Eating every few hours

basscadet808

What can I change about what seems to be a healthy habit in order to lose weight? I am back to work after my maternity leave. When I was home, I was able to eat around 4 times a day and stay full. I lost 8 pounds in that time frame. Eating sensibly within my calorie goal and working out 6 times a week. Now that I am back to work and work a desk job, I seem to be hungry every 2 hours even though I am not active. I'm staying within my calorie range and trying to fill up on healthy foods that I bring from home. Sometimes, I know I'm not even hungry but I feel like eating anyway. I have been back at work for 3 weeks and have not lost a pound. I work out 4 times a week and here is a typical eating schedule for me:

8:15 - breakfast
10:15 - snack
12:30 - sensible lunch
2:00/2:30 - snack
4:00/4:30 - snack (if i skip this snack I am ravenous by the time I get home)
6:30/7 - dinner


What could I do to start losing again?

Kath1391

Sometimes I get hunger pains but I'm usually thirsty not actually hungry.Obviously don't fill up on water and skip meals that's not healthy,but maybe keep a a bottle of water on your desk and have sips when you you feel hungry

now_or_never13

Are you eating the same as you were when you were off (same amount of cals)? That could explain why you aren't losing.

Are you actually hungry at work or bored/thirsty?

Bring protein and fibre filled snacks and meals at work. Eat breakfast that has a decent amount of protein in it. Make sure you are drinking more than enough water while at work.

basscadet808

When I was home I was on a mission to fit into my clothes so that I didn't have to buy a whole new wardrobe. I was on a 1200/cal per day diet and lost 8 pounds. Now I'v decided to try to lose one pound a week instead of 2 so my new calorie goal is 1400/day. I'm not having a hard time staying under the calorie goal, i'm drinking a ton of water but i feel the need to eat very regularly. I have heard in the past that eating 6 small meals throughout the day is good. I'm not trying to do that, but thats what ends up happening. If eating 6 small meals is good for you the person must be awake for a long time! HAH

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

Sometimes, I know I'm not even hungry but I feel like eating anyway.

You're bored, find a way to keep yourself busy.

SideSteel

I'm staying within my calorie range

^ This is necessary for weight loss assuming your calorie range is correct. When you eat is important for behavior/preference/function but given the same total calories, when you eat them isn't very important for weight loss.

I would structure your meal times around personal preference/lifestyle.

2BhappyBhealthy

I would like to see what others say as well. I have a similar problem. I get really hungry about every two hours when I'm in the office... So going from 5pm to dinner time is really really hard if I'm not in the gym. I can get so hungry I feel nauseous sometimes. But eating the exact same amount of calories on the weekends I'm fine. I don't get it. Oh and I also drink A TON of water. I have to go to the restroom about every 30 minutes I drink so much water. I think it's just mental but how do you fix THAT?? :frown:

nxd10

I found I got really hungry when I was nursing and ALSO when I didn't get enough sleep. I bet at least one of those things describes you now.

Eat every few hours - there's nothing wrong with it.

I used to pack a multi-part lunch and eat one part of it (an apple maybe?) at 10:30/11 and then eat the rest at lunch time. I'd bring a snack for 3:30/4:00 or I'd be starting and eat too much at dinner.

I always snack at 9.

I've lost a pound a week doing it.

2BhappyBhealthy

I found I got really hungry when I was nursing and ALSO when I didn't get enough sleep. I bet at least one of those things describes you now.

Eat every few hours - there's nothing wrong with it.

I used to pack a multi-part lunch and eat one part of it (an apple maybe?) at 10:30/11 and then eat the rest at lunch time. I'd bring a snack for 3:30/4:00 or I'd be starting and eat too much at dinner.

I always snack at 9.

I've lost a pound a week doing it.

AH-HA! SLEEP! There you go... I typically fail at getting adequate sleep during the week .. And you, OP, with a newborn probably have it way worse! That makes so much sense.. Thanks!

basscadet808

I'm not sleeping through the night so that is definitely a factor. This morning I had Oatmeal and a banana for breakfast at 8. Its 10:25 and I would normally be eating again by now but I am full! I think I'll stick to oatmeal for breakfast until i am totally bored of it.