I was making great progress...

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Krizzin
Krizzin Posts: 13 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
...But then we had lunch Thursday at Culvers (which was delicious as always.) Of course, I went over my calorie limit for that day since lunch was more calories than my whole daily allowance! But I'm not going to beat myself up for one 'over-calorie' day.

The problem is that ever since then I feel hungry ALL THE TIME. Even right after a large meal, when I've cleaned my plate and should be full, I still feel hungry. Constantly. It's like this horrible nagging feeling that won't go away. Even when I should be full, I still just feel this need to eat. And eating more doesn't even make me feel better - I'm still just hungry no matter how much I eat.

I was doing so well before - able to feel full and satisfied after a meal and also feel pride in myself for staying within my calorie goal for the day.

Help! What do you do to get back on track when you have an off day? What can I do to tame this insatiable hunger beast? For now I'm just chewing gum... but it isn't really helping. :(
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Replies

  • macgurlnet
    macgurlnet Posts: 1,946 Member
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    What do you have MFP set for and what's your calorie goal (ie: did you pick 2lb/week and get 1200 calories)?

    Sometimes I have the same issue you're having - make sure your calorie goal is reasonable and tough it out for a few days. Do some extra exercise - even just a mile or two of walking - to get some extra calories, drink lots of water and try to fill up on veggies. Are you meeting your macros, especially protein and fat?

    ~Lyssa
  • DeguelloTex
    DeguelloTex Posts: 6,652 Member
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    If your calorie goal is reasonable -- if it was "working" before, there's a fair chance it is -- you might just have to cope with it for a bit. If there are foods you find particularly filling relative to their calorie levels, maybe emphasize those for now.
  • Krizzin
    Krizzin Posts: 13 Member
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    Yes, I have it set to 2lbs/week and 1200 calories a day. I'm trying to be good with what I'm eating - we do lots of vegetable stir frys (using fresh veggies from the garden.) I'm eating a lot less processed foods, getting more fresh fruits and veggies overall.

    The constant hunger feeling is killing me though. I have some will power... but it's very hard to fight this overwhelming feeling of needing to eat. (I'm sure at least part of it is emotional eating.)

    I think the problem was that we had so many calories on Thursday, it maybe reset my system? Meaning I'd been getting used to eating less, then suddenly I flooded my system with all these calories and delicious cheese fat, and now it wants more? I don't know. It's frustrating. I don't want to backslide just as I was finally starting to make progress.
  • atypicalsmith
    atypicalsmith Posts: 2,742 Member
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    Deal with being hungry for a day or two. Drink water, go for a walk, do jumping jacks, whatever - the feeling will pass and you'll be just fine.
  • macgurlnet
    macgurlnet Posts: 1,946 Member
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    Krizzin wrote: »
    Yes, I have it set to 2lbs/week and 1200 calories a day. I'm trying to be good with what I'm eating - we do lots of vegetable stir frys (using fresh veggies from the garden.) I'm eating a lot less processed foods, getting more fresh fruits and veggies overall.

    The constant hunger feeling is killing me though. I have some will power... but it's very hard to fight this overwhelming feeling of needing to eat. (I'm sure at least part of it is emotional eating.)

    I think the problem was that we had so many calories on Thursday, it maybe reset my system? Meaning I'd been getting used to eating less, then suddenly I flooded my system with all these calories and delicious cheese fat, and now it wants more? I don't know. It's frustrating. I don't want to backslide just as I was finally starting to make progress.

    1200 is really tough. If you change your goal to 1.5 lb/week, how many calories do you get? How much weight are you trying to lose?

    ~Lyssa
  • DeguelloTex
    DeguelloTex Posts: 6,652 Member
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    You didn't reset your system.

    You can cope with the feeling until you get back to where you were or you can just eat more or you can up your calorie goal to a less aggressive loss target.
  • StrengthIsBeautiful
    StrengthIsBeautiful Posts: 309 Member
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    I recently added Chia Seeds to my diet. I mix one teaspoon in my daily yogurt, then let it sit for 20 minutes. It gives me a very full feeling that lasts all day.
  • sashayoung72
    sashayoung72 Posts: 441 Member
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    Look for a very high protein meal or snack, and sometimes we just have to be a little hungry.
  • Krizzin
    Krizzin Posts: 13 Member
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    macgurlnet wrote: »
    Krizzin wrote: »
    Yes, I have it set to 2lbs/week and 1200 calories a day. I'm trying to be good with what I'm eating - we do lots of vegetable stir frys (using fresh veggies from the garden.) I'm eating a lot less processed foods, getting more fresh fruits and veggies overall.

    The constant hunger feeling is killing me though. I have some will power... but it's very hard to fight this overwhelming feeling of needing to eat. (I'm sure at least part of it is emotional eating.)

    I think the problem was that we had so many calories on Thursday, it maybe reset my system? Meaning I'd been getting used to eating less, then suddenly I flooded my system with all these calories and delicious cheese fat, and now it wants more? I don't know. It's frustrating. I don't want to backslide just as I was finally starting to make progress.

    1200 is really tough. If you change your goal to 1.5 lb/week, how many calories do you get? How much weight are you trying to lose?

    ~Lyssa


    I'm trying to hit my goal weight by the end of November for my high school reunion. (I'm already skinnier than I ever was in high school, but I'm still not where I want to be yet.) So I pretty much have to lose 2 lbs a week to get to my goal in time. I'm 166 now, ultimate goal is 135. I had gotten down to 142 at my lowest last year, and honestly, I'd be satisfied if I could just get back to there.

    I'm sure this 'feeling constantly hungry' thing will go away eventually, if I can just stay on track and have the will power to be stronger than my hunger. I know I can do it if I set my mind to it - it just sucks right now so I'm whiny and complaining, lol.

    Thanks for listening, and for all the support! I think I will try out your (and others) suggestions by making sure I have enough protein. When I looked over my food logs, I seem to always go over on carbs and sugar, but not enough in the fats and protein categories. Something to work on.

    I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend - and thanks again for the support! It really helps!
  • macgurlnet
    macgurlnet Posts: 1,946 Member
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    Krizzin wrote: »
    macgurlnet wrote: »
    Krizzin wrote: »
    Yes, I have it set to 2lbs/week and 1200 calories a day. I'm trying to be good with what I'm eating - we do lots of vegetable stir frys (using fresh veggies from the garden.) I'm eating a lot less processed foods, getting more fresh fruits and veggies overall.

    The constant hunger feeling is killing me though. I have some will power... but it's very hard to fight this overwhelming feeling of needing to eat. (I'm sure at least part of it is emotional eating.)

    I think the problem was that we had so many calories on Thursday, it maybe reset my system? Meaning I'd been getting used to eating less, then suddenly I flooded my system with all these calories and delicious cheese fat, and now it wants more? I don't know. It's frustrating. I don't want to backslide just as I was finally starting to make progress.

    1200 is really tough. If you change your goal to 1.5 lb/week, how many calories do you get? How much weight are you trying to lose?

    ~Lyssa


    I'm trying to hit my goal weight by the end of November for my high school reunion. (I'm already skinnier than I ever was in high school, but I'm still not where I want to be yet.) So I pretty much have to lose 2 lbs a week to get to my goal in time. I'm 166 now, ultimate goal is 135. I had gotten down to 142 at my lowest last year, and honestly, I'd be satisfied if I could just get back to there.

    I'm sure this 'feeling constantly hungry' thing will go away eventually, if I can just stay on track and have the will power to be stronger than my hunger. I know I can do it if I set my mind to it - it just sucks right now so I'm whiny and complaining, lol.

    Thanks for listening, and for all the support! I think I will try out your (and others) suggestions by making sure I have enough protein. When I looked over my food logs, I seem to always go over on carbs and sugar, but not enough in the fats and protein categories. Something to work on.

    I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend - and thanks again for the support! It really helps!

    I absolutely ADORE carbs and tend to go for them first. Problem is they don't leave me feeling full. I could easily eat half a loaf of bread and still be hungry. Protein and fat do a better job of keeping me full.

    Try to make a conscious effort to choose something higher in protein first, then follow with a carb if you want and still have calories to spare. Exercise to get more calories if you aren't already :) I do things like have an egg or two, some turkey sausage, and then half a piece of toast for breakfast - that gets me my protein and some carbs too.

    ~Lyssa
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,464 Member
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    Protein shake and PB/whole wheat English muffin help me with hunger a lot.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,464 Member
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    PS I mean as 2 different options, not at se time.
  • krisadair
    krisadair Posts: 1 Member
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    Anytime you feel hungry when it not mealtime drink a glass of water and go for a walk. That should help distract you.
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,626 Member
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    Any time I eat a bunch and stretch my stomach, I'll be hungrier for a day or so. Another reason I like a bunch of smaller meals over one or two big ones.

    Give it a day or two and see how you feel. Eat filling, lower-cal, healthy fare (like veggies) to help you stay full. :)
  • 29_adjacent
    29_adjacent Posts: 104 Member
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    I totally understand what you're experiencing. Whenever I have a 'day off' and eat much more volume of food than I normally do I subsequently feel a lot hungrier/unsatisfied with my usual intake for a day or two afterwards.

    Unfortunately I don't have a magic wand type fix for this. I just try to tough it out, maybe do a bit more exercise to be able to eat a bit more and the feeling eventually goes away.

    However, I have pretty much never been on 1200 cals (expect for at the very beginning until I realised I could actually eat more and still lose).

    I would suggest changing your goal to 1.5lbs or 1lb per week to give yourself a more manageable calorie goal overall. Also protein is known to keep you feeling fuller for longer so try to focus on getting plenty of protein - lean meats are a great source, for example, without the high calories.
  • rwhyte12
    rwhyte12 Posts: 203 Member
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    Whey protein once or twice a day in water could help. It's very filling. Wal-mart has it. You can get flavoured and add to smoothies.
    You could also add in some good fats like olive oil.
  • gilliebee63
    gilliebee63 Posts: 94 Member
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    Is 1200 over your BMR? If not you will feel hungry ask the time... And lose muscle mass as you drop pounds. Eating below BMR makes weight loss less sustainable. You should be eating somewhere between your BMR and your TDEE to lose weight without depriving your body of what it needs to live. If that means you don't hit some abstract target by November, so be it. You'll still look great and feel better.

    Whenever I'm struggling i go back and reread some of the getting started threads here... It helps to remind myself of some of the basics. Good luck with your journey, and have fun at your reunion whatever happens!
  • cwilso37
    cwilso37 Posts: 79 Member
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    So I have bad news for you (most likely). Setting MFP at 2 lb a week doesn't mean you actually will lose 2 lb a week. 1200 is the bottom number MFP will give a woman, so odds are it isn't set at 2 lb a week right now.

  • Protranser
    Protranser Posts: 517 Member
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    How are your eating habits, overall? I sometimes catch myself eating too quickly. I end up eating extra portions because I'm not giving my brain enough time to receive the "satisfied" signal.

    Take smaller bites, chew 10 times or so per bite. A meal should last a minimum of 20 minutes according to various internet sources I can't cite atm.
  • galprincess
    galprincess Posts: 682 Member
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    Ok so a few things here firstly you are always hungry this isn't helping I lost all my weight 0.5lbs a week but guess what I lost over that on average I had more calories more energy to exercise!

    Secondly chewing gum makes you hungry your body is expecting to digest something when you're chewing and it isn't!

    Thirdly I found by dropping weight slowly and worked out ( id recommend something like 30 day shred) I lost tons of inches but not many lbs and I noticed my body shape looked tighter and amazing people thought id lost tons of weight but i hadn't!

    Lastly lbs only you see, inches and fat loss everyone sees so I would definitely eat more exercise more!

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