Eating too much and hungry all the time

Happyme2009

Hi, I sort of reached my first goal in spring. I went from 151 to about 127 ( +/- 2lbs) in a matter of 4 months. Ever since I am "maintaining". But I am struggling with gilt. I leave my diary set up at about 1250 calories a day, only to go over by about at least 700 cals every day! That is about 2000 cals NET every day, after I calculate my exercise calories too.... Realistically speaking I eat even more, quite a bit over 2000 cals a day. And I feel so guilty... I kind of gained a few lbs ( not more than 5 lbs), mainly because I don't have time anymore to go to gym as much as I used to. People don't see it because I am tall, but I know.
I cannot help myself and eat sweets too, besides healthy food....
And I don't understand how was I able to eat 1200 cals before, and now I just cannot go below 2000.... what happened to me? Where is my will?
Did this happen to any of you? I know it's cold outside too, and my mood goes with the weather, and I am an emotional eater. I wish there was a button to push and say "stop eating now'. I would hate myself to get fat again.
So my question is.... how to you know you're full and how do you stop snaking and eating???

perrinjoshua

Are you still drinking your water? That makes a big difference in gauging whether we are hungry or just dehydrated. Also, when you were "dieting" at the 1200 calorie limit, were you eating more vegetables and protein choices and are now eating more refined carbs and sugar, both of which will burn off quickly and leave you hungry for more. Now that the weather has gotten colder, try making some new soups to keep you full and comforted at the same time. The fact that you are not exercising as often is another reason why you may be feeling more hunger. Those endorphins caused by exercise really do help us in more than one way. Good luck on getting your appetite and motivation back under control. I have just begun the process of maintenance and know it is a very tricky business indeed. God bless.

husseycd

Well, 2000 sounds about right. That's what I eat and am the same weight. That's probably why you tend to want to eat that.

brenn24179

me too, I have been maintaining since July and also find it hard and go up about 600 or 700 calories over each day. Like you though I try to keep it around 5 lbs. That is great though you have been able to keep it around 5 lbs but I know what you mean, it worries me also. I want to eat too much.

I think we will have to always be cautious and it seems I don't have a full sign so I have to just log my calories. I guess I want to get lazy and not do the work but I know what that means I will gain the weight back. This is my hard time of yr, holidays and winter! The motivation on MFP is wonderful though

Sjenny5891

I hit that rut too. It's so easy to go over when you are used to burning 600+ calories a day in exercise and eating back every exercise calorie.

To top it off, I'm short so I maintain at just above 1200 calories.

I guess I'm just going to have to find the time to exercise if I don't want to end up back where I was a year ago. It's just so hard with 5 kids in school with Basketball practice and whatnot.

nxd10

First, guilt is bad. This is just eating - it's not a moral issue. Do stop doing it, but don't feel guilty. Please.

One of the hard things about exercising is that it makes you hungry. A lot of people eat more after they work out than if they don't. Is that true of you?

Also, do you have triggers? For example, I can eat a bit of ice cream every day or a small square of really good chocolate (and I do) without wanting more. It really satisfies me because it is delicious, high protein, and full fat. But if I eat lousy candy or plain sugar it makes me want to eat more the next day. I am fairly sure it has to do with the fat and protein and the really intense taste that makes it satisfying. But you may have different triggers. Whatever it is, try to avoid them.

Second, it is harder when it gets cold. Sounds silly, but try to stay warm. Wear slippers and sweaters. Take warm showers.

Sleep.

Keep exercising, but maybe chill a bit and see how that goes? Relax.

Log your food and exercise accurately. Whatever you are doing, know what you're doing. Knowledge is power.

P.S. I am also 5'10" and maintain at 1450 calories net. I know some people can eat more. But everyone is different. If I start to lose weight again I'll eat more. But now, can't do it.

bybyadipocytes

I had this happen to me after I reached goal and now here I am 10 lbs to lose. Just try and recognize the times you are over-eating. You know when you are, be more aware. I am trying to be, and its worked...except for it was just halloween and I have 3 kids
So many temptations!

littleburgy

Soups are great during the cold seasons. They are also very effective in keeping a person warm and full for a good amount of time if it's a hearty soup.

lauren3101

Wait, what? You were losing at 1200, so you are trying to maintain at 1250? You do realise that makes no sense, right?

The reason you are 'overeating' is because you need far more than 1250 to maintain. In fact, if you've only gained less than 5lb, then 2000 calories is probably your maintenance level.

It is absolutely normal to gain 5lb or less when you switch to maintenance, because your body is restoring glycogen levels after eating at a deficit.

No-one is going to look at you and think 'she looks 5lb heavier than last week'. Up your calories to 2000 to maintain, eat them and don't feel guilty about it, and stop being scale obsessed.

Cindyinpg

This is an excellent read on the topic:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1071202-why-you-gain-weight-if-you-eat-more-than-your-cut

TavistockToad

Wait, what? You were losing at 1200, so you are trying to maintain at 1250? You do realise that makes no sense, right?

The reason you are 'overeating' is because you need far more than 1250 to maintain. In fact, if you've only gained less than 5lb, then 2000 calories is probably your maintenance level.

It is absolutely normal to gain 5lb or less when you switch to maintenance, because your body is restoring glycogen levels after eating at a deficit.

No-one is going to look at you and think 'she looks 5lb heavier than last week'. Up your calories to 2000 to maintain, eat them and don't feel guilty about it, and stop being scale obsessed.

pretty much this!

nxd10

Soups are great during the cold seasons. They are also very effective in keeping a person warm and full for a good amount of time if it's a hearty soup.

Such good advice! Soup or broth before a meal is so few calories and so much warm fullness. Add a good, hearty salad and you can stay full and then fill the balance of your diet with whatever you choose.

Seesawboomerang

Calculate your TDEE and be a little more realistic about your maintenance calorie needs. You probably need more like 1700-2000 plus exercise calories (I've not done any calculations, but if you want to eat 2000+ chances are that's what you need).

Then make wiser food choices. Cut back on the treats, but don't deprive yourself. Fill yourself up with protein rich foods and find a comfort food that's good for you too (bananas work for me, and soup as others have suggested).

Filling up on water is another great suggestion - as was pointed out dehydration is often mistaken for hunger.

Happyme2009

First of all, thank you for all your replies....
Secondly, I upped my calories... just so I feel less guilty. Not to 2000, because I am afraid then I would go over and eat 2700....Truth is, I don't know anyone maintaining at 2200+ calories.... and I was eating big before too, but I was able to go to gym 5 times a week which isn't happening anymore....
Thirdly, I realize that cold has an enormous influence on mood, energy and appetite.
As for going 5 lbs under my goal, just to see those 5lbs coming back once in maintanance, well, it's something I would like but I see it as very difficult in fall/winter.
As for water, I drink more than anyone else I know... roughly 3-4 litres every day, minimum.
So, I decided to invest in a Body media device. ,,,, It is a lot of money but now I am waiting for it excitedly, as I ordered it yesterday. Hopefully it lives up to my expectations, and hopefully it will clear my head of guilt. I heard that it is very accurate for caloric consumption. I will keep you posted.
thanks again!