Questions

tigg1014
tigg1014 Posts: 6
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
1. When is the best time to work out? I get home from work around 5pm. I have been working out about a half hour after dinner, but i often wonder if I should try and work out before dinner...

2. I need some low calorie meals that are going to fill me up... I am tired of the hunger pains... I am watching what I eat and counting calories but I am always hungry and then I snack. It seems like every other day I go over my calories...

Replies

  • RunHardBeStrong
    RunHardBeStrong Posts: 33,069 Member
    1. I say anytime you can fit a workout in is a great time! Do what works for you. I've read do it in the morning for certain reasons but then they say do it in the evening for other reasons. Again I say do it when you can, it's better than never!

    2. Add lots of lean protein to your diet. Your body needs the protein to rebuild muscle and protein takes longer to digest keeping you fullI longer. It works, I have protein with every meal/snack meaning I have about 5 servings of protein a day.
  • VixFit2011
    VixFit2011 Posts: 663 Member
    Maybe dividing meals to 6 per day, small meals rather than eating 3 times a day with little snacks. I've heard that keeps your metabolism going.
    I've found since being here that I used to eat very little all day (mainly because I'd forget to eat when I was busy) and then I would mega munch in the evenings. Now I try to eat meals and snacks (good ones) and am doing much better.
  • ladyhawk00
    ladyhawk00 Posts: 2,457 Member
    Can't see your diary, so it's hard to offer much advice on what to change in your eating. But typically hunger is from two things - your cal goal may be set too low. For some people, it's better to gradually lower cals, rather than just make a drastic drop. Might try lowering your loss per week goal for a couple of weeks to give yourself time to adjust to eating less. Also, make sure you're eating the cals added for exercise - they're added for a reason.

    Aside from that, focus on getting lean protein and good fats, and avoid the processed foods (especially high sugar/sodium). Protein, healthy fats and complex carbs will make you feel fuller for longer.
  • JMCade
    JMCade Posts: 389 Member
    1. I say anytime you can fit a workout in is a great time! Do what works for you. I've read do it in the morning for certain reasons but then they say do it in the evening for other reasons. Again I say do it when you can, it's better than never!

    2. Add lots of lean protein to your diet. Your body needs the protein to rebuild muscle and protein takes longer to digest keeping you fullI have longer. It works, I have protein with every meal/snack meaning I have about 5 servings of protein a day.
    I agree- just do it! I end up working out after work and before dinner. Whatever works!
  • lesliefoste
    lesliefoste Posts: 137 Member
    1. anytime you WILL workout is the best time! :) Seriously, except for right before bed (if it keeps you awake), any time is a good time to exercise. Personally, I work out first thing in the morning, because I'm always tired after work and use that as an excuse to skip.

    2. I usually find that if I'm hungry it's because I'm eating too many calorie-dense foods (basically, junk food) and not enough fresh fruits, veggies, and lean protein. Not all calories are created equal. Proteins take longer to break down than carbs, so they make you feel full longer. Any food with fiber and water in it (basically any fruit or veggie; soups with whole grains, etc.) will also fill you up.
  • fcrisswell
    fcrisswell Posts: 234 Member
    Are you also eating back your exercise calories? You may be hungry depending on your workouts and then if you are not eating back at least some of those calories....your body is telling you smething.

    I don't always eat ALL of mine....I am afraid that the workout calories are way off. But when I work out I do eat a little more that day to compensate.
  • rundgrenfan
    rundgrenfan Posts: 211
    I can only put my two cents in for number 2 because my only workout is housework and gardening, which are done whenever possible and never finished!

    One thing that has worked for me is to make myself a pot of soup (like the weight watchers zero point soup) once a week or so. I make dinner for the family as usual, and I eat a measured portion of whatever it is, plus my soup, which is really low calorie. Or I might cut up an orange and eat it with my dinner.

    Maybe this is too simple to be helpful, but I realized I had to give myself permission to make something special just for myself to take care of myself. (Of course, if anyone else wants soup, I'm happy to share it!)

    The hunger pains will go away eventually. This part that you're going through now kind of stinks! Good luck!
  • leitchr
    leitchr Posts: 1
    Part of the reason you may still fill hungry is thirst. Most people mistake being hungry with your body's natural request for fluids. I suggest you drink a cup of room temperature water before you eat dinner- that will help make you feel full. if you are like me- you struggle to drink enough water each day, technically you are supposed to drink half your body weight in fluids - so if you weigh 100lbs you should drink 50oz of water a day. I find that putting some lemon and 1 stevia in to make lemonaid helps me get the water I need.

    Also many people who are watching what they eat naturally think low-fat to no-fat is best. Fat & fiber in foods is what also helps you feel full. Make sure you have a little healthy fat with a meal - nuts, avacado, olive oil etc
  • tigg1014
    tigg1014 Posts: 6
    Thank you everyone for the great advice... Next question leads me to: What are some examples of Lean Protein... When I think of Protein I think of Meats, But I thought most meats were fatty... So which ones are better to eat (and easy for a packed lunch)???
  • ladyhawk00
    ladyhawk00 Posts: 2,457 Member
    Thank you everyone for the great advice... Next question leads me to: What are some examples of Lean Protein... When I think of Protein I think of Meats, But I thought most meats were fatty... So which ones are better to eat (and easy for a packed lunch)???

    Well, you want to focus on lean protein, but really there are lots of sources of good protein that have little fat (and fat isn't the demon it's made out to be.) Chicken, turkey and fish are best. Pork has a lot of good lean cuts (like tenderloin) - pork you mostly just want to avoid the cured cuts like sausage or some hams, due to sodium. Lots of lean beef cuts are fine as well - you just want to avoid the really fatty cuts.

    Also things like eggs, low fat dairy, nuts and nut butters, and beans are good.

    ETA: I find a good way to get lunches out of it is to roast a big meal (a whole chicken or turkey, or large pork or beef roast) and make your own lunch meat with it - it avoids the sodium and chemicals in lunchmeats. Cook it, carve it up and then divide into portions and freeze. Then thaw it out as needed.
  • u0904058
    u0904058 Posts: 19
    If you want to snack eat nuts or fruits. Eat low fat natural yoghurt as it is really good for dieting, Just add honey or berries to it.
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