Am I supposed to be this hungry?

GoCleanGoLean

It's the end of the day and for some reason, I still feel like eating something. I know I'm not physically hungry, but I call it hunger because I want to eat even though I don't need to.

Am I even making any sense?

The thing is, I feel physically satisfied. But for some reason, I can't shake the feeling of "I want to eat something." And it's not a specific craving -- I just want to eat. Anything. Everything. It really doesn't matter.

Does anybody know why this is?

JullzGood

How many calories are you eating a day? You could be eating because you're bored. I do that sometimes

CafeRacer808

So, you're not really hungry, right? Do you typically eat when you're bored or stressed and are you either of those things right now? If so, it might be helpful to go do something. Take a quick walk, straighten up the house, etc ("Idle hands..." and all that). You could also try drinking a cup of tea.

Unknown

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spiriteagle99

You might try making yourself a cup of coffee or tea. That way you're putting something in your mouth, but not eating a lot of calories.

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken

I second the cup of tea. If I am just looking for something to have just because that is my thing to have.

BuffMom84

Chew some gum. That's what I did when I first started logging on here because before I started dieting, I used to snack constantly (while reading, watching TV, working, etc.). Unless if your stomach is actually growling, you're probably not really hungry.

GoCleanGoLean

These are all excellent ideas, guys.

To answer a few questions, yes I do often eat when I'm bored or whenever I feel like it. I don't eat when I'm hungry because I'm almost never hungry (it's hard to be hungry when you're constantly eating). I think it's the abrupt transition to sticking to only eating meals and limiting snacks and whatnot. I'm going to go make myself a cup of tea. Thank you for the help.

AlabasterVerve

It's not uncommon I don't think but it's not normal. It may be you're not eating enough calories in general or getting the essential fats and proteins you need. You can be physically full but not nourished.

Perhaps a dietician can help?

H_Ock12

When this happens, I will brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash. Eating afterwards would only make my food taste terrible... Motivation enough for me not to eat.

dragon_girl26

The tea idea is good. For my purposes, I know I'm going to want to eat something small in the evening. I'll just save 150 calories or so and have some popcorn or some crunchy vegetables and hummus for a low calorie snack.

TimothyFish

Sometimes we start to associate the desire to eat with other actions. Some people always eat when the television is on, so when the television is on they feel like eating whether they are hungry or not. Try doing things that you don't often do along with eating.

Alatariel75

That feeling is why I always have a cup of tea while watching TV before bed. I'm not hungry, generally I've just finished the biggest meal of my day, but I just want to munch something. I have a selection of different teas and tisanes, and make myself a hot drink.

elisa123gal

drink hot tea... make yourself that so you feel like you're getting something .. sounds like a habit.. we all know about that!

kommodevaran

Make sure you are getting in adequate nutrition - an appropriate amount of calories, and enough of all macro- and micronutrients. If you are certain you have eaten enough, THEN decide whether to eat or not eat. If you want to EAT, consider eating at maintenance (or slightly over if you're already maintaining) for a day. If you just want SOMETHING, because you are bored, sad, angry, tired, find an appropriate solution (hint: NOT food).

crb426

I'm going to follow the advice of others: drink a cup of hot tea, or a glass of water, then brush your teeth. If in 30 minutes you still feel hungry, eat something like a tangerine. Then immediately brush teeth again.

You'll know what's really hunger, and your dentist will love you.