Can anyone help me.

Makoce
Makoce Posts: 938 Member
edited November 28 in Motivation and Support
I started losing weight a few years ago. I went from 168lbs to 105lbs. I am 5'2.
Everything was great until I hit the paleo fad a year later. It was amazing for about 8 months. I was lean and had a six pack and felt wonderful but I suddenly started binging.

Two years later and 50lbs heavier I still continue to binge or over eat. I can't portion control or stick to a calorie goal. If I don't eat at least 2,000 calories a day I binge. But at 2,000 I am putting on weight and weigh 140 and it only goes up. Since I'm short.

I need to eat about 1,500 calories to lose about a pound or less. Can anyone suggest how I can stick to a calorie goal and not binge eat? I have no idea how I was so successful a few years ago, it was so easy and now it feels so impossible. Diary is open.

I don't even want to get back down to 105. 120 would be nice.
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Replies

  • tclarkie1
    tclarkie1 Posts: 2 Member
    you have to set your mind that you will only eat a certain amount of calories and work out at least 3 days a week. this is the only way that is working for me. I watch what I eat and workout for at least 1 hour whether cardio or whatever you want to work on just move...good luck
  • Makoce
    Makoce Posts: 938 Member
    edited January 2016
    I do strength training three days a week plus cardio. It's just also hard because I get up so early thay ruins a lot of my calories for the day because I have to eat breakfast.
  • Makoce
    Makoce Posts: 938 Member
    I'm just always hungry and it feels like I'm always white knuckling through it.
  • Ibeachlover
    Ibeachlover Posts: 66 Member
    Hey Makoce...been there done that too. Lost almost 50 pounds, and put it back on. Yet, I did workout, just that other things took their toll. Definitely eating breakfast is good, but I know what you mean in that it seems to then not allow you much for the rest of the day. My first thought, without knowing details, is should you do more cardio for awhile, somewhat less strength training, and see what happens? Looking at your pic, you definitely look good, and I see the results of the strength training. Its really infuriating when we see the weight come back on, but, to some extent, it is a never ending battle. Also, what do you eat? Are you focused on protein vs. carbs? Anyway, I'll send you friend request, if you want my further support. Good luck either way...you did it once, you can do it and keep it, just need to figure things out.
  • Makoce
    Makoce Posts: 938 Member
    I usually always hit my protein goal at least. And breakfast is usually the most dense in protein. I do love veggies but they don't help much.
  • distinctlybeautiful
    distinctlybeautiful Posts: 1,041 Member
    Was paleo too restrictive? How did manage to drop the weight before that?
  • Makoce
    Makoce Posts: 938 Member
    I ate what I wanted and lost before paleo. But I was always hungry and shakey. I thought paleo could help and it kept me totally full. But I crashed probably from being so low carb and so restrictive yes.
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,741 Member
    Makoce wrote: »
    I ate what I wanted and lost before paleo. But I was always hungry and shakey. I thought paleo could help and it kept me totally full. But I crashed probably from being so low carb and so restrictive yes.

    That shouldn't be happening. Have you had a medical exam recently? Or prior to this happening? Could it be a blood sugar issue rather than fewer calories?
  • Reneebycakes
    Reneebycakes Posts: 24 Member
    You say you meet your protein goal, but what is it set at? The MFP standard is a bit low, try setting it higher and eating more of those filling foods. Really examine your diet and how it makes you feel (what helps you stay full, what leaves you wanting more, etc). Try new things, change it up until you get it right.
  • Makoce
    Makoce Posts: 938 Member
    I believe it was a blood sugar problem.
  • Makoce
    Makoce Posts: 938 Member
    edited January 2016
    But I had blood work and don't have diabetes or anything. I think it's just because I ate sugary foods and crashed.

    My macros are 40c/40p/20f
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,741 Member
    Well then, that could make a difference as far as whether a paleo-type diet will work for you long-term or not. I'm no expert on the blood sugar thing, so I'd consult your doctor and/or ask for a referral to a registered dietitian. Types of foods and how often to eat is probably something you should look into.
  • Makoce
    Makoce Posts: 938 Member
    edited January 2016
    It defiantly won't work for me long term. I can't restrict myself or I binge now.

    the only way i mathematically can't go over is if I skip dinner because I've used all my calories by then.
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,741 Member
    I know you said you're hungry and have to eat breakfast, but have you tried a smaller breakfast? Smaller meals and snacks more often may help.
  • Makoce
    Makoce Posts: 938 Member
    I think my diary is public if anyone's curious, but yeah, I'm just ravenous all the time. I need to gorge myself to feel satisfied.
  • Makoce
    Makoce Posts: 938 Member
    edited January 2016
    Here's an example. I had oatmeal and a protein shake for breakfast. Two hours later I'm hungry. So I ate a protein bar and am still hungry.
  • avotarian
    avotarian Posts: 80 Member
    I may have just missed it because I'm surprised no one has brought up water. are you remembering to drink a *kitten* ton of water all day? before, during, and after your meals?
  • Makoce
    Makoce Posts: 938 Member
    I try to drink a lot of water yes. I always have a gallon jug with me.
  • cecimaguina
    cecimaguina Posts: 81 Member
    I've been in your shoes too...dropped over 50lbs 3 years ago felt great and comfortable and pounds started to pack up again. I'm now exactly where I started but trying again.

    I noticed for me if I get a large breakfast I'll be hungry in no time, but when I eat smaller portions I don't feel as hungry. Same thing when I have a big dinner, the next morning I wake up starving! so i try to keep my portions small and have 4-5 meals a day only and as far as hunger seems to work fine.

    I feel that when it comes to dieting and exercising, at least while I adjust to a new routine, for me is better to start with one only (at least for a couple of weeks) when you feel you're comfortable again controlling your calories then incorporate workouts. Having too much all at once could be frustrating and overwhelming.

    Also, don't look at the scale that much (I know, it's not easy!), feel it in your clothes or tape measure.
    There's a website you might be interested to look at: www.venusindex.com , you have to join and it could be pricey but worth it specially if you are into weight training, and if you're open to different diet approaches.

    I'll friend you....I'm going through the same thing....60lbs for 2016! We can do it!!
  • Makoce
    Makoce Posts: 938 Member
    Thanks :) sure friend me. We can do it.
  • allunits
    allunits Posts: 95 Member
    I'm in a similar boat. I will friend you too.
  • Espressocycle
    Espressocycle Posts: 2,245 Member
    Gorge yourself on piles and piles of vegetables. Eat soup and salad before meals.
  • Reneebycakes
    Reneebycakes Posts: 24 Member
    I think the type of protein matters. Those bars don't always satisfy my hungry but a whole food high protein option like lentils or yogurt is pretty filing. Something to consider
  • Makoce
    Makoce Posts: 938 Member
    thanks yeah. I rely on bars because they're what I eat on the go at work. I just ate them and I'm still hungry again. I'm out of Calories for the day.
  • RosemaryBronte
    RosemaryBronte Posts: 103 Member
    Eating a lot of sugary food makes me hungrier. As i eat less sugar, i am feeling less hungry but i still have 3 pieces of fruit a day. It's important for me to eat some carbs e.g. bread or potatoes or rice and some protein and some fat or oil with each meal so my appetite doesn't go crazy. Low fat diets are as stupid as high fat ones. Low carb is a bad idea too i think. Concentrate on getting a healthy balance back into what you eat and then your body can stop panicking and thinking it is in a starvation situation. Try to coax your body in a kindly way instead of bullying it into losing weight. Use healthy nourishing food to love and care for yourself and use exercise not to punish yourself for being overweight but to care for your body so you feel good. You need kindness and encouragement because your body became overwhelmed by what you did to it.
  • Makoce
    Makoce Posts: 938 Member
    That is truly a point to be made. Thank you.
  • reach47100
    reach47100 Posts: 1 Member
    I feel you deeply. I need some advice too!
  • Odilerubia
    Odilerubia Posts: 80 Member
    Eating a lot of sugary food makes me hungrier. As i eat less sugar, i am feeling less hungry but i still have 3 pieces of fruit a day. It's important for me to eat some carbs e.g. bread or potatoes or rice and some protein and some fat or oil with each meal so my appetite doesn't go crazy. Low fat diets are as stupid as high fat ones. Low carb is a bad idea too i think. Concentrate on getting a healthy balance back into what you eat and then your body can stop panicking and thinking it is in a starvation situation. Try to coax your body in a kindly way instead of bullying it into losing weight. Use healthy nourishing food to love and care for yourself and use exercise not to punish yourself for being overweight but to care for your body so you feel good. You need kindness and encouragement because your body became overwhelmed by what you did to it.

    I couldnt agree more. I get the impression that its more something on your mind than the things you are actually eating! Maybe you have lots of workstress or something happened privately? Maybe you are overtired from all the pressure you put yourself under? Just guesses but it might be worth approaching your problem from a different direction. I also can eat easily 5 proteinbars and wonder if a 6th is okay.... Maybe you can take to work some little boxes with raisins, cucumber, fresh bellpepper cut in slices and munch on that. I dont know what it is with fresh snacks, but you feel much fresher and thus healthier and for me it is a subconsious motivation to stop eating the '' bad stuff".
    Also, low carb for a long time is very unhealthy in the long term for your body.
    All the protein bars and shakes etc. seem to me comfort food. I dont know where you live, but if you re in a colder area and its early dark, you might be suffering of winterdepression, lack of daylight which will make you want to eat pasta, bread, biscuits, cookies etc. day and night.
    Just a few ideas.... good luck!
  • fiddletime
    fiddletime Posts: 1,868 Member
    I'm also 5'2" and occasionally get hungry, especially if I don't eat any dense carbs, like rice or popcorn or corn tortillas (I don't eat gluten but bread would fill me up too). I eat mostly veggies and meat but make sure I get those carbs in. Fruit and yogurt don't seem to curb my hunger.

    I'm learning that if I don't push the carbs every few days while trying to stay at my calorie goal, I'll probably have a binge attack and eat a bag of chips. I was surprised at that as I'd been avoiding carbs, especially some of the junkier carbs, but realize that that won't work for me long term.
  • d8nni
    d8nni Posts: 49 Member
    Ever since I read that the study that made people thinking that you needed to eat breakfast to lose weight was misinterpreted, I've allowed myself to be a breakfast skipper. I don't get hungry until right before lunch, so I can make the 1200 calorie goal I'm working on. If I eat breakfast I go over, period. I'm hungriest in the late evening and I need to be able to eat a big dinner to feel good and full or I will bing eat starting around 10 PM and totally blow it. I've lost 15 pounds this way so far, and what I do eat is quite healthy so I don't think it's doing me any harm. I'm up at 6:30 and I bike to work, I just don't get hungry for hours if I don't eat anything so I'm making it work for me. I do drink coffee with half-and-half before lunch, but it totals up to under 50 calories most days.
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