stressed or tired, I just find something to distract myself with- like reading blogs. Most of the time it works…and sometimes I eat half a bag of candy corn. I figure it evens out:)
When my hunger is out of control I usually eat a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese or some lunchmeat – the protein usually keeps me feeling full!
We’ve all been there. Stress, lack of sleep, hormones… so many things affect our eating. In all honesty, I just have to tell myself to stop. Once the ball is rolling, it’s really hard to stop. It’s great that you brushed your teeth and closed the kitchen for the night.
Ashley
hey kristen, i’m a first year medical student and i just wanted to let you know that it’s not really recommended to eat more than 1 egg yolk/day…just trying to watch out for ya!
mayo clinic recommends less than 300mg cholesterol/day but one egg yolk has about 250mg cholesterol!
egg yolks are packed with great nutrients so i don’t think you should cut egg yolk or meat out completely, moderate intake of cholesterol intake is good…but more than 1 egg/day is probably not ideal.
just wanted to pass on the knowledge, that’s all!
*disclaimer: i am only a first year medical student. i am not an MD or a biochemist. i am only passing on what i am learning in class. of course i wouldn’t make things up and tell you that, but i am still in the process of learning so i don’t know everything yet.*
They changed the turkey artichoke panini?! So sad! It was the first thing I ever got at Panera and to this day, 99% of the time it’s what I get. Haven’t been in a while though so I guess I missed the “reformulated” memo. I don’t love spinach on sandwiches so I’m unsure how this new creation will go over with me! I’ll have to go soon to try it out
The baked eggs sound delicious! I should give that a try sometime.
Yeah
There’s not the creamy spin-artichoke type dip slathered in it anymore 
I love Tabatha intervals! I first started doing a few when the Fitnessista posted them on her blog! Time goes so fast but you are really working!!
And working out a bit usually helps my appetite. But sometimes when I am hungry like that, I just eat.
Oh, Kristin, you are hilarious! I thought the same thing about Panera’s new Turkey Artichoke–big letdown.
What about the Extra Dessert Delights gum? I recently bought some and it is fantastic! Worth a shot!!!
What a unique dish to make! I love caprese salad’s so this would be perfect to make. I am going to have to try it!
I kicked my 18 year diet soda habit to THE CURB last October after I ran the Des Moines marathon. To make the transition easier in the first few weeks, I drank Canada Dry club soda out of a can when I craved something fizzy. Holding a can made it feel like I was drinking a soda and it was fizzy like soda (which is what most soda-habit-kickers say they miss the most). But it had none of the fake sugar and random other unpronounceable ingredients of soda, which I wanted to get away from.
The 2nd step in my transition was buying a Sodastream soda water maker. I bought mine at Bed, Bath and Beyond but saw that Younkers also started carrying them (yay coupons!). It’s is wayyyy cheaper and better for the environment than continuing to buy cans of Canada Dry. The bad thing about CD is that it’s rarely, if ever on sale at Hy-Vee or Dahl’s.
I hardly ever use the flavorings that came with the machine but love it since I can get blow-the-bottle-top-off fizz.
Good luck–I’ve been there and can say that YOU CAN DO IT!!
I really want a soda stream now! How long do the drinks stay fizzy after you make them?
I’m sure there is technical science behind how long soda stays fizzy in general. On humid days I notice most sodas just go flat faster, you know?
But I usually make a bottle of soda water before I leave for work in the morning (it literally takes like a minute to make) and have fizzy water to drink all morning.
As far as how long it stays fizzy when you put it back IN the fridge, if it’s uncapped it’ll stay as fizzy as you made it for a few days.
I think the nice thing is that if you don’t use the flavorings it doesn’t really matter (to me) if you can keep it fizzy for days. As long as I have cold water, I can make fizzy water whenever I want it. I’ve had it for almost a year now, am the only fizzy water drinker in my house, and replaced the Co2 canister about 3 months ago.
How many times, do you suppose, can I fit the word fizzy into one reply?
Hahaha!
Thank you for your review! I’m for real going to look into this!
There will be times when your hunger does feel “out of control” but maybe because it was lacking something for some time before? Especially going through recovery right now I have days where I feel like I can not get full, my nutritionist tells me, it’s just my body saying hey you haven’t been giving me this lately, I want it. If you actually listen to your body and eat when it tells you (even if you feel like it’s every hour) it will level out. And next week you probably won’t be eating as much. We get so focused on DAILY eats we forget that all in all it will level out. We have 365 to level out. And our bodies will. They are pretty smart things
But I like you HATE that feeling and will try to find things to distract me. I actually have to like physically go somewhere. I’ll drive around or find an errand to run. I’ve also done some pilates, but really to me that just drags on the time and I’ll eat when I’m done!
Just know its ok to have these types of days and your body will level out. It knows what it wants!
oh and Stevia makes amazing sugar free soda’s. Their root beer and classic cola are amazing!!
Excellent recipe!! I must make this soon and I can say I have never even heard of baking eggs! Is this a common cooking thing?? I feel very uninformed but intrigued!
Hey IGE,
I feel your pain about something in the afternoon, and breaking away from the soda. I found SPARK by Advocare in college and have been drinking and selling it ever since. It is a great pick me up in the afternoon and much better than soda. Just thought I would give you a tip!
I just found your blog, love it and will add it to my page of blogs I follow
sometimes it confounds me how I can eat perfectly one day and not be ravenous and the next day Im a monster and no matter how many healthy snacks I eat I dont feel full…I had THREE bananas with almond butter in a row yesterday, not just one!
I would try subbing diet soda for Vitamin Water 10- ten calories, and the sweetners used aren’t as harmful as splenda, asparatame, etc– but it’s a bit pricey
Oh…one more thing! I found Honeycrisps for $1.99/lb at Dahl’s Beaver yesterday. I’m guessing that is true at all Dahl’s locations (wouldn’t you think?!), but I don’t know about Hy-Vee. I “think” I paid $3.99/lb at Dahl’s Merle Hay on Sunday, so hopefully it’s a sign that the price is down all over town. (Hey that was a fun little rhyme!)