Maybe it’s because I have no ass, and I’ve always really wanted one.
Maybe it’s because I have the sense of humor of a ten-year old boy.
Maybe it’s because I want to throw an old school hip hop dance party in my kitchen.
Maybe it’s because my body is secretly trying to tell me I need protein.
Maybe it’s because my digestive system is trying to get back on track after the excessive sugar consumption from the holidays.
Whatever the reason, I’ve been craving beans and rice the same way an OCD person craves clean uncluttered spaces.
And, red beans and rice always makes me think of Sir Mix-A-Lot’s Baby Got Back. Highly inappropriate, highly suggestive, and a lot catchy, this song has been stuck in my head, on repeat, for days because I’m OD’ing on rice and beans over here…in a good way.
It all began on New Year’s Day, where I kicked off the year in style, with my own batch of rice and beans. I threw in some bell peppers and corn for color (maybe flavor too) and got my eats on.
Not only was this little ditty dinner on Tuesday, I made enough for it to be lunch on Thursday. Thinking my craving had been satisfied, I moved onto other foods and other meals for a time or two, but my body had different plans. When I went to pick up lunch on Friday, I breezed by the typical salad section, I didn’t bat an eye at the pizza, and somehow I ended up in the sandwich area, where even the stacked veggies on hearty slices of bread didn’t appeal to me.
There was a lone veggie burrito though and when I queried on its contents, I was told onions, peppers, rice and beans. “Ding, ding, ding,” my brain sounded and then Back Got Back started playing….again, somewhere in the background of my mind. ♫ “Red beans and rice didn’t miss her… ♫
So Cosmo says you’re fat
Well I ain’t down with that!
‘Cause your waist is small
And your curves are kickin’
And I’m thinkin’ bout stickin’.”
You’d think three servings of rice and beans in four days would be enough to quiet my addled mind and my very full belly (who I aptly named Poncho years ago), but it appears not to be the case.
Case in point: the Hubby and I went on a date on Saturday (look at how romantic I am already). We went out to lunch and followed it up with a movie. The Hobbit was great if you’re into that kind of thing (I am), but not the moral of the story today, although truth be told, today’s tale has no moral or even a point, for that matter. Back to the food: we hit up Liquid Planet where I ordered a veggie wrap this time, but with a side of brown rice and beans. I could have had chips and hummus or salsa, the apple slices with peanut butter, or a handful of other choices (all healthy; McDonald’s take notice), but I chose the rice and beans because I’m in a deliberately self-inflicted rut.
♪ “So, fellas! (yeah) Fellas! (yeah! )
Has your girlfriend got the butt?
(Hell Yeah! )
Tell ’em to shake it!
(Shake it! )
Shake it!
(Shake it! )
Shake the healthy butt!”
See, Sir Mix-A-Lot is into nutrition too.
Later on that very same evening (I’m completely insatiable), we met some friends for dinner at a bar/restaurant. Not my usual choice, but then again, it’s wasn’t my pick. When we arrived, I scoured the menu high and low looking for some vegetarian options and nothing really called to me….not the salads, not the pasta or the portabella burger. What should come as no surprise and what did ultimately jump out and grab me by the collar (although I wasn’t wearing a collar) was the mini tacos with queso fresco, cilantro, avocado, jalapeno and yep, you got it….beans and rice.
♫”You can do side bends or sit-ups,
But please don’t lose that butt.”
Sir Mix-A-Lot should have done a workout video.
So what do you do when Baby Got Back is on a constant loop inside your mind and you’ve eaten five servings of rice and beans in five days? Share the wealth, and see if I can’t get this song stuck in your head too. Happy Monday.
Do you ever go on strange food craving binges? And does it make you think of music? If so, which song?
Allie says
Love that we both have posts today dedicated to eating the same thing all day. I wish beans still agreed with my guts and glory, because what’s more comfortably filling (and cheap) than a good plate of rice and beans? Even if this baby doesn’t got back either. That syntax made me cringe. But I’m leaving it.
Meghan says
The syntax is filthy and definitely cringe worthy. I should have warned you. No beans…I’m sad for you; what a bummer, but I love that you accompany your guts with glory.
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts says
You are a hoot!
Now I’m going to blast the Cooking Jazz playlist through my new kitchen speakers so I can attempt to replace Sit Mix’s refrain.
I had a bum, then got pregnant and my son took it.
That being said, I’m into ham and bean soup so I understand.
Meghan says
A hoot, crazy what’s the difference. Sorry to get such fun filth stuck in your head; I hope the jazz knocks it right out. I had no idea pregnancy steals your bum too. That sucks.
Ham and bean soup is good especially because you said beans.
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear says
hahahahaha I totally get randomly obsessed with foods. I remember freshman year of college I literally ate about 3-4 apples a day. I don’t even know why! I just craved them like no other. Lately it’s coconut butter. Can’t get enough!
Meghan says
Apples is a great obsession. I’ve never had coconut butter, but it’s all the rage lately. I’ll have to check it out.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
We share a similar 10 year old sense of humor. 🙂
My friend and I just decided Baby Got Back is our theme song this year becasue we both want to gain some junk inthe trunk. My anaconda don’t want none unless you got buns HON!
Meghan says
You have to blog about this then because I want junk in the trunk. I do, I do.
Luv What You Do says
If I dream of sir mix a lot to night I am blaming you!
Your beans with peppers look fantastic! I will eat beans mixed into recipes but jsut can’t get too into them.
I will get on oatmeal kicks for breakfast and huge humus binges!
Meghan says
Too funny; I hope the song doesn’t infiltrate your dreams! I can respect a good old fashion hummus binge, which is pretty much beans anyway.
Jessie says
Ha Ha Ha Ha!!! This post is too funny. Hey if your loving beans, embrace them.. just give your hubs a heads up if any smells start happening from ya =)
Meghan says
Now that’s funny. Luckily, beans don’t really have that affect me in that way….anymore. I eat a ton of fiber so I think my body has adjusted.
Fran@BCDC says
In my opinion, there can Never be too much rice and beans. For whatever reason, I’m not a fan of red kidney beans…love the white cannelini beans, but not the read. The ones marked “small red beans” are good though, so if I’m trying to be traditional, I go with them, otherwise it’s usually black beans for me. Cooked up a crock pot full yesterday! These all look delicious though and now I want some. Since I have all of the black beans cooked up, I might try to replicate your first photo. Yum! Have a great day, Meghan!
Meghan says
You should replicate it. It’s a bundle of beans, some corn, and a serving of rice.
In olive oil, I sautéed an onion, a bell pepper, salt, pepper, Cajun seasonings, and then I added the corn and the beans. In a separate pot, I made the rice and then combined everything when the rice was done. I hope you make it and I hope you report back and let me know what you think.