Really Hungry Today - See Anything Wrong With My Food?

CMNVA
CMNVA Posts: 733 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Probably should have posted this in the Food forum but I've already copied the below in here. So, I'm back on track with MFP and this is day 3. I did pretty well the last 2 days at the same calorie count; however, today I am just starving. I haven't exercised since Saturday so that's not the cause. Take a look and let me know what you think. Maybe not enough fat, but usually if I incorporate that, I get less to eat it seems and I'm not overly satisfied. I ended up having to have two of my Skinny Cows just now rather than one. I feel hungry before my meal, I eat, and then I feel more hungry. Had this same chili yesterday and it felt satisfying. And no I don't normally eat the same food for days, I just made a lot and then wasn't able to cook today.

Maybe it's just me readjusting to a lower caloric intake. To think that last year I was doing 1400-1600 calorie days.


Breakfast

Tea - Brewed, prepared with tap water (black tea), 1.5 cup (8 fl oz) 4
Domino - Sugar, 2 tsp 30
Organic Valley - Low Fat Milk 1% Milk Fat, 0.13 cup 14
Organic Valley - 1% Organic Milk, 0.33 cup 36
Trader Joe's - Shredded Bite Size Wheats Cereal, 53 g 195
Total - 279

Snack (1)

Tea - Brewed, prepared with tap water (black tea), 1.5 cup (8 fl oz) 4
Organic Valley - Low Fat Milk 1% Milk Fat, 0.13 cup 14
Domino - Sugar, 1 tsp 15
Total 33

Lunch
Turkey Pineapple Chili, 1.13 serving(s) 284
Siggi's - 2% Nectarine (seasonal) yogurt, 6 .3 ounce 140
Pop Corn - Skinny Pop, 14 gram 75
Total - 499

Snack (2)

Tea - Brewed, prepared with tap water (black tea), 1.5 cup (8 fl oz) 4
Organic Valley - Low Fat Milk 1% Milk Fat, 0.13 cup 14
Domino - Sugar, 1 tsp 15
Total - 33

Dinner

Romaine lettuce - Chopped Romaine, 2 cup 16
Salata - Spring Mix, 0.67 cups 5
Home - Campari Tomatoes - 87.5 g 22
Hass - Avocados, 45 g 75
Mushroom - Raw, White (Medium), (18g) 4
Wegmans - Balsalmic Vinegar, 1 tbsp 10
Oil - Olive, 0.5 tablespoon 60
Turkey Pineapple Chili, 1.5 serving(s) 379
Total - 571

Snack (3)
Skinny Cow - Greek Yogurt Salted Caramel Bar, 2 bar 200

TOTAL: 1,615
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Replies

  • paulawriteslove
    paulawriteslove Posts: 195 Member
    njnhekairo wrote: »
    Hmmm maybe up your protein?

    I completely agree. Try eating some more protein, cut the sugar, and try to eat unrefined carbs.
  • CMNVA
    CMNVA Posts: 733 Member
    Yes, my protein was right at goal today; however, my chili did have some edamame in it that I had not initially factored into the recipe count so it might be a little higher.

    I've cut my sugar (in my tea) way back, but I can't do without it and I rely on my hot tea to get me through the day. I'm already not enjoying it as it is...!!

    Last year I was pretty successful at moderating my diet (along with the sugar in my tea) but trying to figure out why I am so ravenous today.
  • Lounmoun
    Lounmoun Posts: 8,423 Member
    What is your calorie goal? How much were you eating before the last 3 days? If it was a big drop you might need to adjust more gradually.

    Generally protein, fats and fiber help people feel satisfied. If you are not meeting one or all of those goals you might try to and see if it makes a difference in how you feel.
  • CMNVA
    CMNVA Posts: 733 Member
    kimny72 wrote: »
    Is it just today? Sometimes I'm just randomly hungrier for no obvious reason. Maybe you're fighting off a virus or you exerted yourself more than you realized doing something. I'll try to stave it off with a cup of coffee or I might just let myself eat a little bit more. If you start to notice a pattern, then compare the days you did fine with the days you had increased appetite and see what's different.


    Well, I have been hungry for all the days I've cut back, but I feel out of control today, mostly all day. Hopefully this is just a blip.
  • CMNVA
    CMNVA Posts: 733 Member
    Lounmoun wrote: »
    What is your calorie goal? How much were you eating before the last 3 days? If it was a big drop you might need to adjust more gradually.

    Generally protein, fats and fiber help people feel satisfied. If you are not meeting one or all of those goals you might try to and see if it makes a difference in how you feel.

    My calorie goal is between 1600 and 1650 and I *think* I should feel pretty good with that; I used to anyway. Prior to getting back under control, I had been eating pretty much whatever I wanted. I was probably in the 2500 calorie range per day, sad to say. I'm sure that's part of it. But I did so well on Saturday/Sunday/Monday with how I felt.
  • SusanMFindlay
    SusanMFindlay Posts: 1,804 Member
    edited June 2017
    How much fat are you getting? The only items that I see that looks to have much fat in it are the avocado and olive oil - and that's only 135 calories so 15 g of fat from those two items.

    If you're way under your fat goal, that might be responsible for you being hungry. Many people find satiety from a combination of fat, protein and fibre. You've definitely got fibre covered.
  • Matt5115
    Matt5115 Posts: 4 Member
    edited June 2017
    Personally, my best advice to kill hunger is a huge change in diet. I love intermittent fasting. Push all or most of your calories to the end of the day, you may even eat less calories because it'd be around bed time and you'll end up falling asleep. Eating simply makes you crave more food, especially if it isn't much protein/fat/fiber. Like I said, I'd try out intermittent fasting, it helped kill cravings for junk food and also conpletely stopped hunger. It's also very good for fat loss. If you don't feel like doing this - eat more protein/fat and take fiber pills or something. Eat eggs for breakfast(mostly egg whites as they're low in calories and high in protein). Good luck.
  • bobbinalong
    bobbinalong Posts: 151 Member
    Drink water, lots of it.
  • WendyLeigh1119
    WendyLeigh1119 Posts: 495 Member
    I don't know where you live, but here in the Northeast, it got unseasonably cool and rainy. The dreaded "comfort foods" weather.
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    jgnatca wrote: »
    How do you feel about artificial sweeteners like Stevia drops?

    Your protein doesn't show up until lunch. How about an egg instead of cereal for breakfast?

    Agreed. If I don't front-load my day with high protein, I'm a hungry beast for the rest of the day. So I usually eat higher protein earlier in the day and then eat more carbs (which I love) later in the day. I'm personally better off eating cereal as a before bed snack. (Carbs before bed seem to help me sleep better.)
  • JeromeBarry1
    JeromeBarry1 Posts: 10,179 Member
    I read today that dates, a few dates, can put an end to hunger cravings quickly. That, and help prevent cancer, osteoporosis, night blindness, and allergies.
  • iheartmakeup01
    iheartmakeup01 Posts: 35 Member
    edited June 2017
    It doesn't seem like you're eating a lot of protein, try substituting ting using whole sources of protein versus milk. Do you like pancakes? Kodak pancakes is pretty descent in carbs and has a good amount of protein
  • CMNVA
    CMNVA Posts: 733 Member
    Hi everyone, thanks for taking a look. I went to bed about 2 hours after I posted so I couldn't answer back.

    Some of my limitations:

    I don't do artificial sweeteners. I've tried them all and I do not enjoy the taste they give to my tea. I used to use Equal all the time and was okay with that, but after several years, I started to have bladder irritation problems. Took a bit to figure out it was the Equal (aspartame). Once I stopped it, I was better in about 3 days. So I stick with sugar but try to minimize what I put in my tea. I truly love lots of milk and sugar but I have definitely scaled back on it so that it's passable. I need my tea (caffeine) through the work day!

    Breakfast: So I get up at 4:00am each day and am at my carpool by 5AM. I am not hungry mostly (well, today I am) nor do I have time to cook. I generally enjoy eggs so I try to eat them on the weekend; however, I do NOT enjoy eggs that aren't right out of the pan. For instance, cold hard boiled eggs kind of nauseate me. I have no options for making much to eat at work so cereal as become my mainstay. The shredded wheat or Barbara's Cinnamon Puffins will keep me fairly satisfied until lunch. I know it's low protein, but it's about all I can think about in the morning.

    I think you all are probably correct in that I didn't eat much the previous days and it could be catching up to me. I felt okay those days so I tried to just go with it and not force myself to 1600 calories. But last night, I went to bed hungry. And here I sit at work with my stomach just GROWLING!!! I brought some almonds with me today and some different things to try so we shall see. I'm having Greek Tacos for dinner tonight so I need to save some calories for the tortillas that seem to be carb bombs!! But the meat should get my protein in the right place, it will just be later today.
  • duddysdad
    duddysdad Posts: 403 Member
    For me, if my snack was tea with sugar, it would set me up to binge. Maybe try to have some protein with it or some fat.
  • CMNVA
    CMNVA Posts: 733 Member
    duddysdad wrote: »
    For me, if my snack was tea with sugar, it would set me up to binge. Maybe try to have some protein with it or some fat.

    Yeah, I know that looks funny in my food diary. I actually don't have a snack between breakfast and lunch (I don't really feel I need it). Nor do I snack between lunch and dinner. However, I do have tea and that just seems to be the most appropriate place to record it.
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    If I were really ravenous and had to lose weight, I'd sacrifice the sweet tea, the popcorn, the bars. I'd cut out the snacking (or whatever you want to call it, nothing calorific between meals, no matter if it is food or drink), just eat at meals, and make sure all meals had plenty of vegetables, protein and fat. I'd aim to eat as much variety as possible. OK, this is what I'm doing anyway :D

    If you have set your calories properly, maybe you just have to readjust your expectations. Appetite isn't the same as hunger, and appetite can increase when you eat, and hunger can take some time to subside after you've eaten. Worrying about having to restrict intake can also make you more hungry or create cravings. Take a walk or just find something else to do or think about.
  • ziggy2006
    ziggy2006 Posts: 255 Member
    I think your increased hunger is most likely a combination of it being the third day of adjusting to a lower calorie consumption combined with eating a few hundred calories under your goal for the previous two days. I would tend to want to stay status quo for a few more days to let it have a chance to work itself out before making any changes. When I am experiencing higher levels of hunger than normal, I tend to fill up on veggies (salads, soups, grilled, roasted, raw, steamed - I love them all).

    If you end up deciding that you want to try more protein at breakfast, you don't necessarily have to eat eggs. If cereal is convenient for you, just find a higher protein cereal that you like. For example, Kashi's Go Lean has 12 grams of protein per serving, equivalent to 2 large eggs.

    Alternatively, if you really do enjoy eggs but don't have time to cook and clean before work, you might look into some of the meal prep breakfast recipes. You can make different egg dishes in advance and store in the freezer, then defrost overnight in the refrigerator so that they just need a bit of microwaving to be ready to eat. I don't know if hot out of the microwave will be the same as right out of the pan for you, but it could be worth a try. You can also find microwavable breakfast sandwiches/bowls in the grocery store, although I think they can be a bit pricey for what you are getting.

  • CMNVA
    CMNVA Posts: 733 Member
    kommodevaran wrote: »
    If I were really ravenous and had to lose weight, I'd sacrifice the sweet tea, the popcorn, the bars. I'd cut out the snacking (or whatever you want to call it, nothing calorific between meals, no matter if it is food or drink), just eat at meals, and make sure all meals had plenty of vegetables, protein and fat. I'd aim to eat as much variety as possible. OK, this is what I'm doing anyway :D

    I *wish* it were "sweet" tea I was drinking. I've got a 20 ounce mug of hot tea with 2 tsp. of sugar in it. It actually does not taste sweet at all. It's doing something because it has taken the bitterness off, but, sadly...it's not sweet.

    I did try to ditch the popcorn yesterday. Had it with me and right before I left work I got so hungry I felt dizzy, so I had the popcorn.

    But you are right, I am working on giving up some of this. I wish I could do black tea or coffee. Even though I met my eating/weight loss goals last winter, I could never fully get myself mature with the tea and I think I finally accepted that it was my on vice I couldn't shake.
  • Jriggs46615
    Jriggs46615 Posts: 50 Member
    edited June 2017
    For me, cereal doesn't cut it. I need a good, solid breakfast to start my day, or I will eat everything I see later in the day.
    I would try exchanging that cereal for something more substantial, like eggs. Another one of my favorite breafasts is 2 pieces of a hearty bread with 4 tablespoons of Costco guacamole, and sliced tomatoes. That breakfast keeps me full until 11-ish.

    Bottom line: I would make sure you're eating a good balance of protein, fiber, and fats.

    Do you drink enough water each day? That might help you feel fuller longer, too.

    ETA: I just saw your note about your aversion to cold eggs. What about breakfast tacos or a breakfast skillet that you'd make over the weekend and freeze? I throw in some asparagus, cheese, whatever, and freeze. When I need a quick breakfast to take with me, I grab one of those, toss it in the microwave, and it's wonderful. My co-workers always tell me they're jealous of my breakfasts. It's not difficult, and it doesn't take a lot of time.
  • CMNVA
    CMNVA Posts: 733 Member
    ziggy2006 wrote: »
    I think your increased hunger is most likely a combination of it being the third day of adjusting to a lower calorie consumption combined with eating a few hundred calories under your goal for the previous two days. I would tend to want to stay status quo for a few more days to let it have a chance to work itself out before making any changes. When I am experiencing higher levels of hunger than normal, I tend to fill up on veggies (salads, soups, grilled, roasted, raw, steamed - I love them all).

    If you end up deciding that you want to try more protein at breakfast, you don't necessarily have to eat eggs. If cereal is convenient for you, just find a higher protein cereal that you like. For example, Kashi's Go Lean has 12 grams of protein per serving, equivalent to 2 large eggs.

    Alternatively, if you really do enjoy eggs but don't have time to cook and clean before work, you might look into some of the meal prep breakfast recipes. You can make different egg dishes in advance and store in the freezer, then defrost overnight in the refrigerator so that they just need a bit of microwaving to be ready to eat. I don't know if hot out of the microwave will be the same as right out of the pan for you, but it could be worth a try. You can also find microwavable breakfast sandwiches/bowls in the grocery store, although I think they can be a bit pricey for what you are getting.

    To your first paragraph, I think this is spot on. I tended not to need as more food on the weekend because I was busy and up doing things. It's harder at work when I'm chained to my desk, I guess I think about it more. But, I probably need to try some different foods.

    I used to eat Kashi all the time and, even though high in protein, for some reason I was starving with it. I think I must be one of those "volume" people you read about. I do think I'll look for some breakfast egg muffin recipes this week and make some over the weekend and see how that goes. I have used the Evol Egg Sandwiches when I'm away from the office on travel or training. They are fine and do the trick but they are sort of like eating a Lean Cuisine--they do the job but they still have that processed taste.

    One really good breakfast I had on Sunday was two hard boiled eggs (XL) and 1 slice of Dave's Killer Raisin Bread with 1 tsp of light canola butter. I don't know what it was about that breakfast--probably the raisin bread since I haven't had it in so long, but I really enjoyed that meal and it stayed with me awhile. Yet when I just eat 2 hard boiled eggs, I don't get the same effect. It was a little bit higher calorie wise than I generally do for breakfast but it was really good. I can't wait for this weekend to have it again.

    Also, someone above mentioned the Kodiak pancakes. I have seen that mix in Target. That's probably something I could make and freeze and bring in that would be a nice change of pace.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    More protein. MFP's goal is too low. Protein from milk doesn't fill me up one bit either (and you're having a bunch of it). More fat.

    Ditch the morning cereal for oatmeal or some eggs (you can microwave an egg for 40 seconds in the microwave), or at least try to have it with Greek yogurt. Even better, if you're not hungry, don't eat breakfast! But honestly, milk and cereal pretty much guarantee that I'll be hungry all day if it's what I have for breakfast...

    Also, tea makes me hungry if I have it out of meals, so you might want to check if it seems related or not.

    The other thing I can think of is that you're female, so it could be PMS.
  • mitch16
    mitch16 Posts: 2,113 Member
    CMNVA wrote: »

    Breakfast: So I get up at 4:00am each day and am at my carpool by 5AM. I am not hungry mostly (well, today I am) nor do I have time to cook. I generally enjoy eggs so I try to eat them on the weekend; however, I do NOT enjoy eggs that aren't right out of the pan. For instance, cold hard boiled eggs kind of nauseate me. I have no options for making much to eat at work so cereal as become my mainstay. The shredded wheat or Barbara's Cinnamon Puffins will keep me fairly satisfied until lunch. I know it's low protein, but it's about all I can think about in the morning.

    I find that cereal doesn't really tide me over well when I eat it for breakfast, either--echoing the "more protein" crowd. Have you considered, in lieu of milk, having your cereal with yogurt?
  • youdoyou2016
    youdoyou2016 Posts: 393 Member
    My two cents: try a more protein-focused breakfast and see what that does for you.

    If I eat cereal or toast in the morning, I'm really hungry the rest of the day -- no matter what else I eat. I don't have that experience with an egg.
  • CMNVA
    CMNVA Posts: 733 Member
    I think you all are correct, and I need to try some new things. I'm pretty set in my ways and I stick with what is easy and seems to work. I'll have to experiment with more protein.
  • FreyasRebirth
    FreyasRebirth Posts: 514 Member
    I'm eating microwave breakfast burritos pretty much every day, lol. One is 270 calories but I think the higher amount of fat really helps me. I had a crazy day yesterday and didn't get to eat from 7:30 until close to 2. No way could I make it that long without cravings if I had cereal. It just doesn't keep me going.
  • mazdauk
    mazdauk Posts: 1,380 Member
    How about a banana with breakfast? A few nuts with one of your cups of tea might be helpful. I always find I'm starving the day after a big workout, so that might have something to do with it? Did you know you can make omelettes in a ziplock bag in the microwave? I saw this somewhere and its a great idea for a breakfast option, you could put the bag in your lunch box and microwave it at work.

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