Always hungry on days that I run, help!

emjam99

So I started couch to 5k again and I'm on week 1 so the work outs aren't intense at all (1 minute run 1 1/2 minute walk for 20 minutes and a 5 minute warm up and 5 minute cool down for a total of 30 minutes) I am eating enough for sure 1600 calories and trust me, I'm using them all. I don't know why I'm always starving on these days because the work out isn't even that intense. Other days I'm hardly that hungry. What can I do? I am eating fueling snacks before and after

goldthistime

Are you eating back some or all of your exercise calories? Are those "fueling snacks" less filling than the food you normally eat?

PS congrats on starting C25K!

ccsernica

You're starving on those days because you're burning more calories and your body craves the fuel. Record your exercise in your journal, and eat back some of the calories you burn. It might not be intense -- yet -- but 30 minutes of activity is enough to make a difference.

vixtris

How often do you eat? I feel like if I wait too long to eat, I tend to overeat. So eating something, even if its just a small snack, every 3-4 hours. What are you eating before and after your workout? After the workout, something with complex carbs would be best, like a banana, an apple, or a small bowl of old fashioned oats. Basically something thats not loaded with calories, but will help you recover from the workout. Be sure you are drinking plenty of water.

leanjogreen18

What if on the days you aren't so hungry you save over some calories for you run days?

spiriteagle99

Some of it may be mental, some may be thirst. When I started running, every workout made me eat more. Now only runs over an hour make me feel like I'm starving.

You are probably burning 200-250 or so calories in that half hour, which doesn't allow you a lot of extra snacking. Something with fiber like an apple or grapefruit, or with protein like greek yogurt or chocolate milk, should help fill the void.

TanyaHooton

What do you crave when this happens? Maybe you're actually thirsty. Maybe your body is trying to replenish lost sodium from sweating.