Protein help

Knowing the calorie content would help. Adding a complex carbohydrate will extend the satiation. Like a salad with croutons at lunch.

I think it varies per person. Protein doesnt "satisfy" me - even tho I am not technically "hungry" so much after eating it, I am still wanting to eat. If I throw some fat in with it though, I am less likely to continue looking for more.
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- Experiment and see what combo of F/P/C works best to keep you satisfied the longest!

Actually pretty normal to feel a bit hungry the first week or two of starting this program, especially if you've cut your calories dramatically from what your body was used to eating beforehand.

If you still feel hungry all the time after a week or two, it's likely you're not eating enough. What are your stats (height/weight/age) and what's your calorie goal?

I think there is something to the protein being more filing. 300 calories of chicken is going to feel like more food then 300 calories of candy bar, both while your eating and after.

I do think that if you were over eating for awhile then even eating at maintenance you might feel hungry, maybe even considerably hungry. but if that continues for a few weeks your probably eating a bit too little.

Mcbeal1230 wrote: »

I appreciate everyone's input! cal goal is 1400 cals/day- STATS are 5'2", 230, 33

Then you're probably eating too little. This may vary based on body fat, level of daily activity, etc. but your sedentary TDEE is estimated at somewhere in the neighbourhood of 2045 calories/day. A 20% deficit would mean you should eat between 1630 (sedentary) and 1875 (lightly active) -- maybe more if you're working out a lot.

Recheck your calorie intake. Aim for 1 pound loss a week.

You can also try eating snacks so you don't have to wait so long between meals. Just keep your daily intake around your MFP number and you should see results.

If just starting and you have cut what you normally eat to what you are eating now drastically - you will be "hungry" for a few weeks. It takes your body time to readjust. It becomes used to eating a certain amount, at certain times, and certain foods.

As far as the protein goes - I find eating protein seems to fill me up better than drinking it.

Best of luck!

Also: You really don't need to bother with protein powders and shakes unless you find you're regularly not getting enough protein from your diet. Most people do just fine with their regular food intake. Just eat lean meats, fish and vegetable protein sources as part of your diet and see how you do. If you're getting between 15-35% of your calories from protein, you're probably okay.

**Not to disparage protein powders and shakes... if people like them or swear by them, that's fine. There's nothing wrong with them. But there's also no reason why you *have* to eat them if you don't enjoy them, either.

Agree you need to look at calorie goals 1400 is low I am at 1500 and maintaining but I am also 130lbs at 5'3 and eat all exercise calories back.
If you eat at a higher level and watch the sugar in some protein powder you will find protein will satisfy. I also do eat snacks daily that can be 1-3 snacks a day

Mcbeal1230 wrote: »

Hmm...I was given 1400 by the doc to aim for a .5lb weight loss per week. Now I am questioning this ~

I would really question that if I were you, too. A 0.5lb/week loss would imply that your TDEE is only 1650. Which is very unlikely at your height and weight. I'd suggest a second opinion on that one.

Body Fortress fills me up more than any other protein powder.

If you want to feel full eat lots of fiber. Get a head of lettuce, dump some Franks Hot Sauce on it, and om nom nom. That's what I do when I don't want to eat a lot of calories.

Mcbeal1230 wrote: »

I thought protein was supposed to help suppress hunger- I had a protein shake for breakfast, a healthy lunch including a greek yogurt, and I have still felt extremely hungry. Is it because I am just starting? Will it get better?

Mcbeal you are correct about proteins curbing hunger based on studies of the Atkins diet. It worked in part because people ate fewer calories because all the protein made them less hungry.

Carbs give us a fast buzz but do not have the staying power as say proteins so we sag and the brain kicks our butts to go to find it more food.

It is not really that simple. I was hungry all of the time until I cut out most carbs. Yes I thought I was going to die but then getting hungry was never again life controlling.

I feel the most full if I've eaten some fat. Carbs do nothing for me, but make me hungrier. Protein helps for me, but not like a little fat. So a little guacamole or peanut butter or some nuts make me full .

Also, once you get used to eating less it will be a lot easier to actually eat less and not feel hungry.