Beating "Phantom Hunger"!

saschagala
saschagala Posts: 10 Member
edited November 22 in Introduce Yourself
Hey guys!

Let me tell you about my case:

It all started with my first boyfriend four years ago and the use of contraception. I gained a lot of water weight thanks to it and never really managed to completely lose it, even after breaking off the pill.
After that, when I had to study for some stressful exams, I completely forgot to feed myself properly and miraculously shredded quite a handful of pounds. However, as soon as the exams passed, I went back to black by binge-eating to over-compensate for the time I unconsciously "starved" myself. And right now, I work at a restaurant - the binge-eating has turned into "phantom hunger" attacks, which occur several times a day. They're the worst: It's a gnawing feeling of ungovernable hunger, accompanied by the soury sensation of collywobbles. This unfortunately leads to me secretly snacking loads of chocolate truffles, and I fear for it to become a seriously unhealthy habit.

Now, technically, I'm not "fat", just a bit chubby. Nonetheless, I despise the way I look, so much in fact, that I haven't been on a beach in over three years. I really, really need to get myself together and somehow gain the willpower to convince my body that those hunger attacks must be ignored. So, tell me, what do you do when hunger seems to beat you but you have to stay strong?

Please, add me as a friend, I'd appreciate some motivating company!

Replies

  • rosebarnalice
    rosebarnalice Posts: 3,488 Member
    Instead of the chocolate, surround yourself with things that you can eat that are very filling but low calorie-- how about some raw celery, carrot sticks, or broccoli florets? High fiber crudite veggies can help you feel full. Another trick is to slam--and I mean SLAM-- a big-old glass of water, or even two. Drink it as fast as you can--so fast that it makes you feel icky. Tepid or room temperature water is easier to slam than super cold water-- but it can quickly fill you up, and also start to break that habit if reaching for the chokkies.
  • saschagala
    saschagala Posts: 10 Member
    rosebarnalice wrote: »
    Instead of the chocolate, surround yourself with things that you can eat that are very filling but low calorie-- how about some raw celery, carrot sticks, or broccoli florets? High fiber crudite veggies can help you feel full. Another trick is to slam--and I mean SLAM-- a big-old glass of water, or even two. Drink it as fast as you can--so fast that it makes you feel icky. Tepid or room temperature water is easier to slam than super cold water-- but it can quickly fill you up, and also start to break that habit if reaching for the chokkies.

    The water slam sounds great! I have to walk a lot at work and forget to drink enough, so instead of eating chocolate, I'll simply drink, therefore killing two birds with one stone. Thanks a lot!!
  • angeliebeh
    angeliebeh Posts: 8 Member
    saschagala wrote: »
    Hey guys!

    Let me tell you about my case:

    It all started with my first boyfriend four years ago and the use of contraception. I gained a lot of water weight thanks to it and never really managed to completely lose it, even after breaking off the pill.
    After that, when I had to study for some stressful exams, I completely forgot to feed myself properly and miraculously shredded quite a handful of pounds. However, as soon as the exams passed, I went back to black by binge-eating to over-compensate for the time I unconsciously "starved" myself. And right now, I work at a restaurant - the binge-eating has turned into "phantom hunger" attacks, which occur several times a day. They're the worst: It's a gnawing feeling of ungovernable hunger, accompanied by the soury sensation of collywobbles. This unfortunately leads to me secretly snacking loads of chocolate truffles, and I fear for it to become a seriously unhealthy habit.

    Now, technically, I'm not "fat", just a bit chubby. Nonetheless, I despise the way I look, so much in fact, that I haven't been on a beach in over three years. I really, really need to get myself together and somehow gain the willpower to convince my body that those hunger attacks must be ignored. So, tell me, what do you do when hunger seems to beat you but you have to stay strong?

    Please, add me as a friend, I'd appreciate some motivating company!

  • angeliebeh
    angeliebeh Posts: 8 Member
    I tend to drink peppermint or green tea between meals that seems to help. Sometimes I snack on the frozen mixed veg you can get in Iceland. Not cold obviously. Or cherry tomatoes
  • saschagala
    saschagala Posts: 10 Member
    angeliebeh wrote: »
    I tend to drink peppermint or green tea between meals that seems to help. Sometimes I snack on the frozen mixed veg you can get in Iceland. Not cold obviously. Or cherry tomatoes

    Oh great, I heard green tea boosts your metabolism. Will make sure to follow that idea, thanks!

  • slideaway1
    slideaway1 Posts: 1,006 Member
    Hi,
    Brilliant use of the word "collywobbles". :)
    I don't really get that hungry and if anything I wish my appetite was stronger to help me reach my goals. I always assumed the fact that I didn't snack between meals etc was due to strong discipline and people that did probably just had a weaker resolve. However, I've realised from this site that simply everyone is different and the need to binge/overeat etc is different for everyone and people need to learn how to manage it the best way they can. I drink loads of water (over a litre a day) and try to stay focused on my overall numbers (cals/macros) for the day, this gives wiggle room if I choose to substitute a treat like chocolate for something else. I just build it into the "bigger picture" without any guilt.
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