Do hunger pains go away?

I have trouble feeling full. I give myself time for it to register that I have eaten, but unless I overeat I don't feel full. I am trying to choose foods with protein. Yesterday I binged, I just couldn't feel full. Is it something you get used to or that goes away? Does anyone even know what I am talking about?
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Replies

  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    I'm not sure if I do understand.

    It takes 20-30 minutes for most people's bodies to register that they don't have to eat more. Some people are on either side of that 20 minutes.

    If you've eaten a full and well-balanced meal, wait half an hour ad see if you don't feel better.

    If you're eating a healthy amount of food and maintain a well-balanced diet and are hungry all the time, call the doctor.

    Does that help?

    ???
  • TheVirgoddess
    TheVirgoddess Posts: 4,535 Member
    I have trouble feeling full. I give myself time for it to register that I have eaten, but unless I overeat I don't feel full. I am trying to choose foods with protein. Yesterday I binged, I just couldn't feel full. Is it something you get used to or that goes away? Does anyone even know what I am talking about?

    Water. Often times people mistake the feeling of thirst for hunger. My kids do this all the time. "I'm starrrvvvingggggg" and I make them drink a glass of water and wait 30 minutes before asking for food again. They never ask again. Make sure you're drinking enough.

    Eat slow.

    Also? Make sure you're not being too restrictive with your diet. Lots of people jump into this all "Salad for dayssssss" and that's no good.

    How many calories has MFP given you? And how much are you actually eating?
  • myrtille87
    myrtille87 Posts: 122 Member
    You do get used to eating less and will feel less hungry, definitely.

    A couple of months ago, a normal day for me would be around 2,500 calories (often more). So cutting to 1,500 was painful. Instead, I would eat 1,800-2,000 and do loads of exercise every day to balance things out. Even then, my 70g portion of pasta would make me sad and hungry because I was used to 100g with a side of garlic bread. That was in the summer holidays, but once I started back at work I couldn't keep up the exercise routine.

    I'm now pretty happy eating 1,500 most days of the week and 1,800+ on a couple of other days when I exercise. The 1,800+ days feel like a treat whereas a couple of months ago that would have been a low calorie day and I would have been hungry. Right now I'm feeling reasonably full, but I have a small slice of cheesecake waiting for me, which I have earned by cycling for over an hour today.
  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,724 Member
    For me sometimes I'm a bottomless pit and just want to keep eating. Other times i seem to be able to get a meal that hits the spot just right. I always like it when I have a specific craving, where I want just that one thing and not really anything else. Typically when I eat that one item I'm good to go. Needing more and more food can also be an indication to me that I'm getting bored with my diet, so I try to give new recipes a shot, track down recipes for items that I enjoyed way back when (and work to tweak the recipe and calorie count low, etc)
  • I agree with the poster who mentioned WATER. It's crazy how often people mistake thirst for hunger.

    I also agree with the WELL-BALANCED meals and allowing your body AND brain to both register that you've eaten and are full.

    Don't serve yourself "seconds" of the EXACT same portion you just finished, instead, serve only 1/4 to 1/3 of that amount.

    Eat slowly. Eat WITHOUT distractions; no reading, watching TV, playing on your smartphone or tablet, get away from your work desk.

    Eat foods that naturally expand in your stomach. There are so many healthy delicious snacks and meals made with Chia Seeds.
  • ahoy_m8
    ahoy_m8 Posts: 3,053 Member
    Is this something you noticed only after modifying your eating pattern? Or was the inability to feel full something you noticed before you decided to lose weight?

    If it has only been since changing your eating pattern, and if you are eating a smaller volume, I would guess the hunger will abate as your stomach shrinks. Try high-fiber/low-caloric-density foods (e.g. vegetables) and hang in there. If this is something that has been with you for a while, try googling "leptin resistance." Leptin is the hormone that tells your brain you're full. People with more fat have higher leptin levels in their blood, so they should always feel more full--right? Unless there is a problem with their leptin receptors (not sensitive enough). I think there are steps to increase leptin sensitivity. Lowering sugar levels (eating low glycemic) lowers insulin which helps. Triglycerides can block leptin transport from blood to brain, so lowering triglycerides helps, too. Maybe another poster has more details or a good reference.
  • 3Alice3
    3Alice3 Posts: 36 Member
    I know exactly what you mean! Unfortunately for me I know it is just greed, I get panicked when I feel like I'm hungry and have to wait hours before my next meal (especially if I'm not doing much in between). I agree with the other posters here, when I have a couple of glasses of water I feel full (even uncomfortably so sometimes which indicates my meal was definitely large enough), and waiting half an hour tends to do the trick aswell. Keeping busy keeps my mind off of it aswell!
  • lorib642
    lorib642 Posts: 1,942 Member
    You do get used to eating less and will feel less hungry, definitely.

    A couple of months ago, a normal day for me would be around 2,500 calories (often more). So cutting to 1,500 was painful. Instead, I would eat 1,800-2,000 and do loads of exercise every day to balance things out. Even then, my 70g portion of pasta would make me sad and hungry because I was used to 100g with a side of garlic bread. That was in the summer holidays, but once I started back at work I couldn't keep up the exercise routine.

    I'm now pretty happy eating 1,500 most days of the week and 1,800+ on a couple of other days when I exercise. The 1,800+ days feel like a treat whereas a couple of months ago that would have been a low calorie day and I would have been hungry. Right now I'm feeling reasonably full, but I have a small slice of cheesecake waiting for me, which I have earned by cycling for over an hour today.

    Thank you. That gives me hope. I have started exercising, but not daily.

    Water, I do drink but I still feel thirsty. Maybe I need to drink more.

    MFP first gave me 1200 calories and I decreased the number of lbs to lose to 1 lb/week. I have a target of 1350 calories and 60-80g protein. I am coming close to that. I have lost 9 lbs this month but I lost 5 right away . I am not weighing and measuring ,but I will soon.

    It isn't anything serious enough for a dr except she suggested 1200 calories and I am going to tell her I can't do that.

    It isn't really a particular craving, just something filling.
  • lorib642
    lorib642 Posts: 1,942 Member
    Is this something you noticed only after modifying your eating pattern? Or was the inability to feel full something you noticed before you decided to lose weight?

    If it has only been since changing your eating pattern, and if you are eating a smaller volume, I would guess the hunger will abate as your stomach shrinks. Try high-fiber/low-caloric-density foods (e.g. vegetables) and hang in there. If this is something that has been with you for a while, try googling "leptin resistance." Leptin is the hormone that tells your brain you're full. People with more fat have higher leptin levels in their blood, so they should always feel more full--right? Unless there is a problem with their leptin receptors (not sensitive enough). I think there are steps to increase leptin sensitivity. Lowering sugar levels (eating low glycemic) lowers insulin which helps. Triglycerides can block leptin transport from blood to brain, so lowering triglycerides helps, too. Maybe another poster has more details or a good reference.

    I am not sure how to answer. I have noticed in the past that I need more food than I think I should to feel satisfied. I wasn't watching calories, but I may have been trying to eat less.

    Can my stomach really shrink? That is what it feels like. That my stomach has to expand for me to feel full.

    I have had trouble sticking with diets in the past because I get too hungry. I will look up leptin resistance. Thank you
  • lorib642
    lorib642 Posts: 1,942 Member
    With smaller meals, the effective volume of the stomach tends to shrink. This is very important in the perception of hunger and satiety.

    Thank you
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    Protein fats and fiber help with hunger. If you open your diary we could provide constructive feedback on where to make improvements.
  • happyfeetrebel1
    happyfeetrebel1 Posts: 1,005 Member
    Also, in people who are overweight, even some who aren't...that feeling of 'full' is actually very overfull, but it's what people are used to feeling.

    Some people claim that feeling 'full' is just being satiated, not an actual 'full' or 'pushing' feeling

    I know I've eaten til it almost hurts, that's what I used to consider full, now I just consider when I'm not longer hungry being full. It's made a huge difference

    I hope I explained that, it's sort of hard to use the correct words for a feeling :)
  • If you've only noticed this right when you've started reducing your calories, then follow the advice in the comments above.

    However, if you're finding it's a consistent issue or hunger pangs that are constant, even right after (30 min to o and hour or so) you've eaten a decent meal, you might want to see a doctor/GI specialist. I have gastritis that feels like hunger pains. It's rather annoying as it's hard to tell when I'm hungry or full. An ulcer can produce pain that feels like hunger pains, and sometimes eating makes it go away but only for a really short period of time. Keep this in mind, but make sure you're eating enough first before you chalk it up to a stomach problem.
  • brightsideofpink
    brightsideofpink Posts: 1,018 Member
    I've noticed that the times I feel so hungry that I feel I want to eat and eat and eat and not stop are the times when I go too long between meals. When that happens and I start to have a snack or a meal, it just never feels satisfying. Everybody is different in how they feel hunger, so I suggest starting a little private diary and record the times when it hits bad so you know how best to prevent it next time.

    I also agree with waiting. When the hunger pains come on, and if you're not yet due a meal or are near your calories, have something small. A 100 pack of almonds and a half cup of applesauce, with a full glass of water does the trick for me. I don't feel the quenching right away- it does take about 15 minutes- but after that, it does the trick.
  • Squidgeypaws007
    Squidgeypaws007 Posts: 1,012 Member
    I have trouble feeling full. I give myself time for it to register that I have eaten, but unless I overeat I don't feel full. I am trying to choose foods with protein. Yesterday I binged, I just couldn't feel full. Is it something you get used to or that goes away? Does anyone even know what I am talking about?

    I know it's been said but drink more. Satiety signals are the same for hunger and thirst so it's easy to mistake one for the other. If you still feel thirsty though you definitely need more.

    Also as the above poster said, you're used to feeling overfull - give yourself some time to adjust and be kind to yourself :) losing weight is a progression with experience!

    Best of luck!
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    How much fat are you getting? Open your diary?
  • Squidgeypaws007
    Squidgeypaws007 Posts: 1,012 Member
    Leptin is the hormone that tells your brain you're full. People with more fat have higher leptin levels in their blood, so they should always feel more full--right? Unless there is a problem with their leptin receptors (not sensitive enough). .

    Just to expand on your point - you're not getting a reliable answer to your question because you've left out other key hormones, like grehlin for example and the various satiety mechanisms present in the brain, all of which are VERY complex. Leptin alone doesn't account for our eating behaviours, or fully our satiety feedback mechanisms.
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  • austinsneeze
    austinsneeze Posts: 220 Member
    Eating more protein helps my hunger go. Add some greek yogurt to your diet, it really made a difference for me!
  • 47Jacqueline
    47Jacqueline Posts: 6,993 Member
    eat slower. and make sure you're getting enough protein. open your diary if you really want help.
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    First, you definitely want to weigh and measure. Losing 9 pounds in a month is excellent! I would be drinking a LOT of water to help with hunger. If you are drinking enough you shouldn't feel thirsty still, unless you're having an underlying medical condition. Have you sought the advice of your doctor prior to starting your journey?
  • lorib642
    lorib642 Posts: 1,942 Member
    Also, in people who are overweight, even some who aren't...that feeling of 'full' is actually very overfull, but it's what people are used to feeling.

    Some people claim that feeling 'full' is just being satiated, not an actual 'full' or 'pushing' feeling

    I know I've eaten til it almost hurts, that's what I used to consider full, now I just consider when I'm not longer hungry being full. It's made a huge difference

    I hope I explained that, it's sort of hard to use the correct words for a feeling :)

    Yes, you explained that well and I do sometimes have to eat almost to the point where I am over full to not get that signal to eat more.

    I did consult with my doctor but she said 1200 calories and I couldn't stick to that, it was too low.

    I will try drinking more water and waiting longer. I can open my diary. I am going to start weighing but I haven't yet so I don't know how accurate it is. I am embarrassed of what I eat. Yesterday I lost track so it is incomplete. I put that in the notes.

    One week my doctor put me on a VLCD so you will see that.

    I ate a lot the day before yesterday. Calorie dense foods

    I am starting out doing one thing at a time
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    I would swap out sugar for fiber in your diary, and then try to hit your fiber goal. It's hard to tell but I don't think you're getting enough-- that's something I struggle with as well. And make sure you're getting enough fat-- some days are fine but others are really low.

    I've never had any luck drinking water for hunger. I always just end up still hungry but also sloshy. I did find that a hot cup of tea helped, back in the very beginning when my goal was lower.

    Experiment with different macro pairings. If I eat a meal that's just protein and veggies I'll be hungry again in no time. But if I do protein and fat or carbs and fat I get full and stay that way. If a couple of weeks pass and you're still having this issue, consider a higher calorie goal. What I have done in the past that worked for me was to start with something that's just barely a cut and then gradually walk my goal down. Other people tell me they hate doing it that way, so quite a bit of this is trial and error.
  • LiminalAscendance
    LiminalAscendance Posts: 489 Member
    With smaller meals, the effective volume of the stomach tends to shrink. This is very important in the perception of hunger and satiety.

    This is false information. Just want to point that out. The size of the stomach stays the same whether you are 500 lbs or 100 lbs.

    Do you believe that your appetite decreases when you eat less over a sustained period of time?
  • paomiamifl
    paomiamifl Posts: 61 Member
    With smaller meals, the effective volume of the stomach tends to shrink. This is very important in the perception of hunger and satiety.

    This is false information. Just want to point that out. The size of the stomach stays the same whether you are 500 lbs or 100 lbs.

    Do you believe that your appetite decreases when you eat less over a sustained period of time?

    Yes, I do believe appetite decreases and by A LOT! I've been eating on 8" plates for around 1.5 years now and I simply CANNOT eat more than that amount. I get physically sick if I even try.
    As for the stomach shrinking? It's a muscular organ (not necessarily a muscle, but it works thanks to muscles within it), isn't it? So, yes, I do believe it shrinks. There are countless research articles on stomachs expanding to fit in more food, I seriously doubt that it doesn't contract when you begin a sustained period of your life feeding it less. This would cause you to feel RAVENOUS all the time, and as is my particular case, I no longer feel the need to eat as I was eating before. Not only that, I physically cannot.

    http://theandersonmethod.com/category/does-your-stomach-shrink-when-you-diet/
  • ACanadian22
    ACanadian22 Posts: 377 Member
    Personally, I think if you are use to eating 2500 calories a day and you start here, I do not think that you should go straight to say 1200 a day right off. Slowly cut back to your desired amount that you are supposed to eat and exercise helps as well.
    I nibble on raw carrots and drink a lot of water myself.
    Having lost 25 pounds right before I joined here and actually eating less then I am now, I didn't have to do it, but my weight loss stalled and now I am losing now that I am eating more. BUT.....what shocked me was how many calories I was drinking.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    I have trouble feeling full. I give myself time for it to register that I have eaten, but unless I overeat I don't feel full. I am trying to choose foods with protein. Yesterday I binged, I just couldn't feel full. Is it something you get used to or that goes away? Does anyone even know what I am talking about?
    Calorie dense foods are what keep us full, which include things like nuts, avocado, and chicken, fish, etc.

    What is your calorie goal each day?

    It's okay to eat over your calorie goal sometimes, or even chose a day where you consciously plan to eat something you don't normally eat. You can adjust calories throughout the week to compensate for that something you really wanted so you stay within your weekly goals.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    With smaller meals, the effective volume of the stomach tends to shrink. This is very important in the perception of hunger and satiety.

    This is false information. Just want to point that out. The size of the stomach stays the same whether you are 500 lbs or 100 lbs.
    Yep. For me, especially on workout days, eating smaller more frequent meals helps with hunger pangs. Otherwise, it's just all personal preference.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    With smaller meals, the effective volume of the stomach tends to shrink. This is very important in the perception of hunger and satiety.

    This is false information. Just want to point that out. The size of the stomach stays the same whether you are 500 lbs or 100 lbs.

    Do you believe that your appetite decreases when you eat less over a sustained period of time?
    I know this question is not directed to me, but I'll chime in anyway.

    In general, my appetite has decreased over time from learning moderation. However, there are some days when I feel more hungry due to my activity level and I eat more food.

    I know for sure that my stomach does not shrink or get bigger day-by-day, so it is my appetite. :smile:
  • jnv7594
    jnv7594 Posts: 983 Member
    Eating more protein helps my hunger go. Add some greek yogurt to your diet, it really made a difference for me!

    I would second the greek yogurt. Just get a good quality brand that is plain and doesn't have extra sugar (if sugar is a concern to you) and add your own fruit and maybe a little granola. I eat this every morning, and I love it. Plus, I find when I eat it I am less hungry throughout the day. Plus, greek yogurt is very versatile. You can use it in place of sour cream and other things. Lots of things you can make with it, but I usually just eat it with some fruit and granola.