Why am I always hungry?

Hi Community,

I recently started doing serious weight lifting training (i.e. 4 times a week). Before I was doing only one or two weight lifting session per week and the rest was cardio. I noticed my appetite has seriously increased and I am always hungry.... I was wondering what happens to me? Why am I always hungry?

I have gained some lbs in the past week, this may explain why I am always hungry.

Jamal
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Replies

  • askeates
    askeates Posts: 1,490 Member
    It's hard to say with your diary not open so we can see. It could be you're not eating enough calories, it could be that the types of calories you are eating are not the correct type of calories..... Sorry I can't help more.
  • Jamal_Guildford
    Jamal_Guildford Posts: 214 Member
    It's hard to say with your diary not open so we can see. It could be you're not eating enough calories, it could be that the types of calories you are eating are not the correct type of calories..... Sorry I can't help more.

    I usually eat 2600 kcal per day: Breakfast (400kcal), morning snack (100kcal), lunch (850kcal) and dinner (1200kcal):

    Protein: eggs, tuna and peanut butter
    Carbs: bread, veg, yoghurt, milk, peanut butter and beers
    Fat: nuts, peanut butter and dressing.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    Lifting made me ravenous for the first couple of months. Then it started to settle down.

    How many grams of protein are you getting?
  • Rivethead
    Rivethead Posts: 9
    Sounds like you're burning more calories than you're taking in, if you've noticed an influx of hunger from switching to a more vigorous routine. I used to train pretty hard years ago and came across this problem before. I'd personally suggest adding more carbs to your diet to make up for the new deficit along with observing your body's response. Always remember - if you adjust your training, you will probably need to adjust your eating habits accordingly.
  • gypsy_spirit
    gypsy_spirit Posts: 2,107 Member
    Lifting made me ravenous for the first couple of months. Then it started to settle down.

    How many grams of protein are you getting?

    I had this same experience. Making sure I hit my protein goal was crucial.
  • keegan2149
    keegan2149 Posts: 65 Member
    There are a lot of factors that contribute to hunger.

    The most simple is your body reacting to changes in nutrition. A new program or not eating enough can cause your brain to release hormones to cause you to eat. It depends on how big your deficit is. It doesn't know you're working on your abs and thinks it's preventing your from starving to death.

    For example normal workouts burn about 600 calories, but sometimes I bike some trails near my house. That burns about 1400 calories. If I don't eat at least an extra 500 calories of fat or sugar and drink lots of water all I can do for the rest of the day is sleep and eat pizza.

    Also lack of sleep will cause it as well. When you sleep has an influence on when you're body wants to eat. So lack of sleep or frequent changes in your sleeping patterns will cause it.

    Do you crave the same foods or types of food? I hear that might be a clue. Personally, it's been true for me in the past. When I'm lifting and not eating enough protein I crave meats. When I'm not eating enough general calories I crave fats and salts. I'm not really big on sugar so I almost never get that urge.

    It's also easy to mistake thirst for hunger so if you're dehydrated it will cause you to want to eat.
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    Are you using TDEE? If so, run your numbers again with the new exercise days added plus your new weight if you've gained/lost.
  • W31RD0
    W31RD0 Posts: 173 Member
    This is quite common when you start working out. Also have you recently begun eating earlier? Eating breakfast for me helps me want to eat more throughout the day. Since your goal is gaining weight, I would just keep eating healthy things. If you get a little fat, it will help with the bulk.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    Are you using TDEE? If so, run your numbers again with the new exercise days added plus your new weight if you've gained/lost.

    This is a good suggestion too.

    And I'd add that in times when I've been regularly hungry-- like all the time for more than a few days-- it has turned out that I needed more calories.
  • astronomicals
    astronomicals Posts: 1,537 Member
    I thought u were bulking? Werent you 120# and 6'3"?
  • Jamal_Guildford
    Jamal_Guildford Posts: 214 Member
    I thought u were bulking? Werent you 120# and 6'3"?

    Yes I am trying to bulk. I am almost 180 lbs now ;)
  • bam1011
    bam1011 Posts: 5
    Make sure you are consuming 100 to 120 grams of protein a day.
  • Jamal_Guildford
    Jamal_Guildford Posts: 214 Member
    Lifting made me ravenous for the first couple of months. Then it started to settle down.

    How many grams of protein are you getting?

    I dont really track the number of protein but I am trying to have a high protein diet: whey protein, nuts, yoghurt, eggs, tuna, peanut butter and milk.
  • Jamal_Guildford
    Jamal_Guildford Posts: 214 Member
    There are a lot of factors that contribute to hunger.

    The most simple is your body reacting to changes in nutrition. A new program or not eating enough can cause your brain to release hormones to cause you to eat. It depends on how big your deficit is. It doesn't know you're working on your abs and thinks it's preventing your from starving to death.

    For example normal workouts burn about 600 calories, but sometimes I bike some trails near my house. That burns about 1400 calories. If I don't eat at least an extra 500 calories of fat or sugar and drink lots of water all I can do for the rest of the day is sleep and eat pizza.

    Also lack of sleep will cause it as well. When you sleep has an influence on when you're body wants to eat. So lack of sleep or frequent changes in your sleeping patterns will cause it.

    Do you crave the same foods or types of food? I hear that might be a clue. Personally, it's been true for me in the past. When I'm lifting and not eating enough protein I crave meats. When I'm not eating enough general calories I crave fats and salts. I'm not really big on sugar so I almost never get that urge.

    It's also easy to mistake thirst for hunger so if you're dehydrated it will cause you to want to eat.

    I actually sleep very well: 8 hours per night on average and sometimes I take some naps.

    I dont really crave for food anymore and I like treating myself. So when I want something, I take it and eat it.

    Finally I drink A LOT of water every day, so I dont think I mistake thirst for hunger.
  • Jamal_Guildford
    Jamal_Guildford Posts: 214 Member
    This is quite common when you start working out. Also have you recently begun eating earlier? Eating breakfast for me helps me want to eat more throughout the day. Since your goal is gaining weight, I would just keep eating healthy things. If you get a little fat, it will help with the bulk.

    I eat throughout the day and never skip meals: 2 breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sometimes I have a post work-out drink: protein shake or beer ;)
  • bam1011
    bam1011 Posts: 5
    Protein is the key to weight loss and muscle build up. You should also consume high protein within 30 minutes of working out. Use MFP to monitor you protein. 3 ounces of chicken is 20 grams. You have to eat a lot to get the 100 to 120 grams of protein a day.
  • bam1011
    bam1011 Posts: 5
    BTW I add 1 scoop of protein powder to Dannon Greek Fit & Light yogurt (12g protein) to make it 23g of protein). Top it off with 1/4C of Kashi cereal and it makes for an awesome breakfast.
  • Jamal_Guildford
    Jamal_Guildford Posts: 214 Member
    Are you using TDEE? If so, run your numbers again with the new exercise days added plus your new weight if you've gained/lost.

    I am using TDEE, below is my training plan. How many times of training per week should I consider with this training plan to calculate my TDEE?

    Monday: Workout A on machines: Arm Curl (6x8), Lat pull (6x8), Dips (6x8), Lying Triceps (6x8), Shoulder press (6x8), Chin up (6x8), Cardio (20 minutes running)

    Tuesday: moderate cardio (cycling 26 miles)

    Wednesday: Free weights work out: Arm Curl (6x8), Tricep Extensions (6x8), Bench press (6x8), Crunch (6x30), Shoulder press (6x8), Lying Fly (6x8), Supine bicep curl (6x8), Squat (6x8)

    Thursday: moderate cardio (cycling 26 miles)

    Friday: Workout B on machines: Leg press (6x8), Leg Curls (6x8), Chest press (6x8), Chest fly (6x8), Arm Curl (6x8), Leg raise (6x8), Cardio (20 minutes running).

    Saturday: rest day

    Sunday: Workout A

    And the following week I switch workout A with workout B. I am trying to do each set at my maximum (sometimes I only manage to do 3 reps).
  • Tedebearduff
    Tedebearduff Posts: 1,155 Member
    Hi Community,

    I recently started doing serious weight lifting training (i.e. 4 times a week). Before I was doing only one or two weight lifting session per week and the rest was cardio. I noticed my appetite has seriously increased and I am always hungry.... I was wondering what happens to me? Why am I always hungry?

    I have gained some lbs in the past week, this may explain why I am always hungry.

    Jamal

    In short eat more protein with each meal and you wont be as hungry, it takes longer to break down and keeps you full longer.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    Are you using TDEE? If so, run your numbers again with the new exercise days added plus your new weight if you've gained/lost.

    I am using TDEE, below is my training plan. How many times of training per week should I consider with this training plan to calculate my TDEE?

    Monday: Workout A on machines: Arm Curl (6x8), Lat pull (6x8), Dips (6x8), Lying Triceps (6x8), Shoulder press (6x8), Chin up (6x8), Cardio (20 minutes running)

    Tuesday: moderate cardio (cycling 26 miles)

    Wednesday: Free weights work out: Arm Curl (6x8), Tricep Extensions (6x8), Bench press (6x8), Crunch (6x30), Shoulder press (6x8), Lying Fly (6x8), Supine bicep curl (6x8), Squat (6x8)

    Thursday: moderate cardio (cycling 26 miles)

    Friday: Workout B on machines: Leg press (6x8), Leg Curls (6x8), Chest press (6x8), Chest fly (6x8), Arm Curl (6x8), Leg raise (6x8), Cardio (20 minutes running).

    Saturday: rest day

    Sunday: Workout A

    And the following week I switch workout A with workout B. I am trying to do each set at my maximum (sometimes I only manage to do 3 reps).

    I'd consider that 6 days per week or the highest activity level.
  • Jamal_Guildford
    Jamal_Guildford Posts: 214 Member
    Are you using TDEE? If so, run your numbers again with the new exercise days added plus your new weight if you've gained/lost.

    I am using TDEE, below is my training plan. How many times of training per week should I consider with this training plan to calculate my TDEE?

    Monday: Workout A on machines: Arm Curl (6x8), Lat pull (6x8), Dips (6x8), Lying Triceps (6x8), Shoulder press (6x8), Chin up (6x8), Cardio (20 minutes running)

    Tuesday: moderate cardio (cycling 26 miles)

    Wednesday: Free weights work out: Arm Curl (6x8), Tricep Extensions (6x8), Bench press (6x8), Crunch (6x30), Shoulder press (6x8), Lying Fly (6x8), Supine bicep curl (6x8), Squat (6x8)

    Thursday: moderate cardio (cycling 26 miles)

    Friday: Workout B on machines: Leg press (6x8), Leg Curls (6x8), Chest press (6x8), Chest fly (6x8), Arm Curl (6x8), Leg raise (6x8), Cardio (20 minutes running).

    Saturday: rest day

    Sunday: Workout A

    And the following week I switch workout A with workout B. I am trying to do each set at my maximum (sometimes I only manage to do 3 reps).

    I'd consider that 6 days per week or the highest activity level.

    Really? I really underestimated my TDEE... Based on http://iifym.com/tdee-calculator/, my TDEE is 2841 kcal. Does it mean I can eat more :)?
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    Are you using TDEE? If so, run your numbers again with the new exercise days added plus your new weight if you've gained/lost.

    I am using TDEE, below is my training plan. How many times of training per week should I consider with this training plan to calculate my TDEE?

    Monday: Workout A on machines: Arm Curl (6x8), Lat pull (6x8), Dips (6x8), Lying Triceps (6x8), Shoulder press (6x8), Chin up (6x8), Cardio (20 minutes running)

    Tuesday: moderate cardio (cycling 26 miles)

    Wednesday: Free weights work out: Arm Curl (6x8), Tricep Extensions (6x8), Bench press (6x8), Crunch (6x30), Shoulder press (6x8), Lying Fly (6x8), Supine bicep curl (6x8), Squat (6x8)

    Thursday: moderate cardio (cycling 26 miles)

    Friday: Workout B on machines: Leg press (6x8), Leg Curls (6x8), Chest press (6x8), Chest fly (6x8), Arm Curl (6x8), Leg raise (6x8), Cardio (20 minutes running).

    Saturday: rest day

    Sunday: Workout A

    And the following week I switch workout A with workout B. I am trying to do each set at my maximum (sometimes I only manage to do 3 reps).

    I'd consider that 6 days per week or the highest activity level.

    Really? I really underestimated my TDEE... Based on http://iifym.com/tdee-calculator/, my TDEE is 2841 kcal. Does it mean I can eat more :)?

    Probably-- especially if you're trying to gain weight.

    Keep in mind that your logging has to be accurate and the TDEE calculator is an estimate and adjust according to your actual results.

    Also keep in mind if you bump up your calories you may gain temporary water weight at first.
  • Jamal_Guildford
    Jamal_Guildford Posts: 214 Member
    Are you using TDEE? If so, run your numbers again with the new exercise days added plus your new weight if you've gained/lost.

    I am using TDEE, below is my training plan. How many times of training per week should I consider with this training plan to calculate my TDEE?

    Monday: Workout A on machines: Arm Curl (6x8), Lat pull (6x8), Dips (6x8), Lying Triceps (6x8), Shoulder press (6x8), Chin up (6x8), Cardio (20 minutes running)

    Tuesday: moderate cardio (cycling 26 miles)

    Wednesday: Free weights work out: Arm Curl (6x8), Tricep Extensions (6x8), Bench press (6x8), Crunch (6x30), Shoulder press (6x8), Lying Fly (6x8), Supine bicep curl (6x8), Squat (6x8)

    Thursday: moderate cardio (cycling 26 miles)

    Friday: Workout B on machines: Leg press (6x8), Leg Curls (6x8), Chest press (6x8), Chest fly (6x8), Arm Curl (6x8), Leg raise (6x8), Cardio (20 minutes running).

    Saturday: rest day

    Sunday: Workout A

    And the following week I switch workout A with workout B. I am trying to do each set at my maximum (sometimes I only manage to do 3 reps).

    I'd consider that 6 days per week or the highest activity level.

    Really? I really underestimated my TDEE... Based on http://iifym.com/tdee-calculator/, my TDEE is 2841 kcal. Does it mean I can eat more :)?

    Probably-- especially if you're trying to gain weight.

    Keep in mind that your logging has to be accurate and the TDEE calculator is an estimate and adjust according to your actual results.

    Also keep in mind if you bump up your calories you may gain temporary water weight at first.

    OK thanks for your advice. I noticed after a night out, the scale goes up (up to 3kgs some days) it's probably water weight.
  • raindawg
    raindawg Posts: 348 Member
    Same thing happened to me when I switched from moderate lifting to heavy lifting. The first two weeks or so I felt like I couldn't keep up with my appetite.
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    Definitely run your numbers again, at 6 days, as acrylics said, and if you haven't changed it up since gaining weight, no wonder you're hungry!

    I'd track protein too as someone else said. Have you tried the IIFYM.com calculator, I quite like that one.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    Are you using TDEE? If so, run your numbers again with the new exercise days added plus your new weight if you've gained/lost.

    I am using TDEE, below is my training plan. How many times of training per week should I consider with this training plan to calculate my TDEE?

    Monday: Workout A on machines: Arm Curl (6x8), Lat pull (6x8), Dips (6x8), Lying Triceps (6x8), Shoulder press (6x8), Chin up (6x8), Cardio (20 minutes running)

    Tuesday: moderate cardio (cycling 26 miles)

    Wednesday: Free weights work out: Arm Curl (6x8), Tricep Extensions (6x8), Bench press (6x8), Crunch (6x30), Shoulder press (6x8), Lying Fly (6x8), Supine bicep curl (6x8), Squat (6x8)

    Thursday: moderate cardio (cycling 26 miles)

    Friday: Workout B on machines: Leg press (6x8), Leg Curls (6x8), Chest press (6x8), Chest fly (6x8), Arm Curl (6x8), Leg raise (6x8), Cardio (20 minutes running).

    Saturday: rest day

    Sunday: Workout A

    And the following week I switch workout A with workout B. I am trying to do each set at my maximum (sometimes I only manage to do 3 reps).

    I'd consider that 6 days per week or the highest activity level.

    Really? I really underestimated my TDEE... Based on http://iifym.com/tdee-calculator/, my TDEE is 2841 kcal. Does it mean I can eat more :)?

    Probably-- especially if you're trying to gain weight.

    Keep in mind that your logging has to be accurate and the TDEE calculator is an estimate and adjust according to your actual results.

    Also keep in mind if you bump up your calories you may gain temporary water weight at first.

    OK thanks for your advice. I noticed after a night out, the scale goes up (up to 3kgs some days) it's probably water weight.

    Yes, exactly like that.
  • Jamal_Guildford
    Jamal_Guildford Posts: 214 Member
    Definitely run your numbers again, at 6 days, as acrylics said, and if you haven't changed it up since gaining weight, no wonder you're hungry!

    I'd track protein too as someone else said. Have you tried the IIFYM.com calculator, I quite like that one.

    According to IIFYM, my TDEE is 2851 kcal with Mifflin-St Jeor: 1m94, 81 kg and train 6 times a week.
  • keefmac
    keefmac Posts: 313 Member
    When I was lifting I used to have a can of Tuna after my session, really filling and full of protein, as peolpe have said you may need more carbs to fuel your workouts and your body is telling you this?.

    I also used to eat a lot of chopped apple with cottage cheese for mid morning snacks when training.
  • swaye78
    swaye78 Posts: 3 Member
    could be muscle mass. muscle weighs more than fat
  • mchlsmit
    mchlsmit Posts: 13 Member
    You probably aren't eating enough. 2600 is probably not much more than your BMR if you aren't aiming for fat loss. Be careful with the beer (no real nutritional value) and the peanut butter (good protein but lots of fat also). Be careful that you don't overtrain. Your reps are unusual - most body builders stick with 3 sets of 10 - 15 reps. if you aim for failure every time you will overtrain and all things will come to a screeching halt.

    Try eating 5-6 times a day with a ratio of 50% carbs, 30% protein and 20% fat. aim for 500 calorie meals. after a few weeks adjust your intake/ratios.