what do you do when you're ravenous and baby carrots just wo

potluck965

The title was supposed to read "and baby carrots just won't do it" but the last few words got cut off!!!

I've been pretty damn strict with myself for close to six months now. Almost no binges, since Sept when I joined MFP I have not gone over my calories, or if I did, very little. I have lived with hunger pains and it has been very successful. I am below what I thought was my goal weight originally, but have since lowered that. But basically, I am pretty much where I am going to be. I will be trying to change the distribution a little by adding more muscle, but I am over 60 so I won't expect too much change.

However, it is cold here in the Northeast. Outside and inside. I can't afford to keep my house very warm, it is a leaky old farmhouse. So, I am used to being cold. I also work and exercise outside. It was so cold this week that my car doors and locks froze shut one day!

Anyway, the last few days I have felt absolutely ravenous. It has been very difficult not to just eat and then eat more. I think my body is trying to layer on a little protective fat to keep me warmer. I certainly am colder this year than in years before.

So, what to do? The regular weight loss foods just aren't doing it. I have been increasing my protein because that is what I seem to crave. I have been trying to listen to my body without allowing my cravings to control me. I pour as much vegetables in as I can stand, but they don't really still the screaming in my system.

Anyone else in the colder climes have this problem? Any thoughts?

sara_m83

If youre spending a lot of time outdoors, you're probably burning more calories than MFP is telling you as your body tries to keep warm. If that's the case, give yourself a little bit extra each day to work with. If it was me and I was feeling hungry constantly, I'd go for a brisk 30min walk and then add a baked potato to my dinner. I find carbs most filling.

potluck965

If youre spending a lot of time outdoors, you're probably burning more calories than MFP is telling you as your body tries to keep warm. If that's the case, give yourself a little bit extra each day to work with. If it was me and I was feeling hungry constantly, I'd go for a brisk 30min walk and then add a baked potato to my dinner. I find carbs most filling.

A brisk 30 minute walk is pretty much part of my daily routine and let me tell ya, when the temps are in the teens or twenties and the wind is blowing, it is very brisk!!! LOL

I did add some toast to my dinner. It just felt right.

srsimon

I had never really thought to blame my unquenchable desire for food on the cold. I live in Michigan's upper peninsula for most of the winter (I go to school there) and it's always quite cold. My housemates and I always seem to run into the "can't stop eating" problem in the winter too.

I have very limited food space (I share a house with 15 girls) so I try and limit my food choices. I try to keep healthier snack foods ( I LOVE the weight watchers desserts) such as baked chips, carrots, apples, and yogurt so that when I ravage my food I either grab something healthy, or I don't grab anything at all.

bethvandenberg

I'm guessing that your body is burning more trying to keep warm. I'm guessing that you should try to increase your calories a small amount to help along with that.

thefatqueen

Sweet potaoes are perfect for me. I bake a couple up, then I usually have 1/2 for breakfast. Then if I need a snack of something that will give me a boost I just peel and eat 1/2 cold. NO butter, or you end you with too many calories.

I will admit there are days when I feel like I am starving, then other days like today, where despite eating things I shouldn't, I have calories left over.

Maybe it is time to buy a cheap treadmill, elliptical or exercise bike for the indoors. I spent a total of $185 for all three of mine. I figure when I wear them out I will have more than got my money worth.

AnnaLiese

lkm111

I would add more protein and maybe increase fiber. I also agree about the sweet potatoes.

I find that different kinds of soups keep me full, I can eat more of it and I lost some weight last winter eating soup. An underappreciated recipe (I think) is Humphrey Soup. Beef and vegetables with a good tomato and beef broth. Hmm... I may have to whip some up next week!