What gives?? I'm so HUNGRY!
southrnchic479
Posts: 136 Member
I've got the whole day's worth of food planned. 1,240 Calories, 68g Carb, 50g Fat, 119g Protein. For reference, I have a desk job. At 8AM, I had 2 muffin tin sized egg quiches - 158 calories, 14g of protein. I was feeling hungry at 10:30 so I broke out my snack - 3 slices of honey ham and a colby jack cheese stick - 133 calories and 13g of protein. It is now 11:30 and I am HUNGRY. AGAIN. And no, I'm not preggers haha!
I'm determined to try low carbing and see if my body responds more favorably to that than the usual 40/30/30 I have tried...seeing if it'll rev up my metabolism (if that's even possible)...is that what's going on here?? Or am I just not satiated by protein??! This is probably my third day of really trying to stick with this and get back on track after a 5 month hiatus, but I haven't been HUNGRY like this in the morning like I am today. Obviously nobody has a definite answer but I figured I'd see if someone could shed some light as to why I'm so dang hungry lol
I'm determined to try low carbing and see if my body responds more favorably to that than the usual 40/30/30 I have tried...seeing if it'll rev up my metabolism (if that's even possible)...is that what's going on here?? Or am I just not satiated by protein??! This is probably my third day of really trying to stick with this and get back on track after a 5 month hiatus, but I haven't been HUNGRY like this in the morning like I am today. Obviously nobody has a definite answer but I figured I'd see if someone could shed some light as to why I'm so dang hungry lol
6
Replies
-
Is 1,240 too low? Sounds like it might be. What's your weekly weight loss goal? If it's set to 2 lbs/week, you're most likely not setting yourself up for success.
Your weight loss goal is dictated by how much you have to lose (total). Try putting your weight loss goal closer to 1% of your body weight and see if that gives you some calories back. I'm willing to bet it'll set you closer to 1-1.5 lbs/week.
If this is unsustainable, bump it down to 0.5 lbs/week. The closer you get to your goal weight, the less you're likely to SAFELY lose every week.6 -
ETA: Make sure to eat your exercise calories back.
Quoting @Branstin :
As a rule of thumb, the following weekly targets would give a balance between minimizing negative side effects and seeing a reasonable weekly weight loss:
[Depending on how much you have to lose]
More than 75 lbs. 2 lbs./week
40-75 lbs. 1.5 lbs./week
10-40 lbs. 1 lb./week
Less than 10 lbs. 0.5 lb./week
5 -
I cant say why you are hungry but to be honest is it really a bad thing? I am hungry at times as well. Sometimes more than I should be. What I have been struggling mentally with is whether or not it is OKAY to be hungry. I believe the answer is yes. Always having to not be hungry is what got me to 291 pounds in the first place. If I can beat the idea that I should never be hungry then I will be okay. Keep in mind that you should be showing up to meals hungry. Not just eating because you have to.
Best of luck
Mark4 -
Uncle TOM on his way to town?5
-
cwolfman13 wrote: »Uncle TOM on his way to town?
IDK. I'd be starving on 1,240 regardless of TOM.10 -
My vote would be 1240 is too low. Hard to say without knowing your stats, how much you have left to lose and how much a week you're trying to lose (my guess is maybe that's set a little too high).2
-
If it's just today that you've been this hungry, it may not be anything at all. It's not unusual for me to have probably a couple of days every month or so where I'm just hungry. No identifiable reason--I'm not especially stressed, bored, dehydrated, or tired. It's not my cycle or my workouts or underfed the day before. I'm just hungry. And it's usually a cavernous HUNGRY, not just an "almost time to eat" hungry. I can usually tell the difference because EVERYTHING in the food drawer in my desk looks delicious
I'll usually just decide to bump up to maintenance for the day and eat a little more. Heck, I've even left work to go get more food on days like that! If maintenance (or a food run) aren't feasible, I tend to drink a LOT of hot liquids - tea, coffee, broth--that kind of stuff.
My suggestion is to use the notes section in your food diary to track things like this and see if it becomes a pattern or if you're just having a Hungry Day. If it's a pattern, you might adjust macros or your weight loss goal per week. Otherwise, I'd say just realize that this too, shall pass.4 -
One thing I will say is that when I've cleaned up my eating the first several days I am hungry. maybe give it a few days, but 1240 seems very low. Did you use any kind of calculator to determine caloric intake? Don't sell yourself short in the long run by reducing calories too much.1
-
southrnchic479 wrote: »I've got the whole day's worth of food planned. 1,240 Calories, 68g Carb, 50g Fat, 119g Protein. For reference, I have a desk job. At 8AM, I had 2 muffin tin sized egg quiches - 158 calories, 14g of protein. I was feeling hungry at 10:30 so I broke out my snack - 3 slices of honey ham and a colby jack cheese stick - 133 calories and 13g of protein. It is now 11:30 and I am HUNGRY. AGAIN. And no, I'm not preggers haha!
I'm determined to try low carbing and see if my body responds more favorably to that than the usual 40/30/30 I have tried...seeing if it'll rev up my metabolism (if that's even possible)...is that what's going on here?? Or am I just not satiated by protein??! This is probably my third day of really trying to stick with this and get back on track after a 5 month hiatus, but I haven't been HUNGRY like this in the morning like I am today. Obviously nobody has a definite answer but I figured I'd see if someone could shed some light as to why I'm so dang hungry lol
low carb doesnt rev up metabolism. exercise boosts metabolism. putting on muscle can burn more fat but its not a lot and its very hard to gain muscle in a deficit.if you are hungry and pretty active then your calorie goal may be too low. you may not be satiated by protein. some are some arent. some are satiated by fat some arent. so try upping fat a bit and calories and see what happens. keep the protein the same. Im on a low fat diet due to health reasons and my fat is around what yours but I usually eat less. carbs for me are more satiating.I dont know what your job is or how active you are outside of your job but if you are pretty active then you need more calories.3 -
Yep, seems like the more I work out the more I just want to eat. I've found coffee works great for keeping my appetite in check at work. Not sure what it is, but as long as I sip on coffee all morning I rarely get hungry.2
-
cwolfman13 wrote: »Uncle TOM on his way to town?
Lol no Uncle TOM is on his way out
I don't think so. I haven't started a workout regimen just yet. I am SEVERELY inactive/sedentary. I've lost the weight before on 1200, and though I haven't stepped on the scale, I know I'm on my "higher end" just by the way clothes are fittingIs 1,240 too low? Sounds like it might be. so I think 1200 is safe enough for me until I start expending more energy (in which case I will eat more). 1200 is rather manageable to me, usually.
Maybe what I'm really asking is, why after eating breakfast (which I normally don't eat - perhaps I should have mentioned that in the first place?) am I so hungry?
0 -
southrnchic479 wrote: »I've got the whole day's worth of food planned. 1,240 Calories, 68g Carb, 50g Fat, 119g Protein. For reference, I have a desk job. At 8AM, I had 2 muffin tin sized egg quiches - 158 calories, 14g of protein. I was feeling hungry at 10:30 so I broke out my snack - 3 slices of honey ham and a colby jack cheese stick - 133 calories and 13g of protein. It is now 11:30 and I am HUNGRY. AGAIN. And no, I'm not preggers haha!
I'm determined to try low carbing and see if my body responds more favorably to that than the usual 40/30/30 I have tried...seeing if it'll rev up my metabolism (if that's even possible)...is that what's going on here?? Or am I just not satiated by protein??! This is probably my third day of really trying to stick with this and get back on track after a 5 month hiatus, but I haven't been HUNGRY like this in the morning like I am today. Obviously nobody has a definite answer but I figured I'd see if someone could shed some light as to why I'm so dang hungry lol
Based on your profile, I would guess you don't have much weight to lose. You should set your weekly goal to no more than 1 lb per week, and for some women who are already in the healthy weight range, it works best to set it to lose 0.5 lb per week. You just aren't carrying enough size to comfortably lose more quickly.
You MFP goal does not include exercise. You should be logging your exercise and eating back at least dome of those calories.
If it is your TOM, many of us get really hungry for a couple of days around that. Me personally, I eat maintenance calories 2 or 3 days a month because of that.
It's possible a different macro balance will help you feel less hungry, but don't do that without determining if you are eating enough calories first. Underfueling your body is not healthy.
The type of food you eat doesn't really affect your metabolism. And honestly, if something "revved up" your metabolism it would make you more hungry, because a higher metabolism means you need more food. The only thing that has a likely affect on metabolism is exercise.1 -
You have to play around with calories. Maybe look at having a larger amount for breakfast. I aim for 3-400 for main meals and then use the rest for snacks. I am 5ft 6" Start weight 214 and losing on 1300 -1400
I lost 32 pounds using this site a couple of years ago eating high protien lower carb (love my carbs so can't ditch them altogether) Put a lot back on due to ill health but getting back on track now.
If you are on 1200 now you don't have any wiggle room Check your weekly goal and maybe look at losing a bit less over a longer term to ensure you have enough calories to eat a bit more when you are hungry.
Losing weight shouldn't be torture.
2 -
My secret weapon for hunger: Fats ... 0.5-1oz of almonds or cashews, couple cheese slices, a big glass of water... maybe even an extra protein shake (Dymatize Elite with 8oz water). Then I occupy my mind with something else so I can forget about it. If I'm really starving, I will increase my calories slightly for the day - you might be too low in relation to your activity.1
-
I am 5'4. 157 lbs and my goal is 1210 as I have a desk job.
I have almost reached my full day by lunch time LOL
Good thing I go to the gym later, which will make me even hungrier lol1 -
southrnchic479 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »Uncle TOM on his way to town?
Lol no Uncle TOM is on his way out
I don't think so. I haven't started a workout regimen just yet. I am SEVERELY inactive/sedentary. I've lost the weight before on 1200, and though I haven't stepped on the scale, I know I'm on my "higher end" just by the way clothes are fittingIs 1,240 too low? Sounds like it might be. so I think 1200 is safe enough for me until I start expending more energy (in which case I will eat more). 1200 is rather manageable to me, usually.
Maybe what I'm really asking is, why after eating breakfast (which I normally don't eat - perhaps I should have mentioned that in the first place?) am I so hungry?
even if you arent working out yet do you have a active job? when you set your mfp to lose weight the activity its asking for is your work/daily activities and not exercise. so if you are active at work/home thats what its taking into acct not your exercise.0 -
southrnchic479 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »Uncle TOM on his way to town?
Lol no Uncle TOM is on his way out
I don't think so. I haven't started a workout regimen just yet. I am SEVERELY inactive/sedentary. I've lost the weight before on 1200, and though I haven't stepped on the scale, I know I'm on my "higher end" just by the way clothes are fittingIs 1,240 too low? Sounds like it might be. so I think 1200 is safe enough for me until I start expending more energy (in which case I will eat more). 1200 is rather manageable to me, usually.
Maybe what I'm really asking is, why after eating breakfast (which I normally don't eat - perhaps I should have mentioned that in the first place?) am I so hungry?
A lot of us could probably lose on 1200, that doesn't mean it's necessary (again no way for anyone to say without knowing stats). But if you still want to stick to the 1240, it may be a matter of finding which element helps to satiate you the most (carbs, protein or fats) and do your best to make that a focus of all your meals. Also sometimes thirst can feel like hunger, so depending on your water intake that might be a thought. I had some good success having water with my meals tiding me over awhile.2 -
I just started Keto and with the amount of healthy fats and protein that i'm allotted, I feel quite satiated. I also have a desk job and over 250lbs. Maybe just add more avocados & water to your day? I'm sure you'll be able to tweak it so that you find what's best for you. Good luck! Stay the course! :-)5
-
I would try adding some fiber to your diet...fruits & veggies and maybe even some healthy carbs
They are not the enemy, you know... good luck 3 -
southrnchic479 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »Uncle TOM on his way to town?
Lol no Uncle TOM is on his way out
I don't think so. I haven't started a workout regimen just yet. I am SEVERELY inactive/sedentary. I've lost the weight before on 1200, and though I haven't stepped on the scale, I know I'm on my "higher end" just by the way clothes are fittingIs 1,240 too low? Sounds like it might be. so I think 1200 is safe enough for me until I start expending more energy (in which case I will eat more). 1200 is rather manageable to me, usually.
Maybe what I'm really asking is, why after eating breakfast (which I normally don't eat - perhaps I should have mentioned that in the first place?) am I so hungry?
I can't eat breakfast. As soon as I start eating I want to keep eating so I grab a coffee in the morning and try to push it as long as I can.
I don't know why you're so hungry. Maybe bring some celery with you to work so you can just keep snacking on it until lunch time.0 -
why is no one mentioning water? Sometimes the body interperates thirst as hunger. Make sure that you are getting hydrated. you aren't really hungry unless you are hydrated and hungry. Also, is it real hunger? You can feel the physical pain in your gut- not just appetite, right? those are a couple things i always check. I'm not just thirsty and I'm not just bored.1
-
why is no one mentioning water? Sometimes the body interperates thirst as hunger. Make sure that you are getting hydrated. you aren't really hungry unless you are hydrated and hungry. Also, is it real hunger? You can feel the physical pain in your gut- not just appetite, right? those are a couple things i always check. I'm not just thirsty and I'm not just bored.
A couple people did.0 -
Others have addressed the calorie goal, so I won't bother.
However - if you're eating breakfast you're kick-starting your metabolism for the day. Sometimes in a fast (like not eating breakfast), you just stop feeling hungry. Once you feed yourself, your body is jumpstarted and ready to go.
Something you could try is adding more greens/vegetables to your meal. And even really good quality grains like quinoa or steel cut oats. These things help add some bulk to our meals and that can make a huge difference.
Another thought:
When I eat smaller breakfasts (like under 400 calories), I end up hungry and needing a snack. If I eat a balanced, larger breakfast, i don't find I need that morning snack as I just don't get hungry until a hour or so before lunch. That's really helped me psychologically stay ahead of the feeling of deprivation - if you're not always hungry, you won't always feel like you're missing out on eating what you want.4 -
I'm at 1200/day because I am sedentary too. It's not an unreasonable amount of calories if that is what MFP has recommended and you aren't losing too fast. I have found that if I skip breakfast and eat lunch then I am not as hungry as if I had eaten breakfast for some reason. Then I eat a large lunch and a smaller dinner. It seems as though you eating breakfast made you hungrier than normal and since breakfast isn't required for weight loss I'd just keep skipping it if I were you.1
-
I can't imagine it's water. I subbed my coffee for a glass of cold water this morning (I use like, 100 calories of creamer so I figured I better put that toward actual nutritious food today) and it's currently 12:40 and I've already had a little over 32 oz from my bottle. I'm going to weigh myself this evening and report back, as I have no idea where I'm currently standing. My guess is 150-155, my goal is 125-130, though I really don't care about the number so long as I like how I look and I want to look healthy and toned, not skinny per se. I am 5'5". I may consider readjusting my weekly goal (currently at 1 lb a week) once I know how much I actually weigh.1
-
southrnchic479 wrote: »I can't imagine it's water. I subbed my coffee for a glass of cold water this morning (I use like, 100 calories of creamer so I figured I better put that toward actual nutritious food today) and it's currently 12:40 and I've already had a little over 32 oz from my bottle. I'm going to weigh myself this evening and report back, as I have no idea where I'm currently standing. My guess is 150-155, my goal is 125-130, though I really don't care about the number so long as I like how I look and I want to look healthy and toned, not skinny per se. I am 5'5". I may consider readjusting my weekly goal (currently at 1 lb a week) once I know how much I actually weigh.
You might want to wait to do you weigh in until the morning. If you weigh yourself in the evening you will also be weighing everything you ingested for the day. Ideally, you would want to weigh in at the same time and under the same conditions for each weigh in. Most people do this first thing in the morning before they've ingested food and beverages and after getting rid of waste.2 -
why is no one mentioning water? Sometimes the body interperates thirst as hunger. Make sure that you are getting hydrated. you aren't really hungry unless you are hydrated and hungry. Also, is it real hunger? You can feel the physical pain in your gut- not just appetite, right? those are a couple things i always check. I'm not just thirsty and I'm not just bored.
if you are hungry you should not feel pain in your gut. hunger is a signal. if you are feeling pain in your gut something is wrong. being hungry should not be painful unless you are eating way too little and basically starving yourself. unless you have a health issue that causes pain.1 -
I'm at 1200/day because I am sedentary too. It's not an unreasonable amount of calories if that is what MFP has recommended and you aren't losing too fast.
We don't know that this is the case.
@southrnchic479 how did you get to 1,200? Pretty much EVERYONE will lose on 1,200 as that's the lowest that MFP will take you and the lowest recommended for women. I think you're hungry after breakfast because you're STILL HUNGRY FROM YESTERDAY.
[Depending on how much you have to lose]
More than 75 lbs. 2 lbs./week
40-75 lbs. 1.5 lbs./week
10-40 lbs. 1 lb./week
Less than 10 lbs. 0.5 lb./week
Again, make sure your goal is not too aggressive. Being active gives you "bonus" calories, while being inactive doesn't mean that you have to drop it all the way down. I think that you're hungry because you're not eating a whole lot, and there's no way to tell whether that's accurate or not until we get your stats (height, age, weight). Judging by your profile picture, you should be aiming for 1 lb/week. Is that what your goal is on MFP, or did you max it out to 2 lbs/week?2 -
It can take me a few days to get used to lower calories. If I'm regularly eating 2200, and quickly restrict to 1300, my body just expects me to continue giving it more food more often. The first few days after returning to a calorie deficit are sometimes a little uncomfortable.
I find that a mix of high-fiber, carb-rich food + fat keeps me full, so low-carb doesn't really cut it for me. Everyone is different. You could play with your macros until you find your sweet spot for satiety if a low carb plan is leaving you hungry.0 -
Others have addressed the calorie goal, so I won't bother.
However - if you're eating breakfast you're kick-starting your metabolism for the day. Sometimes in a fast (like not eating breakfast), you just stop feeling hungry. Once you feed yourself, your body is jumpstarted and ready to go.
Something you could try is adding more greens/vegetables to your meal. And even really good quality grains like quinoa or steel cut oats. These things help add some bulk to our meals and that can make a huge difference.
Another thought:
When I eat smaller breakfasts (like under 400 calories), I end up hungry and needing a snack. If I eat a balanced, larger breakfast, i don't find I need that morning snack as I just don't get hungry until a hour or so before lunch. That's really helped me psychologically stay ahead of the feeling of deprivation - if you're not always hungry, you won't always feel like you're missing out on eating what you want.
you are not kickstarting your metabolism eating breakfast., your metabolism runs all the time. if not youre dead.you dont kick start anything. many people dont eat breakfast and their metabolism is just fine,2
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.3K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 424 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions