Is it possible to just eat when you're hungry?

Ncasey1027

I'm new to weightlifting (and this group), and I want to make sure I'm feeding myself properly, but I really don't want to count calories. I always feed myself when I'm hungry, but is that enough to make sure I'm getting the calories I need?

heybales

No.

Your hormones can change such, and undereating can force it, so that you don't feel hungry.

Even though your body would like more food.

If you are really good at reading your body in all aspects, then it might work out - but you must have something tangible to compare to.

For instance, starting lifting - no comparison.

You'll progress for awhile - but would it be better and faster if eating correctly?

That may make you somewhat more tired during the day.

But at what point is it not the workout, but because your body isn't getting enough food in general and it's slowing you down to conserve?

Other direction, did you get hungry in 2 hrs after a meal because of a good workout prior day and repairing and you should eat, or was it high carb meal, got low blood sugar, and only felt hungry?

Or did you have a bigger than normal meal, which got you tired afterwards for digestion, or is it because in general not eating enough?

Unless you have something tangible (like performance on the bar or in cardio after having a baseline, not just starting) or can read all the signs really well and know the basics of human physiology to know what could be happening - nope.