Why Am I Always So Hungry??

fabbielous
fabbielous Posts: 11
in Food and Nutrition
After about 4 months of running and toning, I've lost a considerable amount of weight and my metabolism has skyrocketed. Lately, though, I've been getting super hungry every 2-3 hours. But today, I woke up at seven, I had oatmeal with honey and a banana at about 7:30, drank 4 cups of water, did a warm up and stretched, then went for my run at approximately 8 AM. At about 9:40 I got hungry so I had a handful of baby carrots. But just a few minutes ago (10:30 AM) I had 3 spoonfuls of peanut butter and two handfuls of pretzels (fat free, but still.) because I just got into this huge peanut butter craze. I tried to drink 2 cups of water beforehand, but I was still hungry. Please tell me this is normal!
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Replies

  • thisismeraw
    thisismeraw Posts: 1,264 Member
    How much are you eating throughout the day?
  • rabblerabble
    rabblerabble Posts: 471 Member
    I find getting a lean protein with each meal of the day keep my appetite down.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    It happens to me a few times a month honestly. Your problem is that you're going for snacks instead of a real meal with protein that would actually fill you up (peanut butter doesn't count!).
  • jzammetti
    jzammetti Posts: 1,956 Member
    Personally, I am ravenous after a steady state cardio workout. so, for me, that is normal.

    But, when i read your topic title, I immediately thought, you are not eating enough (it seems like the usual issue when people post these things), but I cannot see your diary. How many calories do you eat in a day?
  • Akimajuktuq
    Akimajuktuq Posts: 3,037 Member
    Why do you say "fat free but still". Are you still buying into the "fat is bad" mentality? I doubt the fat is your problem (unless it's all from processed foods-canola and soy), but since you are struggling with hunger, the processed carbs (things like fat free pretzels) might be. Or you just aren't eating enough (try eating more healthy fat-from eggs, animals, avocados etc-hint you're body needs fat hence the peanut butter craving).

    I don't think being hungry all the time is normal at all, but for some people here it seems to be. Filling up on water is a myth btw.

    Some of the things that you are doing would make me spiral into incessant hunger (oatmeal, honey and banana!- where's the fat and protein?!) as well, but most people here will say that it's all "calories in, calories out" and "moderation" and "willpower". Glad I stopped listening to that and finally changed WHAT I eat. Good luck.
  • Vansy
    Vansy Posts: 419 Member
    I find that my higher protein days I'm also less hungry.


    I think it's fairly normal. But I would try increasing lean protein, might help you stay full and satisfied longer.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Why do you say "fat free but still". Are you still buying into the "fat is bad" mentality?

    ^ This.

    Also, a quick check into a couple of my recipes for pretzels: No fat in them.
  • Loulady
    Loulady Posts: 511 Member
    Try meals and snacks with more protein.


    And I know sometimes I'll just have a couple "hollow" days here and there where it seems like I am always hungry, no matter what.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    Your diary is closed so it's hard to say. You may need to eat more. If you aren't already eating back some of your exercise calories that might be a good place to start.

    Also look into how much protein, fat, and fiber you're getting. These are what make us feel full and satiated. If you're cutting those down too low your body may be asking for more.
  • Carnivor0us
    Carnivor0us Posts: 1,752 Member
    Eat more fat and a bit more protein. With your activity level it sounds like carbs burn off fast.
  • Kimdbro
    Kimdbro Posts: 922 Member
    Boost your lean protein intake.
  • Onesnap
    Onesnap Posts: 2,819 Member
    I eat every 2-3 hours. I also try to do something active each day.

    I would say you are normal. I've never been overweight.

    Breakfast:
    organic oatmeal or muesli
    coffee with one sugar and 1/2 and 1/2

    Morning snack:
    Graze snack punnet or fruit

    Lunch at Noon:
    Frozen organic meal by Amy's or Kashi
    or leftovers from dinner
    or salad bar at work

    Afternoon snack:
    yogurt or fruit

    Pre-gym snack:
    chips with salsa
    crackers with hummus
    cheese

    Dinner:
    I cook at home--as local and organic as possible

    Night snack:
    Something healthy hopefully...or beer or wine

    :)
  • Rogiefreida
    Rogiefreida Posts: 567 Member
    After about 4 months of running and toning, I've lost a considerable amount of weight and my metabolism has skyrocketed. Lately, though, I've been getting super hungry every 2-3 hours. But today, I woke up at seven, I had oatmeal with honey and a banana at about 7:30, drank 4 cups of water, did a warm up and stretched, then went for my run at approximately 8 AM. At about 9:40 I got hungry so I had a handful of baby carrots. But just a few minutes ago (10:30 AM) I had 3 spoonfuls of peanut butter and two handfuls of pretzels (fat free, but still.) because I just got into this huge peanut butter craze. I tried to drink 2 cups of water beforehand, but I was still hungry. Please tell me this is normal!

    Where is the protein and healthy fats? Both will help fill you up better and longer.

    Besides that, I think it's normal to get that way sometimes. IDK if you're female or not, but if you are, hormonal cycles have a lot to do with hunger. The week before my period my stomach turns into a bottomless pit and I am always hungry.

    Pick smart choices that are filling and long lasting and stay away from snacky type foods, it will pass.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Can't see your diary so who knows. If you're always so hungry you're probably not eating enough (shocking insight, I know).
  • Hezzietiger1
    Hezzietiger1 Posts: 1,256 Member
    Are you not eating every 2-3 hours? If your hungry every 2-3 hours,eat. Just make it small. I eat 200-300 calories every 2-3 hours everyday.
  • sweetpea03b
    sweetpea03b Posts: 1,123 Member
    I try to eat every few hours anyway. Breakfast is eggs with 1 pc of toast with honey or Yogurt/granola, snack is typically fruit or a sandwich, lunch could be sandwich, salad with chicken, leftovers, another snack - fruit or almonds. After workouts I always eat 1 apple with 1 tbsp of peanut butter (for dipping) and a 8oz glass of milk. That keeps me full until dinnertime (4pm ending workout - 8pm dinner). Good luck!
  • Hezzietiger1
    Hezzietiger1 Posts: 1,256 Member
    Also combine protein and low glycemic carbs.. it'll break the carbs down more slowly and help you feel full.. plus your body needs protein and from what u wrote ^^^ ur not getting it.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Basically, i'll add this.

    If you are hungry all the time, it's because you choose to be.

    There is a large body of research on satiety of different foods. Eating whole vegetables and meats with appropriate levels of fats will ensure you're not hungry all the time.

    Do yourself a favor and look into it.
  • NovemberJune
    NovemberJune Posts: 2,525 Member
    After about 4 months of running and toning, I've lost a considerable amount of weight and my metabolism has skyrocketed. Lately, though, I've been getting super hungry every 2-3 hours. But today, I woke up at seven, I had oatmeal with honey and a banana at about 7:30, drank 4 cups of water, did a warm up and stretched, then went for my run at approximately 8 AM. At about 9:40 I got hungry so I had a handful of baby carrots. But just a few minutes ago (10:30 AM) I had 3 spoonfuls of peanut butter and two handfuls of pretzels (fat free, but still.) because I just got into this huge peanut butter craze. I tried to drink 2 cups of water beforehand, but I was still hungry. Please tell me this is normal!

    You are saying this like that's a lot of food but it doesn't sound like it to me. Depending on what you mean by spoonful and handful. lol. And it really depends on your calorie goal--are you going to end up being over on your calories by the end of the day?
  • hpynh2o
    hpynh2o Posts: 194 Member
    Mind over matter.

    Hunger is like pain. Evolution has created a system to ensure we keep up with our caloric needs. But food (and bad food) are easily accessible, cheap and abundant. It works because no one likes to be hungry.

    This is where (IMHO) intermittent fasting comes in really handy. You don't have to follow it forever, just dabble in it for a few days. You learn right away that hunger passes quickly if you simply don't eat. And when you are hungry, you learn to deal with it.

    Good luck!
  • Bekahmardis
    Bekahmardis Posts: 602 Member
    Definitely more protein. It's amazing to see how little protein so many people get when they go on "diets" and that's always the first thing I tell them to do - eat more protein!
  • meredith1123
    meredith1123 Posts: 843 Member
    Lean protein. eat meat, beans..
    something to actually fullfill your body's needs.
    Also - how about throwing in some added veggies and such for fiber. fiber is a good thing..... it will also keep you full, longer.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    You need to find the right combination for you.

    If I eat a big slab of protein (nothing else).......I get hungry rather quickly. However when I combine fat or fiber with the protein, I'm full much longer.

    Try adding protein powder (or peanut butter) to your morning oatmeal. You could also make your oatmeal using milk (2%) .... that would add protein & fat. Carbs (with fiber) alone .... might not be enough for you.
  • fabiomuralha
    fabiomuralha Posts: 114 Member
    Don't forget to drink water, sometimes you think that you are hungry but it's only thirsty.....
  • wwwdotcr
    wwwdotcr Posts: 128 Member
    Insulin spikes + low fat = hunger. Thats why I highly recommend Keto. You really never get hungry.
  • RobynLB83
    RobynLB83 Posts: 626 Member
    Running will do that to you. I was an endurance runner FOREVER, and I was ALWAYS hungry. For some reason, strength training and high intensity training are said to be more likely to suppress your appetite. I have found this to be true. If I run for 90 minutes every day, I know I will be a hungry hungry hippo, whereas, if I box for 90 minutes every day, I have more of an appetite than with no exercise, but less of an appetite than with running. Even though the calories burned are approximately the same (sometimes actually higher with boxing).
  • fabbielous
    fabbielous Posts: 11
    Yeah, I don't keep a diary on here because calorie counting caused an unhealthy relationship with food for me a while back. But I do realize I need more protein and fats. Thanks.
  • kristy6ward
    kristy6ward Posts: 332 Member
    I've been STARVING all week. It's also the week before I start my period. I haven't changed my diet or my activity, so I blame it on hormones. Simple as that. I just have to wait it out and try not to go overboard.
  • fabbielous
    fabbielous Posts: 11
    Any ideas on what I should eat for lunch in about an hour? Something with protein but low-carb.
  • RobynLB83
    RobynLB83 Posts: 626 Member
    Any ideas on what I should eat for lunch in about an hour? Something with protein but low-carb.

    Salad with olive oil, avocado, and a can of tuna or 3 oz. of your favorite protein. Do throw in a some carbs though. Like a half serving at least. I throw like a quarter cup of yam or rice on top of my salad. You could also have a piece of bread or toast on the side or a piece of fruit.

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