Decreasing food intake, controlling hunger......better idea?

TaraFTMVA

My magic calorie number right now seems to be between 1400min-1500max cal per day. If I eat that way everyday I tend to lose even tho mfp recommends about 1550cal a day for me. Somedays though, depending on what I eat, if I get my water in or not, and how much I exercise, I remain hungry after eating those many calories and end up eating something to curb my hunger. Generally I eat extremely healthy meals (except when I allow myself a "fun" day after a good week of loss) and rarely snack except maybe one in the evening. I am wondering if on days when I am not satisfied and have reached my "green zone", if I should just stay hungry and let my stomache "adjust" to less food? Or if I should keep my hunger under control and eat something? Reason being it tends to hit me in the evening before bed and I want to lose more, but not be hungry. TIA

driaxx

I don't know if this is the healthiest thing to do, but I just let myself stay hungry or eat things like lettuce or a carrot until I'm full from foods like that. Reason is because I love waking up on an empty stomach for a nice, tasty breakfast.

I found that by doing this, my stomach has adjusted and now I get full on my calorie intake. Even on my cheat day, I struggled to eat more than my calorie limit.

MissMaryMac33

Can't see your diary, but my guess is that you still have the defalt MFP settings.

Eat more protein (this keeps you full) and lower your carbs -- especially the processed stuff (white bread, white rice, mac & cheese, cake etc)

PS I like to eat at night before bed so I always save calories to do it. I just don't eat carbs -- they don't help me sleep.
I usually have some greek yogurt.

TaraFTMVA

I don't know if this is the healthiest thing to do, but I just let myself stay hungry or eat things like lettuce or a carrot until I'm full from foods like that. Reason is because I love waking up on an empty stomach for a nice, tasty breakfast.

I found that by doing this, my stomach has adjusted and now I get full on my calorie intake. Even on my cheat day, I struggled to eat more than my calorie limit.

Thanx!!! Thats what I want too. To have bad days that wont even be so bad anymore. I may just do that

kristen11joy

I save some of my calories for a snack before bed -- I sleep better if I'm not hungry.

TaraFTMVA

Its harder for me to eat more protein and lower carbs bc I dont make all of my meals. So I eat what we have or what is made. I am trying to be better with carbs, because i know that is a huge factor. I guess I just need to really buckle down on myself and really focus.

kathyhull

I just saw a Dr. Oz show yesterday touting chia (yes, Chia pet Chia) as a nutritious way to fill up faster - it swells to 9 times its size in you stomach making it so you can't eat as much. I'm going to check it out at our neighborhood health food store. But, I go with what MissMaryMac33 says - eat more protein. I changed my settings to 30% calories from protein, 30% from fat and 40% from carbs. And, I get most of my carbs from vegies - huge servings of vegies have fewer calories than other foods and more fiber to help make you fee full longer.

lbshines

Tara-

I have the same problem. Lately I have been saving my last 200 calories for a snack before I brush my teeth-
and it really helps. I also find that if I eat a cup of Motts no sugar added applesauce (50 calories) mixed with 1cup measured from a tub of Danon "light and fit Vanilla Yogurt (110 calories) it gives me a nice full feeling. PLUS its YUMMY YUMMY!!

Next time your at the grocery shop pick up some Motts "healthy harvest- summer strawberry" it mixes nicely with the vanilla yogurt to make an awesome "dessert" or breakfast.


As far as feeling hungry- I actually close my eyes sometimes and really experience hunger. I use my inner strength to actually FIGHT it - or at least tame it modestly. Then I chug a cup of water and if I still feel hungry in 5 minutes- a small snack will hold me over.

Because I have been so used to always quenching hunger by eating - I actually never really felt hungry. Now I let hunger be my guide to when my body needs "fuel"...

It's hard- but our bodies will adjust- and for the better- over time~!

Hope this helps.

cayzweaver

I just came back to mfp after several months off. I still want to lose this last 20 pounds. I'm following a 1200 calorie model with 90g protein, 105g cards and 47g fat. The reason I'm starting so low is that I'm not sure how accurate my calorie counts are. I am measuring and weighing everything, but I just can't imagine that you can eat this much food on such a low number. I'm training for a 5K in November (My First!), using the "Run Your Butt Off" training plan. They suggest eating .5 grams of protein for every pound you weigh. I feel great and hopefully the scale will show some progress by next week. I also agree that fiber is really important in feeling full. I love vegetables!

chantels1

Exercise a bit more so you can eat a bit more, or drink some broth. It fills you up so you feel full and is only 5 cal (depending on brand).

TaraFTMVA

Thanx for all the advice!!!! I appreciate you all taking the time . I am on a limited exercise schedule because I have a 5 month old who is in control of my free time lol. I just need to have more self control and try harder not to eat something just bc everyone else is and my bf is.......Also I like the ideas I have gotten and I will definitely be putting them to use!