Intense protein cravings
I think I'm 13 or 14 days after the end of my 22 day fast. As I mentioned in a previous post, I had to refeed on a quicker schedule than recommended to be ready to eat certain foods by the 18th. I maintained mostly raw vegan for 11 days and continued to eat mostly vegan (as I had been for almost a year and half) until a few days ago. My plan has been to break my veganism and slowly incorporate any kind of food I like, as long as I eat healthy and in small amounts.
My problem has been with protein. Lately, all I crave is protein, especially in the evening after work. Tonight I couldn't get rid of the craving and wound up eating 9 shrimp and, after a bit, a chicken breast. This was my whole dinner--no sides, the shrimp were just defrosted pre-cooked, and the chicken breast was eaten dry.
This wasn't my first meat eating. I've been having small amounts of lean meats (fish, chicken) for a little bit, but the protein cravings are getting intense. I want to eat a salad for dinner with a little protein, but all I want is the meat.
Why am I feeling such a strong need for so much protein? How much should I be eating in one sitting so soon after the fast?