I think it goes without saying that Ben + I have very different body types.
[Takin’ it back to middle school]
[his]
Ben has the metabolism of a beast. Seriously. It’s a gift that’s been passed down for generations in his family. Both Ben and his sister Heather can [and do!] eat ridiculous amounts and remain super lean and fit. I suppose it doesn’t hurt that they’ve both been very active and athletic since they were little. Oh, and that their Momma is a nutritionist.
Ben’s body functions best with raw foods and high levels of healthy carbohydrates. It doesn’t like lots of sugar or dairy, but it can tolerate small amounts of natural sugars [honey + maple syrup] and goat dairy just fine. His digestive system processes cold foods well, and he’d prefer anything cold over hot. When he’s stressed, his hunger tends to decrease. [Ha! If only I had that issue…]
[hers]
My body, on the other hand, tends to hold on to things. My family has struggled with all types of health issues [including diabetes, high blood pressure and cancers], and I have been on my health and wellness journey for over nine years now. I was raised by a low-income single mother and was fed whatever my Japanese and Puerto Rican grandmothers made.
My body functions best with cooked foods and high levels of protein. The few things Ben + my systems have in common is our intolerance for sugar and dairy [and the love of goat cheese!]. My body doesn’t like wheat, either. And my digestive system doesn’t enjoy raw foods, but loves anything warm. When I’m stressed, my hunger tends to increase.
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With such different systems, you’d think Ben and I would have a hard time finding meals that fit both of us, but that’s totally false. We always find common ground over the dinner table when we eat our vegetable-focused meals together [Ben usually just adds extra carbs to his plate].
Our other meals, however, look very different. Especially since he’s started teaching full time [Mr. Ben].
You may remember me saying that Ben kept forgetting to eat [something he cannot afford to do!]. Well, after he lost a few pounds, I made myself a promise to help him prepare and pack healthy [high cal] meals. For the past couple weeks, I’ve woken up with Ben. I make his breakfast while he showers and then pack his lunch and a few snacks for the day.
Doing this has helped in a few ways:
- Ben and I get to spend an extra half an hour together in the mornings
- I wake up early and feel useful
- Ben feels less stressed [whereas he’s slow in the mornings, I’m revving at 6am!]
- I get to create fun and crazy high-caloric meals that I could never enjoy myself [I’m eating vicariously!]
- Ben’s been eating quality meals and maintaining his weight [even if it is a bit lower than usual…]
[A more recent shot 
]–
To give an example of how differently we eat, here were our breakfasts + lunches yesterday. And to give an example of how we often eat very similarly, I’m also highlighting a common ground meal that we often make when we’re enjoying our day together.
breakfast.
[his]
Monte Benjo: a fried egg, manchego cheese, turkey, avocado and mustard between french toast [two slices bread coated w/ 1 egg, cinnamon, vanilla, and a Tbsp almond milk].
[hers]
Steel cut oats: 1/4 c steel cut oats with a dash of cinnamon and vanilla, a Tbsp chia seeds, a scoop of protein powder, and a tsp of maca root.
[common ground]
Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast: Same ingredients, just in two very different ways.
–me
lunch.
[his]
Chicken salad sandwich w/ the works: boiled chicken breast tossed with onion, veganaise, mustard and a dash of hot sauce; manchego cheese, cilantro, avocado, spinach and tomato [hello, calories!].
[hers]
Roasted vegetables + 3 oz. broiled salmon [not pictured].
[common ground]
Soba salad: heavy on the noodles for him, heavy on the greens for her.
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snack.
[his]
Bliss Bars full of delicious things like dates, peanut butter, nuts, peanut butter crackers, etc.
[hers]
Birdfood nuts + seeds, a boiled egg, etc.
[common ground]
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As you can see, while our bodies need different things to thrive, Ben and I find lots of common ground with our food. Lately, I’ve been making it a point to give Ben’s meals more caloric-oomph, though, which makes our fridge a bit more interesting.
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I’m off to the eye-doc to get a new contact prescription [woot!]. Have a wonderful Thursday!
How do you deal with differing body type needs?
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Aloha Pumehana. Whether you’re here to find balance, wholesome recipes or inspiration, I hope you enjoy the posts. Please subscribe to Green Plate Dinners to receive automatic updates and be the first to read new posts for free!
