Really hungry at the office

I use to have this problem and I may still do. I had two problems. First by afternoon I would be hungry and could end up with a bad headache and nausea and I would want to eat. Eating did help but recently with how I've been eating I'm not experiencing this issue.

I was also always watching the clock for lunch time to eat again.

I think I had this issue more when I was eating empty carbs and the feeling might have been a blood sugar drop but now I'm avoiding empty carbs, and eating more protein and that seems to work.

I did but I think it was more out of boredom/stress/habit for me. Take note of when you're getting hungry and bring low cal snacks to fight it off. I noticed different things kept me fuller longer as well.

It sounds like boredom more than anything. If you have a break take it as an opportunity to stretch your legs, lunctime walks etc - or lunchtime workout such as running, fitness class if you can.

Like some others have said before - take some low calorie snacks into the office. Fruit, carrot sticks, chewing gum etc to use as a distraction.

Also make sure that your lunches and breakfasts are filling enough for you.

Do you have easy access to water? As in, it’s just within reach? I work a desk job too, but I always have a mug of lemon water to my left and I just sip all day. I finish about 1.5 – 2 L of water in the office from 9 AM – 6 PM. That helps me keep full up.

Could it also be procrastination? I realized that if I wanted to take some time off work, I used to just go to the pantry or search for a snack to “satisfy my cravings”. Turns out, there’s no real craving but I just wanted to not work on things.

See I am the other way around - During the week in the office... Im good......... Weekends... Im not!!!

I would say up your protein intake, & drink more water as you could be thirsty!!

Every break try and drink some more water... if you are actually hungry...?

Pack some healthy snacks...!

Raw cut carrots
Slices of Ham
Chopped celery with humus
Almonds
Fruit
Chicken pieces
Turkey slices
Boiled eggs
Cashews
Greek Yoghurt
Peanut butter.

Hope this helps.... Nibble on them : )

Same problem here! I agree that it has more to do with boredom than hunger, because I'm eating about 2000 calories a day. The problem is, my stomach actually growls out loud to the point that my officemate says "Time to eat again?" LOL! She's very nice about it but it embarrasses me to no end. I sometimes think it has to do with being in a seated position, allowing the stomach to fold into itself or something. Who knows. I try to get up and take a quick walk, drink water, and eat the snacks I packed for the day.

Same here. before I used myfitnesspal I would eat literally allll day. But now I drink a lot of water, and when I get hunger I eat a handful of peanuts or an organic granola bar.

Do you know your BMR and TDEE?

Are you eating enough to offset any exercises you might be doing?

YES. I have this problem & I freaking HATE it. On the weekend when I'm running around and more active and my brain is generally more stimulated, I don't have nearly the problems I have at the office. Once I'm sitting at my desk it's like I'm just starving all the time. I think it's just because it's a slower pace and it's been such a bad habit for so long.

My strategies are, like you said, low cal snacks every 1.5 hours. I plan in advance so I have lots of food around. I also use diet soda & hot tea. Chugging water helps, but it's a short term fix. I keep hardboiled eggs, apples, and veggies in the work fridge and 100-cal almond packs in my drawer. 180 cal healthy choice soups. I carry a huge bag of food with me every monday, hehe.

I think the fact that youre thinking about it and talking about it will help. Just keep finding ways to beat it and stay busy!

Edit; Also - walking! Sometimes I feel like I'm starving, I jump up and take a brisk walk up & down the hallway and it goes away! It was really just me looking for stimulation, not food.

I had this problem until I decided to split up my lunch into two "meals" - lunch, which is around 12:30, and my afternoon snack, which is around 3:30. My breakfast is at 8:30 and dinner is at 6:30, so the longest amount of time I go during the day without eating is 4 hours. Three out of five workdays, I have my protein shake on the way to work and then my breakfast about 30 min later, so I'm definitely not hungry those days before lunch. This works out great for me and I never get the urge to snack. Since I split my 500 calorie lunch into two 250 calorie "meals," I'm eating the same amount of calories. I make sure both meals have around 20+ g of protein, which is also really helpful for not getting hungry.

As an example, today I had a homemade McDonalds style egg white delight (3 tbsp pourable egg whites, 2 thin slices canadian bacon, .4 oz white cheddar, and an English muffin) with strawberries for lunch and now I'm about to have my snack, one hard-boiled egg, 1 cup of flavored Greek yogurt, and 1 light string cheese. Of course, if your calorie goal is higher than mine, which I'd assume it is since you're a guy, you can eat more at each meal than I do.

I've got a dorm-fridge in my office that has bottled water, greek yogurt, and usually some string cheese in it. I also have protein bars (www.healthsmartfoods.com) in my drawer.

Those usually help me get thru the day at work.

Plus I take laps around the office about once an hour to help relieve stress.