Constantly hungry even after eating

Goldilukes
Goldilukes Posts: 45 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi,

For the past few weeks now I've been constantly hungry...well it feels like gnawing hunger and this is happening even after I've ate a meal and I logically know I can't possibly be.

I have withheld from eating extra because I am assuming it can't be real hunger but my days have become quite awkward and I am walking around with that hunger type pain in stomach most of the day which is never pleasant.

Ive been given by mfp 1200 calories per day, I am 5'4 and weigh 137 pounds now. I used to be 52lbs heavier last year. I do often go over my cal goals because I am losing weight and I don't feel I should be doing without all the time.

At what point do you know if you are genuinely not eating enough for your new weight? Or am I smaller now so don't need as many calories?

I still have around 15lbs to lose before goal and have started walking a few miles plus I'd like to join the gym and make heavy lifting a priority as I hate loose skin and fat pouches.
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Replies

  • liftingandlipstick
    liftingandlipstick Posts: 1,857 Member
    Well, being smaller you DO need fewer calories than you did when you were larger, but there are some work arounds. How fast are you set to lose? If you're still at 2# per week, you can go in and lower that which will give you more calories for the day. Actually, at only 15# left to lose, you SHOULD do this- a healthy rate at this point is 1/2# per week.
  • MaggieLoo79
    MaggieLoo79 Posts: 288 Member
    Are you eating protein in your meals? That helps to make you feel full. Also, you can snack on raw veggies all day and still not add too many calories.
  • MaggieLoo79
    MaggieLoo79 Posts: 288 Member
    Also, are you drinking your water?
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    Your protien is very low...47grams in one day? I get that in one meal...

    As well you aren't eating back most of your exercise calories...that's what they are there for...and a lot of days you are netting under 1200...that's why you feel hungry.

    You aren't eating enough food.

    At 5 ft 4 you could eat a lot more than 1200 calories a day and still lose weight.

    My sister who is quite active maintains on 2500 calories and she is 5 ft 4 and weights 125lbs...
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    At what point do you know if you are genuinely not eating enough for your new weight? Or am I smaller now so don't need as many calories?

    You'll continue to loose weight and be lethargic if you don't eat enough for your new weight.

    More protein/fat and less carbs may help make you feel full at the same calories.
  • karmac0matic
    karmac0matic Posts: 285
    I agree with some other posts. You should lower the rate of your goal, because 1200 is very low for everyone, including us 5'1" shorties haha.

    If you feel hungry, it's probably because you are. Don't deny yourself food because of it. The other tips on here are great.
  • Phrick
    Phrick Posts: 2,765 Member
    Agree that you are definitely not getting in enough protein! I went back quite a ways in your diary and saw a range from 29g to 59g a day - not one single day when you even MET the goal. MFP's protein goal is absurdly low to begin with, at a mere 15% of daily calories from protein, and you aren't even meeting that. No wonder you're still hungry all the time!!

    As a comparison - my protein goal is 179g per day and I nearly always meet it (if not go over!!). I plan my eating around my protein goal, it's the first macro I ENSURE that I meet, followed by fat (enough dietary fat also helps with feeling satiated), and then carbs fill up the rest. I will note that I am a bit taller than you (5'8") and still heavier (CW 177), but that's not going to make all that much of a difference in where your protein target should be (fwiw mine is set at 35% of my calorie intake bc that's as close as I could get it to the # that IIFYM.com gave me. Even if you stay with 1200 as your calorie goal, 35% is a *%#*-ton more than you're currently getting). Bump your protein, a LOT, it will help dramatically.
  • _Terrapin_
    _Terrapin_ Posts: 4,301 Member
    A starting point would be to eat a NET 1,200 calories. 3 days in your diary, and with exercise, or without, you are netting 1,050 on average. Your BMR is closer to 1,350(read the BMR definition) assuming you are at 30% body fat.

    The point is this, change your goal for weight loss, and slow the process down, incorporate more caloric intake, and have a reasonable goal of 1/2 a week instead of what you have MFP set to currently. Best of luck, and remember the closer to goal the longer it takes and it will allow good habits to form for life not just the goal.
  • Lilenatalem
    Lilenatalem Posts: 46 Member
    i think everyone already hit the nail on the head.

    Drink LOTS of water. Half you weight in OZ of water daily, and more if you are working out and sweating your tushie off.

    YOU MUST, must must must eat your "banked" calories from a work out.

    I know it's sounds really stupid, but you need to eat to lose. If you are working out you need to Fuel your body to do its thing.

    if you do a 3 mile walk, boom thats 300 calories you can now eat! (which is basically like 2 eggs with a 1/4 cup of cheese on top and some spinach yummmmy right?)

    If its the middle of the day and you just ate lunch or had a snack and your stomach is stll grumbing drink a full glass of water.

    Also drinking 2 glasses of water (16 oz which is a normal "glass" that most people already have in their kitchens) before each meal. I do this and it helps me not eat as much.
  • evileen99
    evileen99 Posts: 1,564 Member
    A gnawing, hunger like pain is also an ulcer symptom. If this persists, you may want to see a doctor.
  • endermako
    endermako Posts: 785 Member
    Definitely increase your calories a little bit and put more protein and carbs in there. I increased mine from 1200 up to 1450 and I'm still losing and I'm not hungry all the time
  • Lisa1971
    Lisa1971 Posts: 3,069 Member
    Your protien is very low...47grams in one day? I get that in one meal...

    As well you aren't eating back most of your exercise calories...that's what they are there for...and a lot of days you are netting under 1200...that's why you feel hungry.

    You aren't eating enough food.

    At 5 ft 4 you could eat a lot more than 1200 calories a day and still lose weight.

    My sister who is quite active maintains on 2500 calories and she is 5 ft 4 and weights 125lbs...

    THIS! Eat more woman!
  • Goldilukes
    Goldilukes Posts: 45 Member
    A gnawing, hunger like pain is also an ulcer symptom. If this persists, you may want to see a doctor.


    I did wonder about this already as it only started happening after a few totm headaches and ibruprofens :(
  • Goldilukes
    Goldilukes Posts: 45 Member
    i think everyone already hit the nail on the head.

    Drink LOTS of water. Half you weight in OZ of water daily, and more if you are working out and sweating your tushie off.

    YOU MUST, must must must eat your "banked" calories from a work out.

    I know it's sounds really stupid, but you need to eat to lose. If you are working out you need to Fuel your body to do its thing.

    if you do a 3 mile walk, boom thats 300 calories you can now eat! (which is basically like 2 eggs with a 1/4 cup of cheese on top and some spinach yummmmy right?)



    If its the middle of the day and you just ate lunch or had a snack and your stomach is stll grumbing drink a full glass of water.

    Also drinking 2 glasses of water (16 oz which is a normal "glass" that most people already have in their kitchens) before each meal. I do this and it helps me not eat as much.

    Thanks for the reply.

    I do drink loads of water at least 4-5 x 75cl bottles per day plus my 6-7 coffees. I don't know what those bottles are in glasses but I'm constantly running to the loo so feel I get plenty. I just never log that because I know I'm ok with my intake.

    For some reason I believed that the extra calories you get from exercise where not always to eat back so felt guilty eating half back. Plus I felt 354 cals for a 3 mile walk was too good to be true?? I do walk brisk though always.
  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,724 Member
    If you're walking less than around four miles an hour, a 3 mile walk is around this many net calories burned:

    0.3 X 3 miles X 137 lbs = 123 net calories

    Greater speed I'm not sure but personally do not think it would be triple, either
  • Goldilukes
    Goldilukes Posts: 45 Member
    I lost the majority of my weight on med protein, high fat and low carbs but had stalled for months and felt so fatigued. I've felt heaps better since upping carbs but obviously starving and I do miss that just right feeling in my tummy after a good few days of proteins and fats.
    I logged a few steaks on mfp with the fat on and they came back so calorific I felt a little disheartened, although I do still make sure I'm getting plenty of butters and oils.

    Can some one just point out a few good protein sources that won't eat all my daily cals? Or should I just eat them anyway even if I go over on cals? I do love proteins and fats and this could be why I'm so hungry. I don't just feel like I'm on a diet I feel like I have to play mind games all day and it's so draining.

    I wish there was a way on here that I could like each persons comment because you have all been so helpful. I will also take on board to lose at a lower rate and hopefully mfp will adjust my daily cals so I have plenty of room to eat some nice meats again.
  • jouttie
    jouttie Posts: 109 Member
    I also immediately thought of an ulcer, especially since you get this pain after eating. Try seeing which foods make the pain worse, or if it is all foods, and if there is any foodstuff which calms the pain - yoghurt, for instance. See your doctor. Good luck!
  • penny0919
    penny0919 Posts: 123 Member
    Eggs (or just egg whites if you are already close to your calorie limit, tuna, whey protein powder (mixed into a shake- I like to add frozen fruit and unsweetened vanilla almond milk- blend), cottage cheese, string cheese, chicken breast
  • wertgirlfor
    wertgirlfor Posts: 161 Member
    I am your exact height and weight, and I'm eating ~1500 to lose .5 pound a week. 1200 calories is very low and since you are already within the healthy weight range for your height, you should be aiming to lose about .5 pound a week. Set your goal on MFP to lose .5 pound a week (or even .7 pounds a week) and see how many calories it gives you then. You're hungry because you're eating too little. I'd be constantly hungry at 1200 cal/day, too.

    I also second everyone's suggestion to eat more protein (lean meats, beans, cheese, eggs, milk, etc.) and drink more water.
  • neandermagnon
    neandermagnon Posts: 7,436 Member
    Your protien is very low...47grams in one day? I get that in one meal...

    As well you aren't eating back most of your exercise calories...that's what they are there for...and a lot of days you are netting under 1200...that's why you feel hungry.

    You aren't eating enough food.

    At 5 ft 4 you could eat a lot more than 1200 calories a day and still lose weight.

    My sister who is quite active maintains on 2500 calories and she is 5 ft 4 and weights 125lbs...

    ^^^ this

    you're hungry because you need to eat more.... and I agree with wertgirlfor.... do what she says, i.e. 0.5lb/week weight loss calorie goal + eating more protein
  • OliviaCeed
    OliviaCeed Posts: 28 Member
    I am following the Wharton Clinic lifestyle plan.

    For everyone, diet is personal and is primarily geared by gender, age, activity level, health concerns, height, frame.

    1200 calories is the bare minimum. 55%carbs, 25% Fat, 20% Protein seems to be a standard often used.

    I'm 5'4", 51, female, average build with no significant health concerns - GERD and allergy asthma. I'm being watched for hypertension.

    I started with 1400 calories but now I'm on a 1500 calorie diet. Ideally I exercise daily (swimming). And, as reviewed by a Bariatric Educator, a Nutritionist, a GP and followed by a Cardiologist, my meal plan has been adjusted to 45%Carbs, 35%Protein and 20%Fat. I am to hit 30g of Fiber a day. And that's largely because of the exercise and my reports of being tired and my measurements changing noticeably with a weight loss averaging just under 2LBS a week. I've also been asked to increase my daily water intake to 10 glasses a day. In July, I will be reviewed again and my diet will likely be adjusted further.

    I think you're not eating enough food for the amount of energy you use up. It might serve you well to adjust the balance between carbs, protein and fat. A nutritionist can help you with that.

    I find that when my meals are not satiating, using Pgx granules eliminates that. I scoop is 5 calories in carbs and 5g in Fiber.

    It does happen that food calms down ulcers. If it doesn't, then maybe you really are having hunger pains. If you are thinking you may have an active ulcer, sipping water is often recommended. I have found Zagarasse Licorice (real licorice, not molasses) and Egyptian Licorice tea is very soothing. It might be something you might want to try to ease your ulcer - though it is an acquired taste.

    It does sound to me like you've made major lifestyle changes. Congratulations to you on that. You have an indomitable spirit!

    And of course, my best to you and I sincerely hope you find a resolution to your present question.

    <3
  • meltedsno
    meltedsno Posts: 208 Member
    For the past few weeks now I've been constantly hungry...well it feels like gnawing hunger and this is happening even after I've ate a meal and I logically know I can't possibly be.


    Is it possible that you are bored? There are times when I have had the same feeling... still "hungry" even after I've eaten a meal... In the past, I would continue to "feed" that "hunger", which -- of course-- explains why I was fat, but I'd never quite get "full"

    Since changing my lifestyle, I've come to find that 99.9% of the time it is because I am bored with my food choices; I am bored with my daily routine; I am tired; etc. The work week is very hectic for me. I am constantly busy doing what I have to do... when weekends come, I suddenly find myself with time on my hands and just too plain lazy to find something to do. I've found myself standing in front of the cupboard or the open refridgerator looking for something to eat even though I know I am not really hungry. I make sure now that I have something planned for days like this -- sometimes as simple as grabbing my IPad and firing up the treadmill for an hour or so (I watch Netflix on the Ipad as I walk -- I try to find a series that I will only allow myself to watch when I am walking). I make a deal with myself that if I am still feeling hungry AFTER I've done this, then I will eat something but usually the distraction is enough to get my mind focused on something else other than perceived hunger.
  • Goldilukes
    Goldilukes Posts: 45 Member
    I also immediately thought of an ulcer, especially since you get this pain after eating. Try seeing which foods make the pain worse, or if it is all foods, and if there is any foodstuff which calms the pain - yoghurt, for instance. See your doctor. Good luck!

    Thanks!
    Funnily enough it's been happening after dinners with onions, garlic or tomato based sauce.
  • karlospiklington
    karlospiklington Posts: 143 Member
    If you're feeling constant pain and hunger then your body is trying to tell you something. In my opinion most people, unless they're morbidly obese, do not need to cut to 1200 calories to lose weight. I think that is a flaw in MFP because anyone who chooses 2lb a week loss gets that limit, regardless of their stats. Try setting it to 1lb a week loss and that way you can eat less on days when you feel like it, or eat more and not see the annoying red number of death.
  • Goldilukes
    Goldilukes Posts: 45 Member
    For the past few weeks now I've been constantly hungry...well it feels like gnawing hunger and this is happening even after I've ate a meal and I logically know I can't possibly be.


    Is it possible that you are bored? There are times when I have had the same feeling... still "hungry" even after I've eaten a meal... In the past, I would continue to "feed" that "hunger", which -- of course-- explains why I was fat, but I'd never quite get "full"

    Since changing my lifestyle, I've come to find that 99.9% of the time it is because I am bored with my food choices; I am bored with my daily routine; I am tired; etc. The work week is very hectic for me. I am constantly busy doing what I have to do... when weekends come, I suddenly find myself with time on my hands and just too plain lazy to find something to do. I've found myself standing in front of the cupboard or the open refridgerator looking for something to eat even though I know I am not really hungry. I make sure now that I have something planned for days like this -- sometimes as simple as grabbing my IPad and firing up the treadmill for an hour or so (I watch Netflix on the Ipad as I walk -- I try to find a series that I will only allow myself to watch when I am walking). I make a deal with myself that if I am still feeling hungry AFTER I've done this, then I will eat something but usually the distraction is enough to get my mind focused on something else other than perceived hunger.

    It's definitely not this because when I was overweight I did used to boredom or stress eat and I have not done that since. This feeling is just like you've got an empty stomach and it even gurgles but logically after a filling meal of around 350-400 cals it can not be real hunger so I ignore those pains until I believe it is time to get something however it is happening around 20-30 mins after eating and stays with me until I decide to eat again. It's quite an awkward feeling and even when I am busy rushing about, doing work, walking anything it's constantly panging away.
  • Goldilukes
    Goldilukes Posts: 45 Member
    I am your exact height and weight, and I'm eating ~1500 to lose .5 pound a week. 1200 calories is very low and since you are already within the healthy weight range for your height, you should be aiming to lose about .5 pound a week. Set your goal on MFP to lose .5 pound a week (or even .7 pounds a week) and see how many calories it gives you then. You're hungry because you're eating too little. I'd be constantly hungry at 1200 cal/day, too.

    I also second everyone's suggestion to eat more protein (lean meats, beans, cheese, eggs, milk, etc.) and drink more water.

    Thank you for your reply, I am going to update my goals and see if that helps although what's getting me confused is I am not just hungry at night after my food is all logged and eaten, it's throughout the day before I'm even logging as I go and it doesn't seem to matter how many calories I eat at that meal it still sets in horribly 20-30 mins later, so strange.

    I'm going to go shopping and bring in some meats,cheeses, eggs and beans.
  • Goldilukes
    Goldilukes Posts: 45 Member
    A starting point would be to eat a NET 1,200 calories. 3 days in your diary, and with exercise, or without, you are netting 1,050 on average. Your BMR is closer to 1,350(read the BMR definition) assuming you are at 30% body fat.

    The point is this, change your goal for weight loss, and slow the process down, incorporate more caloric intake, and have a reasonable goal of 1/2 a week instead of what you have MFP set to currently. Best of luck, and remember the closer to goal the longer it takes and it will allow good habits to form for life not just the goal.

    I'm really not sure what my body fat is, I have digital scales which apparently tell you but I've no idea. Judging by my lack of strength and horribly shaped tummy im assuming I've lost lots of muscle and have too much fat. Is there a way to find out for sure what your body fat is?
  • Goldilukes
    Goldilukes Posts: 45 Member
    I am following the Wharton Clinic lifestyle plan.

    For everyone, diet is personal and is primarily geared by gender, age, activity level, health concerns, height, frame.

    1200 calories is the bare minimum. 55%carbs, 25% Fat, 20% Protein seems to be a standard often used.

    I'm 5'4", 51, female, average build with no significant health concerns - GERD and allergy asthma. I'm being watched for hypertension.

    I started with 1400 calories but now I'm on a 1500 calorie diet. Ideally I exercise daily (swimming). And, as reviewed by a Bariatric Educator, a Nutritionist, a GP and followed by a Cardiologist, my meal plan has been adjusted to 45%Carbs, 35%Protein and 20%Fat. I am to hit 30g of Fiber a day. And that's largely because of the exercise and my reports of being tired and my measurements changing noticeably with a weight loss averaging just under 2LBS a week. I've also been asked to increase my daily water intake to 10 glasses a day. In July, I will be reviewed again and my diet will likely be adjusted further.

    I think you're not eating enough food for the amount of energy you use up. It might serve you well to adjust the balance between carbs, protein and fat. A nutritionist can help you with that.

    I find that when my meals are not satiating, using Pgx granules eliminates that. I scoop is 5 calories in carbs and 5g in Fiber.

    It does happen that food calms down ulcers. If it doesn't, then maybe you really are having hunger pains. If you are thinking you may have an active ulcer, sipping water is often recommended. I have found Zagarasse Licorice (real licorice, not molasses) and Egyptian Licorice tea is very soothing. It might be something you might want to try to ease your ulcer - though it is an acquired taste.

    It does sound to me like you've made major lifestyle changes. Congratulations to you on that. You have an indomitable spirit!

    And of course, my best to you and I sincerely hope you find a resolution to your present question.

    <3

    Thank you so much for your kind words regarding my lifestyle change,I am for the first time in my life proud of myself for this as if I had been told last year what I'd achieve I'd have never believed it being they I am.

    I've never heard of that tea but I do love liquorice so I think I'd find that comforting even if it didn't help my stomach :)

    Thank you for taking the time to explain your situation and give advice, I would like to see a nutritionist because it's hard to know for sure if you are doing anything right. At the moment I am just going with what my body is enjoying except of course not giving in to the strange hunger feelings.
  • Goldilukes
    Goldilukes Posts: 45 Member
    If you're feeling constant pain and hunger then your body is trying to tell you something. In my opinion most people, unless they're morbidly obese, do not need to cut to 1200 calories to lose weight. I think that is a flaw in MFP because anyone who chooses 2lb a week loss gets that limit, regardless of their stats. Try setting it to 1lb a week loss and that way you can eat less on days when you feel like it, or eat more and not see the annoying red number of death.

    Lol it is an annoying red number of death especially when I enjoyed a nice steak :( I ignored the red that day though and will do it again because I know people never got obese on a good piece of steak.

    I'm going to mess around with my settings and see if that helps, I also think I should go to the doctor to rule out a stomach ulcer because if it is that then I'd be eating all those extra calories when I didn't need to :)
  • jouttie
    jouttie Posts: 109 Member
    Hi, Did you find out the answer? Did you rule out an ulcer? Best, Jayne

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