Retraining your tastebuds?

RosaliaBee · December 2013

If you've been working on changing and 'reforming' the way you eat, how have you found your experience?
Was it hard cutting out junk foods / highly processed foods / fat and sugar laden foods at first?
Has it grown easier over time?
Do you still crave the sweet fizzy drinks, cookies and fries? Or have you learned to enjoy other foods instead.
Do you now love smoothies, lots of steamed veggies, fresh salad and whole grains where once upon a time you would have pulled a face at that kind of stuff?
Have your tastebuds gradually changed along with your diet?

Really curious to know how folks that wanted to shake up prior bad habits feel they have changed, and whether or not their bodies have learned not to crave the old foods anymore?

Barbonica · December 2013

Great question! I underwent a major change in eating habits back in 2011. I decided to "eat what was actively good for me...or neutral". I did not decide to cut out stuff that was bad for me, but the result of decision was that I effectively did. I rarely eat bread or rice, haven't had pasta since I don't remember. I have a sugary dessert every couple of months when I want to. I eat meat, veggies, fruit and nuts. Feel free to look at my diary, it is open. I have nothing on the banned list, I just don't want most of the stuff that people put on the banned list.

I have found that food tastes SO much better than I ever thought it could. This took a long time to realize, but yes - I actually crave this completely kick-*kitten* chopped salad that I make (it is a staple) when I am traveling and can't have it. If I eat much bread (like on Thanksgiving), I feel bloated and sluggish for a day or so. I am not gluten sensitive, but I am not used to it. I have learned to cook (kind of), and when I am hungry am much more likely to want a spoon-full of fresh ground peanut butter or almonds or a slice of cheese rather than chips or a candy bar. My husband still eats the "junk" food, and I sometimes have a few chips (I think that salt is one of the primary food groups) but I have not had a craving for chocolate (my former downfall), or chips, or anything of that nature for years. It did take a long time to reach this point (8-9 months), but for me it is so worth it. I never look back and never regret it.

I do not eat "diet" food, nor do I eat protein bars or other imitation food products (I consider protein bars to be imitation candy bars). I do drink a protein shake after an intensive workout, as I found it does help minimize DOMS for me.

TL/DR: Yes my taste buds changed and I do not crave salty, sugary, fizzy foods. I crave salad. With spinach.

baldmitch · December 2013

If you just stay away from the candies, desserts, fast food, and junk food long enough, while eating a variety of good foods, raw veggies and fruits, lean meats, it doesn't take long for your body to *crave* good foods.

And listen to your body - if it wants a baked potato or white beans, you may need the potassium, if you are craving the spinach you may need the iron, if you crave milk, your body may need calcium.

Food that merely tantalizes the taste buds while delivering a grease bomb or a sugary fix messes with the natural cravings.

Marlene1667 · December 2013

I focus on healthy foods. I always liked veggies but now I LOVE them. I have gotten used to eating mostly veggies and lean protein, so that now I find if I eat what I used to consider treats, I don't feel well. I still have the odd treat but I find it just doesn't taste as good as it used to. I am super busy with family, work etc so now I consider taking time to make myself a BIG salad or homemade soup a treat - something I do for myself. I used to think of it as a chore.... it's all about attitude :-)

Retraining your tastebuds?

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