Feeling starved after running! HELP PLEASE!

jogy
jogy Posts: 77 Member
in Motivation and Support
Hi everyone!

I have been running quite a bit lately and I am encountering a huge problem. I am starving the day after my run. For example: last night I ran 6.5km in 45 minutes, this morning I feel soooo hungry I could eat a horse...or a whale!

I usually eat back the calories lost so I don't understand why this is happening.

Does this happens to anyone else out there? If so, what did you do to fix that problem?

Replies

  • Sweet_Pandora
    Sweet_Pandora Posts: 459 Member
    Have you tried having a protein drink right after your run. This would provide your body with the fuel that you burned off during the run!

    Karen
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    It's called being "rungry" and it happens to most runners. Make sure you're getting enough protein - plan a high protein breakfast the day after you run (Greek yogurt, eggs, etc) to help combat it. Drink plenty of water too.
  • AmyMgetsfit
    AmyMgetsfit Posts: 636 Member
    Same here. I haven't found a way to fix it yet. At least I am not gaining weight, so I guess that's a good thing.
  • tejor
    tejor Posts: 14 Member
    I like to drink a glass of Chocolate Milk!
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    It's called being "rungry" and it happens to most runners. Make sure you're getting enough protein - plan a high protein breakfast the day after you run (Greek yogurt, eggs, etc) to help combat it. Drink plenty of water too.

    Ha ha, I imagined Scooby Doo saying "Rungry".
  • jogy
    jogy Posts: 77 Member
    Oh boy! This si where I am worried. Because I do eat protein in the morning. I have made myself what I call a fruity oatmeal. I use berries, oatmeal water and vanilla protein powder to beef it up. Maybe I will add some more protein powder because I only get half a scoop per serving. THANKS A MILLION!
  • jogy
    jogy Posts: 77 Member
    It's called being "rungry" and it happens to most runners. Make sure you're getting enough protein - plan a high protein breakfast the day after you run (Greek yogurt, eggs, etc) to help combat it. Drink plenty of water too.

    Ha ha, I imagined Scooby Doo saying "Rungry".

    LOL!!!!:laugh:
  • scorpio516
    scorpio516 Posts: 955 Member
    Do you eat after you run?
    You need something for recovery within 30 minutes of finishing to keep the hunger away. I usually pick something like chocolate milk or yogurt. Sometime a clif bar or a homemade smoothie.
  • jogy
    jogy Posts: 77 Member
    Oh boy! This si where I am worried. Because I do eat protein in the morning. I have made myself what I call a fruity oatmeal. I use berries, oatmeal water and vanilla protein powder to beef it up. Maybe I will add some more protein powder because I only get half a scoop per serving. THANKS A MILLION!

    I was replying to Flora!!! Forgot to quote!
  • lauren3101
    lauren3101 Posts: 1,853 Member
    You don't have to eat back your exercise calories the day you exercise. All you need is a weekly deficit.

    If you are more hungry the day after, save the extra for then instead.

    I have the same thing when I lift, it's not just a running thing, it's an exercise thing. :wink:
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    training makes you hungry...it is one of the primary reasons that actual fitness goals often conflict with weight-loss goals.
  • AshleyMeggg
    AshleyMeggg Posts: 148 Member
    I like to drink a glass of Chocolate Milk!

    This this this this this.
  • knitapeace
    knitapeace Posts: 1,013 Member
    I was going to say the same as Lauren. I was focusing strictly on my daily calorie goals and feeling very hungry on my "rest" days. Last week I calculated my TDEE and decided to divide my calories evenly across the week instead of eating my running calories back the day I burned them. I'm still at a deficit and don't feel as deprived on non-exercise days.
  • jogy
    jogy Posts: 77 Member
    I was going to say the same as Lauren. I was focusing strictly on my daily calorie goals and feeling very hungry on my "rest" days. Last week I calculated my TDEE and decided to divide my calories evenly across the week instead of eating my running calories back the day I burned them. I'm still at a deficit and don't feel as deprived on non-exercise days.

    This is a revelation. I never thought about it that way!
  • jogy
    jogy Posts: 77 Member
    Do you eat after you run?
    You need something for recovery within 30 minutes of finishing to keep the hunger away. I usually pick something like chocolate milk or yogurt. Sometime a clif bar or a homemade smoothie.

    What I am noticing from all the replies is that I don't eat protein enough. I usually eat a homemade fruit salad with 1/4 cup of granola cereal (it has nuts but not enough!)
  • jogy
    jogy Posts: 77 Member
    training makes you hungry...it is one of the primary reasons that actual fitness goals often conflict with weight-loss goals.
    AMEN!
  • davemunger
    davemunger Posts: 1,139 Member
    My solution to this issue is to run nearly every day!
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    Oh yeah. I always lose the easiest when I don't train, because I'm not so hungry. It pretty much sucks. LOL
  • generallyme2
    generallyme2 Posts: 403 Member
    It'll only get worse as you up your mileage or speed lol! At about 4 miles, you don't need to eat back a ton, but it looks like what you are eating isn't necessarily filling.

    I usually run in the afternoons right before dinner and then get to eat a meal afterward. On my long run days, I run after lunch. Lunch is usually half a PB sandwich on wheat (small so I don't get sick when I run) but then I have a second 'lunch' when I get home. Usually that's cheese and fruit or veggies, a turkey sandwich, a bowl of cereal with milk, sometimes a glass of chocolate milk with a small salad or even an english muffin with PB.

    You'll find a balance and then the hunger will even out.
  • TexasDarling09
    TexasDarling09 Posts: 210 Member
    It's called being "rungry" and it happens to most runners. Make sure you're getting enough protein - plan a high protein breakfast the day after you run (Greek yogurt, eggs, etc) to help combat it. Drink plenty of water too.

    Ha ha, I imagined Scooby Doo saying "Rungry".

    LOL!!!!:laugh:

    ditto :P
  • hidbee
    hidbee Posts: 52 Member
    I love a protein shake after I run, or some cheese or a few pieces of turkey lunch meat. Try some protein rich foods, milk (chocolate=the best!), cheese, or a boiled egg. Sometimes I carry a few grapes with me (seriously, try it) for a little mid-run fuel. The morning after I have oatmeal (no fruit) and another egg. Also, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. You could be a little dehydrated. I have a Nalgene bottle that I refill (literally) 6 or 7 times a day.
  • knitapeace
    knitapeace Posts: 1,013 Member
    I was going to say the same as Lauren. I was focusing strictly on my daily calorie goals and feeling very hungry on my "rest" days. Last week I calculated my TDEE and decided to divide my calories evenly across the week instead of eating my running calories back the day I burned them. I'm still at a deficit and don't feel as deprived on non-exercise days.

    This is a revelation. I never thought about it that way!

    There are risks and benefits. The risk is that I calculated my TDEE based on the fact that I run three regular runs and one longer run per week. If I've already been eating at that level (minus 20%) for most of the week and suddenly something happens and I can't make all four runs, then I may have already overeaten. But honestly even then I *might* eat at maintenance for a week and not lose. I won't have binged terribly.

    The benefit is that I'm less likely to slack off a run for laziness because I know I'm already eating at that level for the week! :laugh:
  • TrailRunner61
    TrailRunner61 Posts: 2,505 Member
    Eat! If you're truly hungry, just eat something. Try to make it high in protein to help build those awesome muscles you just worked out. Protein also keeps you feeling full longer.
  • ash8184
    ash8184 Posts: 701 Member
    Are you drinking enough water? I carry a 64-oz jug around with me and if I run at night, I find that I'm starving (for water!) the next morning. Try drinking a lot and see if you're still hungry.

    For something fun that might satiate you - try Arctic Zero brand ice cream bars. They are made with whey and are low cal and high in protein. I will sometimes have one after I run at night if I want to recoup some calories and the sweetness satiates me.

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