Hunger hurts

It would be helpful if you made your food diary available for everyone to see. It may be that you're staying in your calorie goals, but need food that's more filling (protein, fiber, etc.).

I get that sort of hunger on occasion, but it's usually because I get busy and forget to eat - it's not a regular occurrence. It shouldn't be happening on a regular basis.

Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »

My hunger is at times a real issue. It affects my ability to work and my mood. It sometimes causes a physical pain in my gut. Sometimes I am a bit shaky.

I'm looking for solutions. I may try fasting. I already limit carbs.

How many calories are you eating per day? Why do you think fasting will help curb hunger?

Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »

My hunger is at times a real issue. It affects my ability to work and my mood. It sometimes causes a physical pain in my gut. Sometimes I am a bit shaky.

I'm looking for solutions. I may try fasting. I already limit carbs.

What is your daily goal? MFP's default minimum for men is 1500 (before exercise). Are you eating at least that much?

Sometimes it's a matter of figuring out your meal timing, and getting the right combination of filling foods. This varies by individual, but protein, fat and fiber are satiating. Some people can stay full on fat free protein, but that doesn't work well for me. Play around with meal times. Include a nourishing snack here and there. My snacks always include a combination of 2 things (fiber and/or fat and/or protein).

Limiting carbs isn't necessary unless you have medical issues. But some people have success that way. For me it's lifestyle changes all the way. I've lost weight and regained. My reduced calories "mimics" what I will eat after goal....its all about portions for me.

Make sure you are drinking enough water too.

If you're so hungry your stomach is aching, eat. If it happens often, research foods that take longer to digest and eat those.

I have not looked at your diary, so I am just throwing this out there. If it does not apply, ignore it.

This could be the difference between feeling empty and bring hungry. Seriously, we have come to eat just about anytime we feel the slightest discomfort. You cut back on quantity and times per day, your body is not use to the change and it lets you know it is not amused. I did a three day water fast to reset my immune system and re-discovered the difference between my stomach complaints about not having food, being empty and being truly hungry. Putting it all in prespective really changes things.

Also while the CICO may all be equal, nutrition is not. 1200 cal of nutrient dense food and 1200 cal of non-nutrient dense food look very different. Not only that, they act differently in your body. Could you body be asking for nutrient dense food?