Hungry, hungry, hungry

TiltingAtWindmills

Hey all. I'm just over 4 weeks into my diet using MFP, and I have to say that I love it. I had about 15-20 pounds to lose and everything is going well, except for one thing--I'm hungry! I'm pretty sure I input everything correctly when setting my goal. I entered "lightly active" because my job keeps me on my feet much of the day (but just walking about, nothing strenuous), and I wasn't exercising at all when I started. I'm set up to lose 1 lb a week which gives me 1460 cals/day. Sounds good, right? But really, I'm hungry. I find myself working hard to resist snacking because I'm running out of calories. I sneak in bonus exercises just to get to that snack that I feel like I need. Is anyone else hungry a lot? I feel a little silly asking, but is this normal? Does it mean I'm doing something right or something wrong? (Also, if you have any tips for low cal snacks that might help me out, I'd be appreciative.)

antihillmoby

I have about 1500-1600 calories a day, burning about 300 in the gym. I am always hungry too! Think it just goes with the territory. I find carrot sticks and low fat philidelphia nice for a mid morning snack or salt and vinegar rice cakes. Also melba toast is quite low in calories. I have a white coffee sometimes also to take me a little longer before the next snack/meal.

Rosered3333

You'll get used to eating less and your body will become more efficient with the calories it does have. I've gotten back to MFP seriously for about 3 weeks and just NOW am I starting to adjust to the calorie differences. Just make sure that when you snack, you eat filling foods. I've added some light string cheese and veggies and mini pitas with hummus to my snacks and it's REALLY helped.

It does take a little time so just be patient with yourself and good luck!

natachan

Fruit and fiber. These are your friends.

Edit: ok, that was overly simplified. If you are hungry you need to be eating more filling foods, these will help. I found that when I began cutting calories I wasn't FEELING hungry because at the same time I was adjusting the foods I ate. I ate a great deal of fruit and foods that were full of a lot of fiber, and only eating meat once a day at dinner. I've moved away from that in recent months because my schedule has changed, but I remember that eating that way cut back on my calories significantly and kept me from feeling hungry. On days when I do have the time and eat like this I actually have trouble forcing all the necessary calories into my body.