Why am I so freakin hungry?

LauraFouhse

I have been eating roughly the same diet for the past 7 months. I consume between 1300-1600 calories and burn roughly 500 per day (combination of weights and HIIT). Up until this last week it's been working for me. I've lost 20 pounds in the 7 months and have lost about 8% body fat.

Generally I eat something every 2-3 hours (mostly protein and veggies with a little bit of healthy carbs). I have for months felt satisfied with this.

This week I am hungry all the time. I eat and 1/2 later I'm so hungry again. I"m drinking lots of water and green tea between meals and snacks but it isn't helping. I still have 4 pounds that I'd like to do so I'm nervous about eating more calories but wondering if that's what I need to do. Is my body hungry cuz it actually needs more food or is it just playing games with me? If I need to eat more, do I also let go of my desire to lose a few more pounds. (I'm 5'6" and weighing 144 - want to be 140).

My diary is open if you'd like to take a look.

Suggestions welcome.

MinnieInMaine

It could be that you need to eat a bit more. What's your weekly weight loss goal set at? With only 4 pounds left to lose, it would be best to have that set at 1/2 a pound per week. You could even try switching to maintenance for a month or so and see what happens.

Sometimes it comes down to quality over quantity. I know when I eat more carby foods, especially when processed, that I just don't stay satified as long. Generally foods higher in protein and healthy fats will keep you full longer. High fiber foods can also help.

To your question about continued weight loss... I will say taht sometimes that number on the scale isn't so important as how you feel about hw your body looks. You could be 150 pounds and look fabulous because you're more fit and have low body fat or you could be 150 pounds and be flabby. Here's a link shared around here a lot that puts it into perspective:

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

And a guide to help you customize goals in case that helps:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants


ETA: Another thought - consider where you at in your monthly cycle and pay attention to how this affects your appetite. Mine kind of flip flops but usually either ovulation week or right before TOM is when I'm ravenous.

jilliangetsit

Could be a sign that mother nature is preparing to drop in and pay you a visit in the near future. I minded my eating two weeks ago but I was like...going crazy. Not really, truely, and honestly hungry feeling - so much as I was just thinking about food and my mouth was watering. I hadn't had a day like that before hand so I was clueless as to why all of a sudden I felt like I needed to eat everything...then the next day, it all made sense lol

LauraFouhse

Could be a sign that mother nature is preparing to drop in and pay you a visit in the near future. I minded my eating two weeks ago but I was like...going crazy. Not really, truely, and honestly hungry feeling - so much as I was just thinking about food and my mouth was watering. I hadn't had a day like that before hand so I was clueless as to why all of a sudden I felt like I needed to eat everything...then the next day, it all made sense lol

possible but isn't quite the right time for 'mother nature'

editorgrrl

What's your weekly weight loss goal set at? With only 4 pounds left to lose, it would be best to have that set at 1/2 a pound per week.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

^This.

The closer you get to goal, the more slowly you lose. That's how the human body works. Set your goal to .5 lb. per week, and be patient. (The smaller deficit will also help you transition to maintenance.)

Edited to add that I'm less hungry when I use the MFP protein & fiber goals as minimums and ignore fat & carbs.