Eating too much

I am nearly a month in and have to say I really struggled with hunger at first but it's getting easier. Water is my answer to you...a lot of it. When you feel hungry just start drinking water and then maybe after dinner go for a walk? not a long walk just away from the food, into the garden or something. SO you don't have to smell it or look at it? It's helped me a LOT actually. I think I'm still hungry but after moving around a bit I feel fuller.

If you are nursing you should talk to your doctor about how many calories is enough. Your body may be telling you that you need the nutrition.

I found the key was to eat more lean protein. It is far more satisfying - keeps you feeling fuller for longer and you can eat more of it because it's lean and often lower in calories than other items. Ultimately you are going to have to learn the difficult art of self restraint though. Every time I want to go crazy I remember how unhappy being fat makes me.

I've never regretted going to the gym, I've never regretted not eating that chocolate bar, but I've regretted the opposites many, many times.

I would increase protein and water. However, you said that you're nursing. So your calorie intake depends on how much you are nursing. I would probably keep doing what you are for a bit to make sure you don't reduce your supply.

What kind of foods are you eating? I've noticed that since I've been eating a lot of whole foods, lots of veggies, and lots of protein, that I am rarely hungry anymore.

This. If you eat plenty of protein and decent amount of fat with some carbs throw in - whole foods not fake processed stuff - you will probably only feel hungry if you really need food. At least that's been my experience.

I do agree if you're nursing check with your doc first.

On snacking I go the opposite of some people. I don't snack unless I am starving. I tried eating multiple times a day and I just found it made me hungry. Now I eat lunch and dinner, breakfast only if I'm hungry. If I want a little something before lunch I'll have a cup of coffee or tea. That gives you more calories for your real meals. Just depends on what works for you.

Here is a calorie calculator for nursing moms

http://www.freedieting.com/tools/breastfeeding_calorie_calculator.htm

It gets easier, my biggest goal and hurdle of the day is to not eat after dinner, my solution is to go to bed early

First of of all, kudos on the weight loss so far. That's awesome! Second, I totally understand the urge to "clean up" leftovers off of the kiddos plates (my husband never actually leaves leftovers, but yet he's never had a weight problem...sigh). I'm still working on it...

But, in the meantime, some thoughts. I would think of it this way - you're a nursing mom. (I was too!) You need calories, as other people have pointed out. You deserve healthy, nutritious food and calories that will nourish your body...not eating stuff that other people didn't want off of their plates. What about a smoothie with fresh fruit? Greek yogurt? Those Stonyfield yogurt tubes, which are awesome frozen? Cutting up some watermelon and having that when you get hungry? An apple with some almond or peanut butter?

Also make sure that you're drinking enough as a nursing mom. I found that was hugely important for me.

Feel free to add me...I'm always looking for people who struggle with similar issues!

So my question is, how do most of you keep under your calorie goals and still stay satisfied an SANE? I find it very hard to stay under 2000 calories a day. I am exercising almost daily and am nursing but I still eat too much. Any advice would be appreciated.

I try to have some form of lean protein (chicken, tuna, turkey, egg whites, cheese) with every meal/snack.

Water - I am drinking LOADS of it. Sometimes with a sugar free cordial for a sweet hit.

Diet soda - bubbles and sweet.

Herbal flavoured teas and low calorie soups as snacks.