Hunger Pains

chaniluv

It's only day 2 for me on MFP and I'm already struggling. I've had hunger pains for the past three hours. I ate a banana about two hours ago hoping they'd go away, but my stomach only stopped hurting for 15 minutes. Breakfast is in a half hour and I can't find anything healthy to eat. I don't like eggs without cheese. Sausage links and bacon are clearly bad choices if I intend on having lunch. I've came across a couple decent recipes but don't have the ingredients necessary to make them. I have yogurt and a banana but I don't find those to be filling.

Maybe I should just eat something small to take the edge off the hunger pains, take my walk, and nap until lunch if I can? I don't know. I'm tempted to just make eggs with cheese and sausage and pig out.

I don't usually even bother eating breakfast because I'm never hungry in the mornings. Is this happening because I'm exercising more?

crispsandwich

walk to the shop and buy something healthy? porridge to go with your banana or make a smoothie with the banana & yogurt

chaniluv

The nearest grocery store is six miles away. Even if I had faith in being able to walk that far, I certainly wouldn't be able to get there and back in time for breakfast and getting my little one around for school.

Sukebind15

It's really hard when you are peckish and then all you can think about is food. Are you able to have the banana and/or yoghurt now and then take a walk to find some healthier ingredients for your recipes? Eating healthily can be expensive, I know. I think whether or not you find it easy to afford food then you need to plan ahead and just get a bit more organised about food than you might have previously been. Otherwise it's so easy to keep ending up in the state where you are eating food that's not helping you just because it's quick and easy or it's all that's available. Good luck!

FromGastricToFantastic

Personally I think you need to look into the Paleo lifestyle. That is what I have used to lose the almost 170lbs of total weight I have lost. The problem is you are not consuming food with enough fat to keep you full. Hunger is a horrible feeling that is for certain. Nuts, jerky, meats, cheeses, veggies and fruit are all on my meal plan. I would look into it if I were you.....honestly, it is amazing! You got this girl.....you really do!

JTPug1980

If you can drink a fiber supplement. It really makes you feel full and it tastes pretty good if you can deal with the grit. I drink 8-10oz and a banana for breakfast everyday and no hunger at all for a few hours.

_Zardoz_

My guess is you're restricting yourself too much. 1200 calories by any chance? Most people can eat far more and still lose weight. Don't get hung up on 'Healthy' foods. Food is just food it all has it's place go for balance rather than restriction. Around 80% of my diet is what people would consider healthy but I do eat many other things. A balanced diet as I said is where you want to be heading because once you've lost the weight you want to be eating in a way you can for the rest of your life. That way you'll keep the weight off. Good luck and this link may help

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1175494-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants?hl=guide+to+sexypants&page=1#posts-18361594

Samstan101

How many calories a day have you set? You could have eggs with a small amount of cheese (weigh & measure things) and still have a healthy lunch & evening meal. Read the 'Guide to sexy-pants' thread that's stickied at the top of the forum

Edit: Beaten to it!

timberowl

Hoodia helps me through the worst hunger pains. It's stimulant free and comes in many forms, including gum, patches, lollipops, candies, and capsules. @_@

20yearsyounger

It's only day 2 for me on MFP and I'm already struggling. I've had hunger pains for the past three hours. I ate a banana about two hours ago hoping they'd go away, but my stomach only stopped hurting for 15 minutes. Breakfast is in a half hour and I can't find anything healthy to eat. I don't like eggs without cheese. Sausage links and bacon are clearly bad choices if I intend on having lunch. I've came across a couple decent recipes but don't have the ingredients necessary to make them. I have yogurt and a banana but I don't find those to be filling.

Maybe I should just eat something small to take the edge off the hunger pains, take my walk, and nap until lunch if I can? I don't know. I'm tempted to just make eggs with cheese and sausage and pig out.

I don't usually even bother eating breakfast because I'm never hungry in the mornings. Is this happening because I'm exercising more?

I don't understand why you can't eat cheese and bacon. Just find better choices. For instance turkey bacon. You can find a way to make it fit. Eat in moderation.

I find that I am not as hungry for breakfast either. However, I still try to eat at least 20% of my calorie max or I will feel hungry sooner.

thinkpositive92

walk to the shop and buy something healthy? porridge to go with your banana or make a smoothie with the banana & yogurt

^ Make a smoothie! It will fill you up for a few hours at least if you add some nuts and seeds with the dairy and fruit!

Alatariel75

I have to say, when making a change like this, preparation is key. You're only on day 2 and finding your way. Do some planning so you have the things you need at hand and aren't scrabbling to find something when you're already starving. I know that doesn't help right now, but planning and having what you need on hand will be your best friend.

kellehbeans

I have to say, when making a change like this, preparation is key. You're only on day 2 and finding your way. Do some planning so you have the things you need at hand and aren't scrabbling to find something when you're already starving. I know that doesn't help right now, but planning and having what you need on hand will be your best friend.

This ^.

Plan, go shopping, fill those cupboards. Learn what fills you up.

emdeesea

Let me guess, you're eating only 1,200 calories, right?

jlp19771

Eating things with lots of fiber and protein have helped curb my appetite. I very rarely get hungry between meals. Try that and hope it helps! Good Luck. It will get easier.

chaniluv

@rms22582: The paleo diet looks interesting, for sure. I don't know how well I'd do at avoiding dairy, but I'm willing to try it.

@JTPug1980: I think I have some Benefiber from when I had my gall bladder removed. Is that the same thing? If not I'll have to look into buying some the next time I get into town. Thanks.

@_Zardoz_: Yes, I'm at 1200 calories. I don't think I'm going to fit into the category of people that can get away with eating more. I have read that guide and the other associated with it, but thank you for linking it!

@timberowl: I don't have any Hoodia.

@20yearsyounger: A cup of shredded cheddar cheese is apparently 300 calories. That's an entire meal. I haven't ever tried turkey bacon, but I suppose I could give it a shot.

@thread: Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! Since I don't really have a lot of healthy choices on hand, I guess I'm gonna have to be a pig at breakfast and skip lunch and snacks.

dormalong

I find that a small serving of oatmeal fills me up in the morning. But I frequently eat one scrambled egg with peppers and onions instead. I add a few walnuts and a half cup of blueberries and either skim or almond milk to the oatmeal. Small frequent meals. About 6 a day. For me the key was always having healthy snacks prepared and easy to reach likely cut fruit and vegetables. That is how I have lost 138 lbs in a year and a half. Now I have kept it off for 6 months. Of course I exercise daily too.

vkdarling

You just have to plan ahead better. I eat 1200 calories a day and have for 5 months (eatting back some of my exercise calories some times) and I am not hungry all day. I have just learned what foods fill me up, when to eat them, and I plan plan plan.. Its hard to get started but it will get easier!

chaniluv

Eesh. Five links is apparently 1300 calories. I suppose I should've checked before I ate. I knew it'd be bad, but clearing my entire calorie quota for the day? Whoops. Guess I'll be skipping more than lunch today.

I'll go grocery shopping after my next check and try planning out some meals. Thanks for all the help, guys.

MinnieInMaine

I hope this doesn't come of as insulting but do you really need a whole cup of cheese with your eggs? That seems excessive and definitely on the all or nothing kind of mindset. There's nothing wrong with having sausage or bacon either, just have less than you used to. A couple eggs, a 1/4 cup of cheese and a few slices of bacon should run you around 400 calories. Even frying al of it up in a whole Tbsp of butter will only add 100 more calories. That's not a ridiculous amount for breakfast (IMHO) especially if you're exercising now.

For leaner choices, you can go with turkey bacon or sausage or even lean deli ham or canadian bacon. Get medium eggs instead of large to save a few calories if you want. I'd also suggest you start planning your meals for the week as much as you can. It's not always easy but you'll find you won't be stuck with these kinds of dilemmas, being hungry and not sure of what to eat.

MinnieInMaine

Eesh. Five links is apparently 1300 calories. I suppose I should've checked before I ate. I knew it'd be bad, but clearing my entire calorie quota for the day? Whoops. Guess I'll be skipping more than lunch today.

I'll go grocery shopping after my next check and try planning out some meals. Thanks for all the help, guys.

Are you sure that's right? Breakfast sausage isn't usualy that high in calories... FYI, not all MFP listings are correct. Check your food package nutrition label or google for brand specific info.

20yearsyounger

I hope this doesn't come of as insulting but do you really need a whole cup of cheese with your eggs? That seems excessive and definitely on the all or nothing kind of mindset. There's nothing wrong with having sausage or bacon either, just have less than you used to. A couple eggs, a 1/4 cup of cheese and a few slices of bacon should run you around 400 calories. Even frying al of it up in a whole Tbsp of butter will only add 100 more calories. That's not a ridiculous amount for breakfast (IMHO) especially if you're exercising now.

For leaner choices, you can go with turkey bacon or sausage or even lean deli ham or canadian bacon. Get medium eggs instead of large to save a few calories if you want. I'd also suggest you start planning your meals for the week as much as you can. It's not always easy but you'll find you won't be stuck with these kinds of dilemmas, being hungry and not sure of what to eat.

+1

emdeesea

I'm going to leave a link to an online calculator I've been using. It's working like a charm.

http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

I leave this because honestly, 1,200 calories a day is probably too low. I would starve if that's all I could eat.

eganita

Losing weight doesn't have to involve starving yourself and cutting out foods you enjoy (I have ice cream just about every day for example. I also would never consider cutting out cheese).

Instead of using the MFP calorie system, I use this system: http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

I calculated 1900 calories for myself per day, which is enough to keep me feeling satisfied and full (and I lose weight on that amount). I find that I can fit in just about anything I want to eat into those calories (even stuff like ice cream which I already mentioned and steak). It's all about moderation. I tend to eat a lot of "healthy" foods such as lean meats, vegetables, and fruit.. and then I eat the other more "sinful" foods more sparingly (but I still have them and enjoy them!).

Perhaps your plan right now is too aggressive. I am happy with a 0.5-1 lb loss per week. I think it's important to stick to a plan that you think you can sustain for the rest of your life. The weight loss may be slower, but if you stick with it, that's what matters!

ETA: I focus on eating enough protein, fats (Coming from eggs, olive oil, etc), and fiber. That helps keep me nice and full.

SpikeTailTurtle

What does your daily calories look like? I personally eat an egg on toast for breakfast topped with a bit of cheese. I can do that for 250 calories.

Also if you love some sausage like I do look into the lean turkey sausage. It is actually surprisingly good and healthier than tasty tasty pig. I haven't tried turkey bacon yet but the sausage patties were good.

Also check into special K 100 calorie snack packs.

When I first started and my stomach made a fuss I would drink a large glass of water. It helped me make sure I was getting my 8 a day and it stopped the growling. Are you logging your exercise? You might have more calories than you think you do.

fooninie

There is always an adjustment period (varies between people). Mine was 3 days of complete crapiness...then on the fourth day I found I had energy and my mood had stabilized (so had my sugar levels). I find that adding a tbsp. of chia seed to my morning oatmeal or yogurt really helps in the hunger department (chock-full of fiber those wee seeds).

I know it's tough, but you will see, it will be worth it!!

chaniluv

I tore up the package so I wasn't able to check the calories there, but checking them on the company's website shows that it was only 360 calories. I can't tell you how glad I am that's the case. Thanks for all the calorie calculator links and for the suggestion to double-check! Today would've been really rough otherwise...

I'm going to try sticking to 1200 calories as best as I can. If it's not enough for me, I'll know in a week. I just need time to get used to counting calories and planning meals.

motivatedmartha

You just have to plan ahead better. I eat 1200 calories a day and have for 5 months (eatting back some of my exercise calories some times) and I am not hungry all day. I have just learned what foods fill me up, when to eat them, and I plan plan plan.. Its hard to get started but it will get easier!

^^^^ - this, except I eat at least half of my exercise calories back - more if I trust the figures mfp gives me.

When I started I had to really plan out my menus and pre-log it - usually the night before, so that I knew how much room I had for any extras. Stopped me eating something and then thinking - duh, now I cannot eat dinner!!

Because you are adjusting to eating less you may feel peckish at the beginning. When this happened to me I quickly learned that it wasn't real hunger (unless I was really undereating that day) and would be eased by drinking water - I take mine with a slice of lemon. No-one starved on 1200 cals a day - but if you want this to be sustainable lifestyle to which you are committed long term then accept that there are no quick fixes and eat the calories you need whilst keeping at a reasonable defecit. While treats are a good thing to keep you happy and smiling eating filling, more nutrient dense foods staves off hunger longer than chocolate or a bag of crisps I find!

lillyrose2020

I don't understand how or why you would start a new healthy lifestyle/diet/ couting calories without actually stocking up on food first? You've just majorly set yourself up to fail? This is what you have done this morning: I'm going on a mission to lose weight, 2 days in.. oh no wait I only have sausages.. I'll just eat those witthout checking the calories.. oh no wait I've eaten all my calories for the day.. Seriously, you just sabotaged yourself!

Everyone has given you really sound advice. You don't have to cut out all of the tasty foods you like, just fit them into your calories. Having 5 sausages was always going to come back to haunt you, next time have half that amount. Or as others have suggested try leaner meats such as turkey, or even brands like Weight Watchers do reduced fat versions.

Edited, as just seen OP's latest post just to say, well that is a relief. Next time check before eating!

NatalieLJ

I found day 2 the hardest with hunger, headaches, bloating, tiredness, etc, I think day 1 you get through on the food from the day before, novelty, determination, etc, and day 2 the hunger kicks in! You're making big adjustments, and it's natural for your body to react to that. It's also a huge learning curve, and on day 2 you haven't yet learned how to keep those hunger pangs at bay in a way that won't send you catapulting over your daily calorie allowance limit. The good news is things quickly get better, your body adjusts, you learn and adjust and things become easier. You've had some great advice here, so let that help you and just take each day at a time, you'll soon be looking back feeling so much better and wondering what all the fuss was about. Best of luck

chaniluv

@lilyrose2020: Before I decided to start counting calories, I only ate once a day. The only breakfast foods I stock are the ones I fix for my child. I wasn't expecting to feel hungry this morning, but it seems quitting soda and exercising has had something to do with that. Thanks, though.

@NatalieLJ: Thank you!