hunger keeping me awake :(

shw112

I have recently become really frustrated because, despite the fact that I am eating a substantial (like 500-600 cal) dinner most nights, I am being literally woken in the middle of the night due to hunger. Either this or I will find it impossible to fall asleep in the first place and be lying awake for what feels like hours. This is becoming a massive issue because I am a uni student and I have to get up early for lectures most mornings. I am currently trying to eat around 1400 cals per day to compensate for some serious overindulgence during the summer (I gained back around 7 of the 40 pounds I had lost ), and I can't think of any way I could cut out calories during the day in order to have a snack before bed. I feel like I'm already eating the bare minimum to stop myself being too starving to concentrate on anything during the day. Basically I'm just hungry...like all the time does anyone else have this problem? (sorry I just felt the need to vent)

pinuplove

If you are truly that hungry, add 1-200 calories for an evening snack. What kind of deficit are you running at 1400 cal/day? Are you exercising and if so are you eating any of those calories back?

shw112

pinuplove wrote: »

If you are truly that hungry, add 1-200 calories for an evening snack. What kind of deficit are you running at 1400 cal/day? Are you exercising and if so are you eating any of those calories back?

On a typical day I will usually walk for about an hour and a half/ two hours just getting around. I don't eat those calories back but on the days where I go to the gym (about 3-4 times per week) I usually eat the workout calories back. To be honest I might take your advice and just start adding in a small snack before bed anyway, if it slows down my progress a bit I might just have to accept that

nutmegoreo

shw112 wrote: »

pinuplove wrote: »

If you are truly that hungry, add 1-200 calories for an evening snack. What kind of deficit are you running at 1400 cal/day? Are you exercising and if so are you eating any of those calories back?

On a typical day I will usually walk for about an hour and a half/ two hours just getting around. I don't eat those calories back but on the days where I go to the gym (about 3-4 times per week) I usually eat the workout calories back. To be honest I might take your advice and just start adding in a small snack before bed anyway, if it slows down my progress a bit I might just have to accept that

That lack of sleep can mess with your hormones too, which can impact weight loss. Not to mention the difficulties with concentrating, learning, and studying. Personally, I would have the snack and just let it be what it will be.

tess5036

I do this, especially on days when I had a heavy workout. I take a banana up to bed with me , so I've got something to eat if I wake up hungry

quzy07

Try having a 100 calorie scoop of whey protein (maybe 18-20g) before going to bed. The protein will make you feel satiated, while also revving up your metabolism while you sleep, helping you to burn a little more fat even while in bed. It is something we do as a part of our weight loss regimen, but I also throw in a protein drink at bedtime to build lean muscle (must be > 36g protein), or to just get a few extra calories in. I have chocolate whey so I make a "hot chocolate". (I use undenatured (uncooked) whey with active enzymes so I don't make the drink too hot, just warm enough to be yummy)

Westcoastgirl99

This is an interesting article on how what you eat and when can affect your sleep: https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/how-what-you-eat-affects-how-you-sleep-ncna805256

Cahgetsfit

eat carbs before bed.

now, other than that, if you're waking up hungry then you are likely at a too aggressive deficit. Just add some calories. Better off slow and steady loss than fast loss but being hungry AF and therefore more prone to bingeing.

hroderick

i am not a breakfast person or a hungry sleeper, so... I skip breakfast, eat about 350 call lunch at 11:30, eat about 500 cal dinner, burn 700 cal exercising, then eat 800 cal before bed. It is healthy snacking. My diary is open. It is working for me

CCgal2018

I stopped feeling hungry at night when I made sure to hit my protein macros for the day. I do this by eating protein with every meal plus a double scoop protein shake with my post workout or pre bed snack. I use unsweetened almond milk and add a little cocoa powder and peanut butter to make it taste like a chocolate treat.

divalynnea

Your body will freak out if it thinks its starving and sacrafice sleep to get nutrition. Gaining a few pounds over the summer can't be worth this much stress, and stress can cause your body to retain fluids of seek more calories. If your calorie budget is 1400 a day, you have to be close to your goal weight anyway. Eat something small and satiating before bed and get some rest!

elisa123gal

eat vegetable soup, or any kind of vegetables ...or a half or cup of berries along with hard boiled egg white or two. Very very low in calories but will fill your stomach so you can sleep. I use egg whites all the time as an appetite suppressant. they work!

neugebauer52

If I feel "hungry" late at night I first try to remember if I drank enough during the day and / or if I am thirsty. Sometimes I have a very early dinner - then some cheese or a boiled egg does the trick for me.

shw112

Thanks so much for all the advice guys! I will definitely start just having a small snack before bed (and I might try the protein thing) 😌😌

Mithridites

A small packet of tuna is my go-to. 100 cal 18 gram of protein. All for just $1, which may be important on a student budget. Stops hunger beautifully.

AudreyJDuke

Great ideas!!!!!