Hungar pangs

The most important thing you can do to help diminish them is to ensure your calorie goal is appropriate. Many people sign up and pick 2 pounds per week, but 1 pound per week is more appropriate.

Protein helps keep me full. I combine that with vegetables (fiber) and it helps reduce how quickly I get hungry. I also plan small snacks for between meals if needed.

Because I know I will go on a binge mode once I'm fed up with hunger pang, I usually don't wait till I get hungry, meaning, I spread out my calories throughout the day into 4 meals (300-400 kcal or so) plus snack if I feel like I need something in between. Also, although my "goal" is set to 1200 total, I normally plan to eat 1400-1700 (sometimes more) then do exercise. I know that 1200 is way too low to satisfy my appetite and will lead to hunger then binge. I eat what I want to eat but in moderation. Heck, even a cupcake if I really crave for it, but I split one with my husband.
Also, oatmeal became a staple in my diet because it provides protein and lots of fiber that sustain me for much longer than other refined carbs.

I had that issue when I started. I started having a hard boiled egg for a snack between breakfast and lunch and had another snack between lunch and dinner. After a month or so the mid morning snack was no longer needed and now I am having the mid afternoon snack less and less often.

There were also times when I just had to push through it. I had a conversation with myself one day and said. Well this is just another kind of pain. You are a martial artist, about to be a black belt. You know how to handle pain and keep going. So just look at it as just another joint lock. It may hurt for a while but there is no real danger so just keep going." Eventually my body adjusted and stopped telling me it was being starved.

I still get hungry a little before lunch at work, but it is much less demanding and easier to ignore.

I eat 3 meals and 3 snacks throughout the day. Plus I drink plenty of water. I found that being hydrated has helped me to maintain my calorie goal.

I typed out this book of a response and then realized it was in the wrong thread. Hunger pangs... High protein or high fiber snacks. Drink more water. That's all I got. Sorry I'm completely lame tonight. Lol

Home made veggie soup. Hot broth and leafy greens are a fair cheat, that add nutrition too. No oil. Just water, season cubes, and greens.

Once you get good at calorie counting, you might find it better to spread out your intake throughout the day. Are you having three meals of 400 cal a piece? Maybe that doesn't work for you. Some people never sit down and eat a stereotypical meal, they just snack and graze all day. Others find one meal with all or most of their caloric intake per day is best. If you're feeling actual physical pain in your stomach, chances are you need to trade in high-calorie unfilling food for lower-calorie filling food, as usmcmp suggested, or if you already have, consider spreading it out throughout the day so the times between meals aren't vast and difficult to bear.

usmcmp wrote: »
The most important thing you can do to help diminish them is to ensure your calorie goal is appropriate. Many people sign up and pick 2 pounds per week, but 1 pound per week is more appropriate.

Protein helps keep me full. I combine that with vegetables (fiber) and it helps reduce how quickly I get hungry. I also plan small snacks for between meals if needed.

And so much all of this.

+1. Find what works for you. For me waiting until later in the day to eat works because once I do eat I feel hungry every few hours. So I stick with coffee for awhile, then spread my calories out into 5 meals. OTOH some people are happier eating a big meal and they stay full for a long time.