Hungrier Since Increasing Calories and Constant Headaches

ShannK210
ShannK210 Posts: 21 Member
in Goal: Maintaining Weight
Hello all! I just recently developed a problem and need some advice.

Some background information: I'm 22, about 124 pounds, and approximately 5' 5" to 5' 6". For a long time I ate at a low amount of calories and saw my hair thinning. So I decided I would plug in a normal day, and my calories came out to about 1,400 or 1,500 with a low amount of protein, so I figured that was probably the reason. I then used MFP's recommendation for a sedimentary 125 pound female, which came out to be 1,690 calories. I stuck to that set amount for a while and then slowly increased my calories, since I was losing pretty steadily. Now, I eat at 2,000 calories, before exercise, since I lift weights 5 to 6 days a week for about 45 minutes to an hour, making sure to increase weight when appropriate and mixing it up occasionally. I then eat those exercise calories back, depending on how hungry I am. I use Fitclick.com for the number of calories I burn, which may be low. If I'm hungry, I'll go over those calories allowed and eat healthy things like fruits, veggies, nuts, milk, and string cheese and just eat until I'm full. If I'm not that hungry, I won't eat all my exercise calories back; I'm just trying to listen what my body is telling me.

Lately, since I've been eating at or around 2,000 calories, I've been a lot hungrier. I kind of figure my metabolism is increasing or recovering, since I was able to get full on 1,400 to 1,500 calories. But this last Tuesday, I was hungry all day. The next day, I ate lunch and wasn't very hungry after that but had a dull headache that felt like a tiny bit of pressure most or all of the day. Thursday, it was the same thing. Yesterday, I ate breakfast and was still hungry after that, so I ate lunch early and felt starving shortly after that. Today, I didn't eat any breakfast, and after lunch, I felt lightheaded, so I laid down for a bit and felt fine after that. I wasn't hungry after that until I ate some veggies. I now have a tiny bit of a headache and am kind of hungry, so I may eat something.

I'm thinking it might be I'm not eating enough. I would appreciate the help. Thanks :smile:.

Replies

  • ShannK210
    ShannK210 Posts: 21 Member
    I also eat less than 2,000 calories on non exercise days.
  • hortensehildegarde
    hortensehildegarde Posts: 592 Member
    Not expressing an opinion on if this is affecting you or not but something to think about- my satiety level varies widely in relation to TOM. Also how hydrated I am and my caffeine intake affects how I feel and things like being headachy.

    You are at a good weight so continuing to up your calories gradually until you find your personal maintenance level wouldn't be a horrible idea.
  • Catter_05
    Catter_05 Posts: 155 Member
    I'm not sure where you live, but right now my sinuses are causing terrible pressure and headaches for me. I have talked to several others who are feeling similarly. It could be a coincidence.
  • Josephine237
    Josephine237 Posts: 72 Member
    Don't guess. If the headaches continue, go see your doctor.
  • Skrib69
    Skrib69 Posts: 687 Member
    Looking at your diary, I would say drink more. You are not logging any cups of water through the day (but then again neither do I!), or any other drinks like tea, soda etc (which I do). The primary cause of a hangover headache is dehydration, and this could be causing your current headache. However, it's only a theory to try so if it doesnt work I would suggest a proffessional!
  • Surreal2You
    Surreal2You Posts: 16 Member
    Possibly your headaches may be caused by not drinking enough water, especially after sweating it out at your workout sessions. As well as for the headaches your body is possibly telling you to eat more. As for your your hunger issues is that maybe you are not eating enough fibrous foods, which should help keep you fuller longer.
  • zeal26
    zeal26 Posts: 602 Member
    It could always be a coincidence and your headaches are being triggered by something else.

    Are you drinking enough water? Eating any foods you weren't previously eating? Maybe you're a bit run down and experiencing sinus pain?

    It wouldn't hurt to speak to a doctor. :)
  • philwrightfitness
    philwrightfitness Posts: 122
    Headaches could be caused by your diet cheese for example is a well known migraine activator , I would note when your headaches occur and what you ate also 2000 calories ? I'm on 2200 calories and im six two and 200 pounds plus! Although I am cutting atm unless you train like a pro it sounds a bit high
    Lastly if your previous diet was low on carbs it could be that you were in ketosis and perhaps your body is acclimatising back to high carbs below 100g of carb a day your brain begins to rely on ketones for fuel instead of carbs and you get headaches for a little while when you keto adapt it doesn't seem unreasonable that the reverse is possible
  • Anniebotnen
    Anniebotnen Posts: 332 Member
    What has your weight been doing since you started increasing your calories? What are your current goals - lose, maintain or gain?
    Either way, I think with the amount of weight training you do, you should consider upping your protein. How much depends on your current goals. More protein would more than likely help with the hunger.

    In regards to the headaches, I agree with others that it could be caused by dehydration, but if drinking more water doesn't help, definitely discuss with your doctor!

    ETA: Try eating on a regular schedule too, I.e. no meal skipping to see if it helps with the light headedness. If not, that would be another issue to discuss with your doctor.
  • ShannK210
    ShannK210 Posts: 21 Member
    Thanks for you help, everyone! I'm from Iowa. I currently don't have a scale, but with increasing my calories, I haven't noticed any gains just from looking in the mirror and how my clothes fit. I used to be a stickler about logging my water intake, but I've been kind of lazy about it. How much should I drink each day? I also make sure to get at least 0.8 kg of my body weight, which comes out to about 99 g of protein a day. How much protein should I eat a day? About a week ago, I recently just started drinking coffee again after about about a 3 month break just drinking caffeine free tea. As for the headache last night, I did eat something that put me over the 1950 calorie mark that I aimed for, but I think my hunger and headache were gone (I don't have a great short term memory at all, lol).
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Drink massive amounts of H20. Dehydration can cause headaches.
  • Kate7294
    Kate7294 Posts: 783 Member
    H20. I've read to drink between 1/2-1 cup per pound of body weight daily. Plus if you feel dizzy on days you work out you may need to add some potassium.

    Also the day after having a good workout I'm also hungrier during the day. I just try to eat smaller meals more often on those days.
  • twinkle150
    twinkle150 Posts: 133 Member
    Maybe look at what you are eating..rather than just calories. Foods with fiber and fat will keep you feeling full longer. They are the slow burn foods and help keep you sugar levels even. . Foods with high carbs (the fast burn) will affect you sugar levels and you will feel hungry faster.. light headed if you sugar levels fall.
    Also like others have suggested check you water intake. It will help you feel full, Not enough water and you can get headaches.
  • farahrahm
    farahrahm Posts: 13 Member
    Hi there.
    Coupled with your hair loss, the headache and changes in appetite could be due to a hormonal problem. Please consider seeing your doctor to check your blood sugar levels and possibly other components of your endocrine system based on their examination.
    Good luck.
  • RaspberryTickleChicken
    RaspberryTickleChicken Posts: 629 Member
    hmmmm ... aside from water consumption (I never log my water intake) has there been any change to the carbs that you consume?

    In either a change in type and / or quantity?

    My husband was doing the atkins and I thought since it focused on low sugar & carbs I didn't see any harm in trying it myself. Just a slight variance in the carbs gave me headaches and when I switched back to my regular eating I had headaches again until I guess my body adjusted.

    But I'd say if it persist you should really see a physician and/or nutritionist.

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