Since I've started to exercise...

I also find that I'm not hungry after exercise. I'm wondering if sometimes what I consider hunger is often stress and the exercise takes care of it. I don't think that is all of the explanation but I think it is some of it.

In healthy systems there is a period of time immediately after exercise when the body is averse to taking in food. In obese, sedentary people this mechanism isn't as active due to the hormone-disrupting quality of fat so often with activity these people feel more hungry rather than shying away from food.

A protein powder shake is a very good idea for this reason!! It gives you a protein boost to encourage tissue repair but it's not at all heavy and feels like just having a drink. North Coast Naturals makes an amazing whey iso protein that also contains digestive enzymes and acidophilus to really get the nutrients into your body. VERY nice flavour (and I'm picky with powders), dissolves really well, and if you have a little hand blender it is even more smooth and "fluffy". Delicious even with just protein powder and water.

It's why it's so important to eat smaller meals through the day to avoid falling way under on calories, to fuel your body through work outs, and to regulate your blood sugars. I'm still working on putting that part into practice; getting enough through the day so I don't have to eat a big supper to meet my calories! Today has been good though.

It's amazing what we observe when our bodies get a chance to function as they should, eh??

Carrie, how are you liking the switch over to working out more??

I also find that I'm not hungry after exercise. I'm wondering if sometimes what I consider hunger is often stress and the exercise takes care of it. I don't think that is all of the explanation but I think it is some of it.

I agree with you! I think a lot of time it's stress, boredom, etc. Or, i know in my case, I tend to be a self-sabotager, and when I workout it just gives me that little "oomph" needed to get me past that craving or desire to eat something I know I shouldn't!

ok, I have a question about "off days" I planned on doing this last weekend. But it toally backfired on me. So I might need clarification...when you have an "off day" is that a binge, eat whatver you want how ever much you want, even if you go over by 2-3000 cals. Or is that just don't count calories and have what you want, but still watch it? I tried doing this last sat and it lasted 3 days! I couldn't seem to stop that one day and really recover from it...so I thought maybe I did it wrong.

I think if you can't control your binge (and I don't like that word) maybe you could do a day where you can have a favorite food like I have French toast Wednesdays!! I think keeping a steady plan is better with small allowances. BUT, you have to be able to do that... that's my suggestion. You're not working out and dieting so you can eat the "bad" foods you're changing your lifestyle. So... hope this helps.