Six Inches, or a Footlong?

Since I have started running, my body has undergone numerous changes. Of course, there are the visible changes from loss of weight (another topic for another day) ... but the more shocking evolvement has been less noticeable to the undiscerning eye. Most notably are my eating habits. I've gone from the fat kid who would devour a Chic-Fil-A value meal in 3 minutes flat, to someone who can devour it in the same amount of time ... and then get sick from it even faster.

I often times feel like a pregnant woman with the way my cravings hit and what they consist of. Now, since I can rule out pregnancy for oh-so-many reasons (the whole 'male' thing aside), I can only attribute these food yearnings to my change in lifestyle. Most recently, a craving of note is broccoli. I cannot get enough of the deep green flowery vegetable. And we're not talking broccoli cooked in to submission with butter, and then covered in cheddar cheese sauce. No, I crave barely steamed broccoli with a light dusting of salt. Usually this craving is paired with a desire for a protein like grilled chicken or beef... but it’s the broccoli that takes precedence. I literally traveled to a late night grocery store several weeks ago to buy frozen broccoli ... and only frozen broccoli. I did receive odd looks from the cashier, but a man's gotta do...

The bulk of my dietary expenditures has been going to a fast food chain of late. However, it isn't the McDonalds or Wendy's of the world that have been getting my dining dollars. While I LOVE some greasy fast food, it doesn't love me (at least, not anymore) ... My affair is with an establishment that asks the age old question 'Would you like a Six Incher, or a Footlong?' Subway has emerged as my go-to spot for a quick meal whenever I am not mooching off my parents. Recently when asked what I like most about my new job, my immediate response was 'There's three Subways within walking distance of my office!' I have even scoped out a Subway near my house that stays open until 10pm. The late night guy that works there is even starting to memorize my order that never changes (footlong Italian Herb and Cheese, American Cheese, Roasted Chicken, Tomato, Mayo, Tony Chacherie's Seasoning, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and a Coke Zero 20oz Bottle). I have been known to eat this twice in a day, and for 15 days in a row without regret. Overboard? I think not. I can never get enough of a good thing ... or Eating Fresh.

I won't even go in to my snacking preferences of boiled egg whites, grapes, raisins, bananas, etc. The fact that I eat this healthy in everyday life is shocking (and frustrating to my mom who can't cook for me anymore), but I am loving it. Don't get me wrong, I still eat what I want when I want it ... but what I want isn't what it used to be. Then again, neither am I.