I'm STARVING!
seearainbow
Posts: 57 Member
I know, I just started back at dieting this week. My food logs are not completely filled out, but pretty close for the first part of the day. I forgot to log last night's food so if you look, don't tell me I'm just hungry from not eating! I don't really feel like going back to add stuff in because I know I went over my limit, but I still did sooooo much better than I normally do, so it's a start and I'm not mad and I didn't binge.
Here's my problem...I'm STARVING! I know how many calories I should eat, but I'm just so hungry all of the time! When I eat for stress or boredom, that's one thing...but not eating when I'm actually HUNGRY just makes me think I can't do this and that I won't be able to stick with it. I HATE feeling hungry (haha shows why I am in the obese category).
I have been focusing on high protein foods and healthy fats to help me with the hunger, but it doesn't seem to be working. I also down a lot of water when my tummy is growling to try to help me feel full. I've also tried some fiber rich foods paired with water but I still feel HUNGRY!
Help! Will it always be this bad? Is it just because I'm used to eating over twice the amount of food and my stomach is stretched out or something?
ETA: I'm looking for new and supportive friends on here, so please send a friend request if you're looking for some support too!
Here's my problem...I'm STARVING! I know how many calories I should eat, but I'm just so hungry all of the time! When I eat for stress or boredom, that's one thing...but not eating when I'm actually HUNGRY just makes me think I can't do this and that I won't be able to stick with it. I HATE feeling hungry (haha shows why I am in the obese category).
I have been focusing on high protein foods and healthy fats to help me with the hunger, but it doesn't seem to be working. I also down a lot of water when my tummy is growling to try to help me feel full. I've also tried some fiber rich foods paired with water but I still feel HUNGRY!
Help! Will it always be this bad? Is it just because I'm used to eating over twice the amount of food and my stomach is stretched out or something?
ETA: I'm looking for new and supportive friends on here, so please send a friend request if you're looking for some support too!
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Replies
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I was hungry at first, but then I started eating less more often. Like I have breakfast, a snack about 9:30-10 ish, lunch at 12:15, snack at 3:30-4 ish and then dinner at like 6ish. Im usually hungry around dinner, but I don't usually feel hungry during the day. If I feel hungry, I eat. You may have to adjust WHAT you're eating also, not just how frequently. Hope this helps...0
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I feel the same way and get so frustrated. How is your activity level? Exercise can be an appetite suppressant. I've had injuries so haven't been able to exercise much and it's made dieting difficult to say the least.0
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i just started back on this about 3 weeks ago. i was SO hungry the first week and half. i was also a binge eater. now i'm on week three and honestly sometimes i find it hard to eat all of my calories. i set my goal at 1350 and usually earn at least 150 in exercise a day. just keep going on and eventually you will realize the difference between hunger/boredom/habit. it takes time, but eventually you get there!0
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I have the same problem as you. I've gone to eating dill pickles straight out of the jar! They fill me up and don't have that many calories (1 large pickle has 5-10 calories). I find by the time I eat 3, which is almost 1/4 pound, I'm both satisfied... and just sick of eating pickles! Just something I've come up with and hopefully it helps you!0
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You can do it and don't give up!! Try eating small meals every hour or so... then space them out a little further as time goes on! When I first started I felt like I needed to eat all the time... now I do still get hungry more than I would like but I try to drink some water and eat a slice of turkey... or an apple to get rid of the hunger pains. I know you can do it!! If I can then anyone can... stick with it0
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Hi!
Do you like pinaples? They are low on calories and take away the feeling of being hungry!
:-)
Kind regards0 -
I can't see your diary, but if you aren't logging everything, how do you know you are eating the proper amount of calories? What are you eating in a typical day that you feel hungry? It may help us give you suggestions of things to fix in your diet.0
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I too felt the way you do. Currently I am eating every 2 hours and it helps a lot. My meals are smaller but I find that I'm never hungry.0
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It may take a week or two, but your stomach will shrink, and you will feel satisfied. If you are eatting lean protein that is great. I read in the Dukan diet book, that it takes 30% calories to digest protein, 12% complex carbs, 7% simple carbs. Protein normally makes you feel full longer, and fiber makes you feel full faster. Maybe mixing the two would be the best start of a diet for you.0
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I've found that eating smaller meals and snacking often helps me. I felt really hungry too. Exercise makes me hungrier lol!0
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it gets better! i promise! i've only been doing this for about 10 days now, but i have noticed that my body isn't as hungry as it used to be. it takes some getting used to...you know, the not binging (i know what that's like--i had an entire medium pizza the day before i started logging)
i have also noticed that logging immediately helps with accountability...i have the app on my phone, so it's easy to log right before i start eating, it lets me see what i'm about to put in, and has helped me re-think portions, so i don't go over what i'm allowed for the day.
if you get really hungry, what i found helps me, is to eat a hand full of almonds. but like i said, just give your body time to adjust to the new amounts that you are feeding it. i know it gets annoying, the hunger and the tummy rumbling, but your stomach will shrink according to your intake, so keep it small! ...i know, easier said than done!
anyway! keep it up! wishing you much sucess!!
adriana0 -
I felt the same way at first. I felt like I just wasn't eating enough. I started incorporating a side salad to my lunch and dinners and it helps a great deal.
Unfortunately, i can't see your diary0 -
Until a diet becomes a habit for me, i think about food ALL the time, which makes me think I'm hungry. Like everyone else, after a week or two, when my mind figures out that I am going to keep feeding it, just not as many junk foods or that third portion, then the feeling goes away. But when I splurge/binge, it always takes me a couple more days to get back on track again. I try and fill up with bulky foods (oatmeal and PB work for me) when I get that feeling and use a child's spoon to eat it so that I have to eat slower. Usually by the time I'm done the bowl, I'm so tired of eating because it took so dang long, that the hunger has passed Keep going. You will succeed!!!0
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The first few days always seem to be the worst. I try to eat something every few hours. I find that fruit fills me up. It isn't what I would call low calorie, but it is nutritious and also satisfies my sweet tooth. I eat oatmeal for breakfast, a fruit around 10, light lunch, fruit around 2:30 or so, and a balanced dinner. At night before bed if I start feeling hungry, I drink a glass of skim milk and that seems to fill me up. Good luck!0
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Hi Searainbow..
A couple weeks ago, I had to change my diet because of acid reflux attacks. I literally felt like there were holes in my stomach from the starvation of eating more vegetables and less flour or carb-based foods. However, i found that it helps a great deal if I drink water at the times when I feel hunger pangs coming on (this is between meals).. Over time the hunger subsided. Hope that helps!0 -
I've only been on site for 12 days and I'm down about 4 lbs. I thought I'd be hungry on 1200 cal a day, but surprisingly not. It does take ALOT of meal planning to get the "most bang for the calorie buck", but it does work. I prepared lunch today and could not even finish it. I also find I have alot more energy. The only time I feel hunger pangs seems to be about 11:30-midnight, so I eat some fruit or a trail bar for the last 100-150 cal I;ve saved. My brother put me on to this site and I love it. Good luck to you (and me too) !!0
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Hi all.... For those who feel they may be starving or are having cravings.... It may be that you're not eating the right types of food. Not only should be grazing all day, but you should be eating the right foods at the right times of the day for you. It's difficult to say what you're needs are because we're all different as are our needs.
Here are some things that help me. Take your body weight divide it by two and this is approximately how much water you should be drinking. Example: I weigh 185. 185 divided by 2 equals 92.5. so I drink about 92.5 oz of water. I like the little 16.9 oz water bottles and drink about 5 per day. Use whatever method works for you.
I also try to ensure I'm eating enough fiber because fiber based foods seem to fill you up. I like apples, bananas and pears but look up fiber foods and pick to your taste.
Stay focused... You can do it, we can help!!!0 -
Smaller meals but definetly protien. Almonds (not too many) and all nuts,egg,low fat cheeses,milk,yogurt, meat,beans...I try and incorporate protien into every meal. This will really help with the hunger. I am rarely ever hungry.0
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Friend, I know what you mean! Remember to be kind to yourself. Count everything that you do RIGHT! If you used to eat a whole row of Chips Ahoy, but now you only eat 4-5, that's progress! If you drank no more than 4 glasses of water a week and you're now drink some water everyday...you're adopting healthier habits! Everything you do towards your calorie-counting, more exercise, weight loss goal is a move in the right direction. So, keep tracking what you eat regardless of those green and red calorie bars. It's the daily effort towards the goal that matters most!0
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Open up your diary to public so we can see and give advice as to what you could tweek:))
I was starving at first too but my body got use to it...plus I started eating foods that would pack a punch:)) Also...you may need to increase your calories a bit:)) I did:))0 -
That is normal...trust me, we all went through it. I been on here since Feb and I still have my HUNGRY days! LOL
Hang in there and you will be just fine. I try to keep snacks at my desk since that is where I spend the majority of my day. from 8am- 4pm I am sitting here, working, and just trying to make it another day without cheating. I recently began eating the Fiber One bars and they have great flavors also. Right now I am eating the Oats & Strawberries with almonds. At first it will feel like a mouth of saw dust but hey it's better that falling off the bandwagon. Good luck, hang in there and stay focused! You can do this!!!!0 -
I guess my question is what do you have your calories set to? 2lbs a week is great and all, but it isn't worth it if you're starving all the time and end up overeating. I set mine to 1lb a week, and I *rarely* go over, I'm usually under. I'm going to attempt to start running >.> and add that to my exercise if I'm able to handle it. Hang in there!0
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It could be a couple of things so I will list what you did not mention:
1.First and foremost, there is a learning curve for your body. It will take some sometime for it to adjust. You are doing the right things, choosing high protein, high fiber foods etc. But there is a period where it will feel like what you have may not be enough. You shouldn't however feel starved....just not stuffed.
2.Could be BMI was calculated incorrectly initially. Check to make sure you selected the most appropriate “lifestyle” in the beginning. That dictates the calories you may have accounting for your deficit.
3.Speaking of deficit… have you set a realistic goal for weight loss. Some people go in and manipulate the numbers keeping their daily calories, though doable, way too low. (Can’t see your diary so just a guess
4.As mentioned in a few responses, be sure to graze. Eat frequently throughout the day. This strategy does not work for everyone but it tends to work for those that are feeling hungry.
5.This is tip that may not work for everyone but someone told me and it worked. Each time you feel hungry do an activity (or full workout if possible) instead of eating. Go for a walk, run or do crunches, sets of jumping jacks etc. Then afterwards eat your meal. Forgot the full explanation, but it helps your body burn calories more efficiently which may help with feelings of hunger.
Hope that helps
T0 -
it could be that you are craving carbs. if you have been used to eating a lot of them, you do become addicted to the point that it makes you FEEL hungry and you are not actually hungry0
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I would agree with everyone that it takes time for you body to adjust but I almost always get cravings about 1 hour after I eat lunch. So I drink lots of water and I also chew gum. It gives my mouth something to do! That usually ties me over until its time for my afternoon snack. One of my friends has cravings at night after dinner, she eats tootsie pops...they satisfy her sweet tooth, they are only 60 calories and they take a long time to eat!
I think you just have to find what works for you. Good luck!0 -
THANK YOU for all of the replies!
Sorry, I thought my diary was open to the public, I'll go change it ....I think it's open to friends only right now.
Someone asked how I knew I was eating the right amount if I'm not logging all of my calories--I knew that I went over. I know I need to log all of my calories. I am just starting out again and although I have made a lot of life changes this week, I get really discouraged to see myself go over the calorie limit (even if I used to eat at least 5,000 calories a day which I did a lot and now). BUT if I cut down from 5,000 calories to 2,000 or even 3,000 calories with some exercise in (from no exercise to some), those are big changes and improvements. So it helps me to be a bit less discouraged sometimes if I don't log everything, but let myself feel happy for the good choices I've made. Soon, I hope I will be to logging everything all day. I am moving this week and after that stress is out of the way and we have our dishes and cooking supplies back out, it will be easier.
I love some of your suggestions and am happy for all of your encouragement....THANK YOU!!!0 -
Try eating water based fruits and veggies. Whenever I get really hungry and it's not really time for a meal I like to eat some carrots with hummus (delicious, btw ), apple slices, or some grapes. I buy the apples slices for convienence and a serving of those is 70-80 calories, with 4 grams of fiber and they usually fill me up for a while. I also eat oatmeal (I get Quaker instant maple brown sugar- reduced kind) and add some PB2. It's like 165 calories and super filling, IMO. Good luck!0
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I don't really feel like going back to add stuff in because I know I went over my limit, but I still did sooooo much better than I normally do,
This is a really bad mindset to get into. You really need to track your food - especially on days you went over. While you think you did "sooooo much better than you normally do" - studies have shown people tend to SERIOUSLY underestimate what they are eating when they aren't tracking it. They forget about little bites here and there. A nibble here and a nibble there can add up to some serious damage - especially if you aren't nibbling on celery. (trust me... been there, done that!)
Another good reason to track everything is so we can help you. We may be able to see something you have over-looked. If you're eating a lot of simple carbs (bread, pasta, etc. - NOT whole grain but refined), you are going to feel more hungry because they digest more quickly than complex carbs.
Thirdly, by being able to see what you're doing, we can make suggestions based on what YOU are doing as opposed to just throwing out possible suggestions that may or may not be applicable to your individual circumstances.0 -
Ok people. I am sure she is perfectly aware of the need to track her food. No need to bash her for not tracking it ALL when she is first starting. Even coming here is a big step because it's a realization that she wants a change. That is more than a lot of people in the world choose to do about their weight! Celebrate the victories, comfort the missteps and support her!0
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As healthy as water based foods ie fruits and veggies are, they don't do much for satisfying your hunger and they dont' stay with a person long because they are all water. Do drink plenty of water but when i get hungry between meals i eat fat and what i mean by that i will eat a small handful of almonds or pistachio's which are full of healthy fats and suppress hunger incredibly well. Most people losing weight try to ignore or shy away from fat. Thats a bad idea as we all need a healthy amount of HEALTHY dietary fat every day of our life to be healthy.0
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