Can't control appetite

xxzenabxx

kimothyschma wrote: »

Have you tried increasing your calories just a bit? Maybe there is a happy point between 1700 and 2400. Calculators also give me 1700 calories, but I just can’t stick to it. But if I make my goal 1800, for some reason that extra 100 calories feels like enough.

Hmmm it would make my weekly average 1800x7=12600. Not too sure about increasing my calories even more though...

__TMac__

Ok, cool. So pay close attention from here on and that'll tell you how to proceed. I'm fairly certainly you shouldn't be eating back walk calories if you are using TDEE, but let your actual data tell you what, if anything, you should adjust. If you're losing at an acceptable rate, don't worry about changing your methods or calorie counts. Just think about playing with your macros, within that same calorie level, to deal with the hunger.

PCOS is a difficulty, for sure, but doesn't have to be a major obstacle. This is off-topic, but you're young and this may be a concern you have: I had very irregular cycles and was infertile while obese (248 lbs), but as soon as I hit the weight that moved me into just an overweight BMI (207), my cycle returned and I got pregnant. This happened twice -- quite literally, I reached 207, and found out I was pregnant within the month. So weight loss has a HUGE affect on our hormones, and hormones play a role in hunger and fat deposition. It'll be worth the effort to get it sorted now.

Good luck to you!

xxzenabxx

__TMac__ wrote: »

Ok, cool. So pay close attention from here on and that'll tell you how to proceed. I'm fairly certainly you shouldn't be eating back walk calories if you are using TDEE, but let your actual data tell you what, if anything, you should adjust. If you're losing at an acceptable rate, don't worry about changing your methods or calorie counts. Just think about playing with your macros, within that same calorie level, to deal with the hunger.

PCOS is a difficulty, for sure, but doesn't have to be a major obstacle. This is off-topic, but you're young and this may be a concern you have: I had very irregular cycles and was infertile while obese (248 lbs), but as soon as I hit the weight that moved me into just an overweight BMI (207), my cycle returned and I got pregnant. This happened twice -- quite literally, I reached 207, and found out I was pregnant within the month. So weight loss has a HUGE affect on our hormones, and hormones play a role in hunger and fat deposition. It'll be worth the effort to get it sorted now.

Good luck to you!

Yes I'm quite concerned about my PCOS and I'm hoping to get it sorted now rather than later as my bmi is overweight which is worrying. I'm going to stay focused and stick to 1700 calories since I'm aiming to lose 1lb per week, but I'll increase the fats abit. Yes PCOS is all about hormone regulation! Thank you for the help!

ahoy_m8

xxzenabxx wrote: »

ahoy_m8 wrote: »

OP, how long have you been averaging 1700? What was your weight change over that time period?

It’s only been a week this time but it’s not my first time. I always struggle with my hunger during a deficit which makes me eat more and then I find it hard to lose weight. I’ve lost a total of 10 lbs since January so it’s pretty slow but I have also been in maintenance some of the time.

Well, if it's only been a week at 1700, you might want to give the experiment more time, so to speak, and just stick with what you are doing another week to see if your body adjusts. If you discover you are losing at a fast pace, your deficit at 1700 may be too big, and that can definitely lead to hunger. The solution in that case would be to eat more for a smaller deficit. I also agree with all the comments regarding tinkering with macros, but all the tinkering in the world won't help if your deficit is simply too large to be sustainable for you.

As a point of comparison, I aim to lose 0.5 lb per week with a 250 cal daily deficit. You are losing faster than that. Also, I very often feel like I **want** more to eat (or drink), but that is apart from stomach growling hunger. This is more of a mental thing for me. I just want it. Because I really enjoy eating (and drinking). I've made the decision to maintain a weight that requires eating somewhat less than I would like, and I'm ok with the trade off. I get stomach growling hunger, too, but usually it's shortly before a meal or before I go to sleep. The bigger challenge for me is the mental one.

Changing habits and eating patterns does take time to adjust. It sounds like you are having good success so far!

elisa123gal

Try different things and figure it out. Track what you're eating and when you feel hungry. i find certain foods leave me ravenous.. journal your food, and see if there is a common theme.

make sure you're eating protien throughout the day.

Try eating every 2.5 to 3 hours and eat protien and vegetables and or fruits in each meal..every time you turn around you'll be eating..

rheddmobile

As was mentioned, PCOS and obesity tend to go hand in hand with insulin resistance, which causes cravings. If you are slightly insulin resistant, you could still have normal blood work, particularly if all your doctor does is a finger stick for fasting levels. Try eating lower carb - you don't have to go full keto unless you think that would be an easy way for you to eat - and focus on getting enough protein and fat, while avoiding quick digesting carbs. See if it helps. A lot of people with PCOS do better on a low carb diet.