I feel out of control
CharlieICURN
Posts: 89 Member
Some background: In May I had a total abdominal hysterectomy with removal of my ovaries and I was super scared about menopause wreaking havoc on my body. I’m 33 years old. I decided I needed to be healthy and it was now or never and I pretty much completely overhauled my lifestyle.
Since May 4 I have lost about 43 lbs. I feel energetic and healthy. I still need to lose another 40ish before I hit my goal and up until now I’ve been losing steadily and doing really well.
So starting like Friday last week I just feel hungry. Not so much hungry actually, I just feel like I want food. I binged on Sunday and have been getting my act together and being disciplined and all and I just don’t know what my deal is. I was doing great and now literally all I can think about is eating and food and I’m not sure what the hell my deal is. I consume enough calories so I don’t think it’s that I’m not eating enough.
I’ve read that as you lose weight it gets harder because you feel hungrier due to hormones or whatever so I’m assuming it’s something like that. Does anyone have any advice to get through this? How long will something like this last? I feel like I’m on shaky ground 😩.
Also, I don’t have “off limits” food or anything and I allow myself to eat candy and cake because otherwise I’d go crazy.
Since May 4 I have lost about 43 lbs. I feel energetic and healthy. I still need to lose another 40ish before I hit my goal and up until now I’ve been losing steadily and doing really well.
So starting like Friday last week I just feel hungry. Not so much hungry actually, I just feel like I want food. I binged on Sunday and have been getting my act together and being disciplined and all and I just don’t know what my deal is. I was doing great and now literally all I can think about is eating and food and I’m not sure what the hell my deal is. I consume enough calories so I don’t think it’s that I’m not eating enough.
I’ve read that as you lose weight it gets harder because you feel hungrier due to hormones or whatever so I’m assuming it’s something like that. Does anyone have any advice to get through this? How long will something like this last? I feel like I’m on shaky ground 😩.
Also, I don’t have “off limits” food or anything and I allow myself to eat candy and cake because otherwise I’d go crazy.
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Replies
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First, congrats on your loss so far! That's a fairly aggressive rate. Probably time for a diet break. Lots of good info here: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10604863/of-refeeds-and-diet-breaks/p14
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At 40ish to go, are you set at "lose one pound per week?" Are you logging and eating back exercise calories?
The first 40 is easy. The second 40, not so much. Good logging is key.
Also, it's just a bit harder in the Fall and Winter, my hunger always goes up for a couple months in the Fall.
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cmriverside wrote: »At 40ish to go, are you set at "lose one pound per week?" Are you logging and eating back exercise calories?
The first 40 is easy. The second 40, not so much. Good logging is key.
Also, it's just a bit harder in the Fall and Winter, my hunger always goes up for a couple months in the Fall.
I was going to say the same thing. I've been eating like a bear preparing for hibernation! Ugh.2 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »cmriverside wrote: »At 40ish to go, are you set at "lose one pound per week?" Are you logging and eating back exercise calories?
The first 40 is easy. The second 40, not so much. Good logging is key.
Also, it's just a bit harder in the Fall and Winter, my hunger always goes up for a couple months in the Fall.
I was going to say the same thing. I've been eating like a bear preparing for hibernation! Ugh.
Added to that is the phenomenon of raising calories leads to having more appetite in general. So if I fall into a "eat a few hundred more calories" trap, then my appetite goes up to match. I have to reel that in as soon as possible.
Every time I've raised calories for a few days (whether on purpose or due to gluttony
) I've had to fight that to get back down to the goal calories. It's a thing. 7 -
cmriverside wrote: »At 40ish to go, are you set at "lose one pound per week?" Are you logging and eating back exercise calories?
The first 40 is easy. The second 40, not so much. Good logging is key.
Also, it's just a bit harder in the Fall and Winter, my hunger always goes up for a couple months in the Fall.
I’m not set on “lose a pound per week” or anything. My main focus is to just be healthy and I’m okay with weight loss taking more time as long as I’m feeling good. Before my hysterectomy I was in constant, daily pain and felt seriously ill for years so I’m feeling amazing right now which was my biggest goal.
I log everything I eat and have been religiously logging since the end of June (I log on a different app as I started doing Noom so I log for that program). I would say I eat maybe 50% of my exercise calories and eat anywhere from 1700-2100 calories per day.
I’m okay with the weight coming off slower but holy crap my mind is just focusing on eating and binging and stuff. Like all I can think about right now is eating fruit snacks- but not just fruit snacks, I want the entire box.
And that’s not something I’ve dealt with since starting this. I still get cravings for things but not like this. I feel like it’s consuming me.0 -
First, congrats on your loss so far! That's a fairly aggressive rate. Probably time for a diet break. Lots of good info here: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10604863/of-refeeds-and-diet-breaks/p1
Thank you for this info! I think this post gives a lot of info about what I’m dealing with.0 -
It will lessen if you are eating enough in general, which it sounds like you are.
It's really probably more about the change in seasons, and your lowered body fat. That Refeed thread posted by Pinuplove is a good one, and it probably is time for you to do. Sounds like it.
Then try to get back down to your base amounts...and then work on eating foods that will stick with you. Fruit snacks would make me ravenous, regardless of how much I was eating. Sweet things do that to me in general. Sweet things are what I want this time of year, so I try to keep a very close eye on them. Once I start...
The struggle is real.2 -
cmriverside wrote: »It will lessen if you are eating enough in general, which it sounds like you are.
It's really probably more about the change in seasons, and your lowered body fat. Try to get back down to your base amounts...and then work on eating foods that will stick with you. Fruit snacks would make me ravenous, regardless of how much I was eating. Sweet things do that to me in general. Sweet things are what I want this time of year, so I try to keep a very close eye on them. Once I start...
The struggle is real.
Sameee. When I first started I made my husband hide all of the cookies and stuff in the house because I legit couldn’t control myself. When I would want something he would have to give me a reasonable portion and that was it.
I’ve moved away from doing that because I gained the discipline for it but I may have him hide the snacks again for now.
And my daughter made out like a bandit on Halloween and I had to have my husband hide the candy because I was inhaling the kitkats and Reese’s.1 -
See that sets me off, too.CharlieICURN wrote: »cmriverside wrote: »It will lessen if you are eating enough in general, which it sounds like you are.
It's really probably more about the change in seasons, and your lowered body fat. Try to get back down to your base amounts...and then work on eating foods that will stick with you. Fruit snacks would make me ravenous, regardless of how much I was eating. Sweet things do that to me in general. Sweet things are what I want this time of year, so I try to keep a very close eye on them. Once I start...
The struggle is real.
Sameee. When I first started I made my husband hide all of the cookies and stuff in the house because I legit couldn’t control myself. When I would want something he would have to give me a reasonable portion and that was it.
I’ve moved away from doing that because I gained the discipline for it but I may have him hide the snacks again for now.
And my daughter made out like a bandit on Halloween and I had to have my husband hide the candy because I was inhaling the kitkats and Reese’s.
It does take a while to settle back down after doing that.
You can do it, though. That's the price I paid for a couple bags of Halloween candy, too.
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I know for me....I eat healthy and somehow old eating habits try to creep back in...I find my self eating more during hormonal and stressful times. I think you are still getting use to the change and will need more time for it all to settle. Maybe try different food items that will make you feel full longer? Congrats on the weight loss thus far. you are doing a great job!2
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I stay hungry when I'm not getting balanced nutrition.
Hungry is 'I will eat anything' vs craving 'i must have Pringles'
Food cures hungry. Water and diversion cures craving.
Congratulations on making your life better every day.7 -
I've been on an extreme keto diet where I have eliminated all sugar, starches, and dairy. After going through detox hell for 3 days while my body got rid of all the sugar, I now feel amazing and have absolutely NO cravings whatsoever. And a ton of energy. My diet now consists primarily of green veggies (lots and lots...at least 10 cups a day), lean protein, eggs, and seeds. I don't eat fruit either because it has lots of sugar and will trigger that sugary craving you're dealing with. I've tried dozens of different diets over the years and have tried the simple calorie counting technique. In the end nothing worked long term because I always had horrible cravings and would give in late at night. Counting calories certainly works, but it can become an endless punishment and make you feel starved 24/7 if you aren't eating the right kinds of foods. Maybe try cutting out starches/carbs and see if it helps?5
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I've been on an extreme keto diet where I have eliminated all sugar, starches, and dairy. After going through detox hell for 3 days while my body got rid of all the sugar, I now feel amazing and have absolutely NO cravings whatsoever. And a ton of energy. My diet now consists primarily of green veggies (lots and lots...at least 10 cups a day), lean protein, eggs, and seeds. I don't eat fruit either because it has lots of sugar and will trigger that sugary craving you're dealing with. I've tried dozens of different diets over the years and have tried the simple calorie counting technique. In the end nothing worked long term because I always had horrible cravings and would give in late at night. Counting calories certainly works, but it can become an endless punishment and make you feel starved 24/7 if you aren't eating the right kinds of foods. Maybe try cutting out starches/carbs and see if it helps?
No keto for me. It’s not something that would be sustainable or desirable for me.4 -
Hello just starting Keto.
What numbers are you reaching while on Keto?
65% fat
Carbs?
Protein?
Anything helps?
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Are you getting enough dietary fat? If I get too far out on the low fat limb, I get this agitated never satisfied thing going.
Not a fan of this, but kinda agree with the diet break. Maybe calculate maintenance calories where you are now and aim at that.
If you’re really that hungry, eat. But drawing red lines and the crossing them is destructive. Modify your plan to get control of the steering wheel.1 -
flucero2010 wrote: »Hello just starting Keto.
What numbers are you reaching while on Keto?
65% fat
Carbs?
Protein?
Anything helps?
You should start your own thread. This thread has nothing to do with keto, and the person who started the thread says she is not interested in keto.0 -
cmriverside wrote: »quiksylver296 wrote: »cmriverside wrote: »At 40ish to go, are you set at "lose one pound per week?" Are you logging and eating back exercise calories?
The first 40 is easy. The second 40, not so much. Good logging is key.
Also, it's just a bit harder in the Fall and Winter, my hunger always goes up for a couple months in the Fall.
I was going to say the same thing. I've been eating like a bear preparing for hibernation! Ugh.
Added to that is the phenomenon of raising calories leads to having more appetite in general. So if I fall into a "eat a few hundred more calories" trap, then my appetite goes up to match. I have to reel that in as soon as possible.
Every time I've raised calories for a few days (whether on purpose or due to gluttony) I've had to fight that to get back down to the goal calories. It's a thing.
OMgoodness! This! I started a 2 week diet break 4 weeks ago! I can't get my hungry rear back on track! UGH0 -
deleted duplicate1
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Are you getting enough dietary fat? If I get too far out on the low fat limb, I get this agitated never satisfied thing going.
Not a fan of this, but kinda agree with the diet break. Maybe calculate maintenance calories where you are now and aim at that.
If you’re really that hungry, eat. But drawing red lines and the crossing them is destructive. Modify your plan to get control of the steering wheel.
I think I’m getting enough fat. On average I’m probably at about 35% on average.
I don’t even think that it’s me being hungry. I think it’s just me just wanting to eat junk food. I’m not craving anything in particular but I just want anything that’s bad for me. It’s ridiculous. Before starting this whole change I used to just binge eat all the time and had no self control. Since June though I’ve reigned in and have pretty much been in control over cravings and binging so I don’t know why I feel so off the rails. It’s like out of nowhere the old me is back and I don’t know what the hell to do. I’ve tried distracting myself with something other than food but for some reason I’m completely preoccupied with wanting to eat everything in sight.
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There’s only one you, the you here now. The past no longer exists. All that is left of it is an idea in our head of what it was.
Do you want to lose weight, stay where you are, or gain? Sounds like if you keep doing what you are doing you will gain.
If your plan is to lose weight, are you going to stand up for yourself or not? No one can do it for you.1 -
Have you tried adding some extra protein? Might help. Don't drink it on shakes or use bars. Stick to whole food versions. Jmho1
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leonadixon wrote: »cmriverside wrote: »quiksylver296 wrote: »cmriverside wrote: »At 40ish to go, are you set at "lose one pound per week?" Are you logging and eating back exercise calories?
The first 40 is easy. The second 40, not so much. Good logging is key.
Also, it's just a bit harder in the Fall and Winter, my hunger always goes up for a couple months in the Fall.
I was going to say the same thing. I've been eating like a bear preparing for hibernation! Ugh.
Added to that is the phenomenon of raising calories leads to having more appetite in general. So if I fall into a "eat a few hundred more calories" trap, then my appetite goes up to match. I have to reel that in as soon as possible.
Every time I've raised calories for a few days (whether on purpose or due to gluttony) I've had to fight that to get back down to the goal calories. It's a thing.
OMgoodness! This! I started a 2 week diet break 4 weeks ago! I can't get my hungry rear back on track! UGH
Yeah, you really can get back on track.
Just do it.
I usually just cut out sugary stuff other than in my morning cup of coffee, and I make sure to hit or exceed protein goals, and I make sure to get some outdoors exercise at least four times per week until I get a handle on it again. This time of year is tough, lots of opportunities to go off the rails.
But it's good to know it is a real issue and not just in your head. Took me a long time to figure that out.1 -
There’s only one you, the you here now. The past no longer exists. All that is left of it is an idea in our head of what it was.
Do you want to lose weight, stay where you are, or gain? Sounds like if you keep doing what you are doing you will gain.
If your plan is to lose weight, are you going to stand up for yourself or not? No one can do it for you.
The plan is to lose weight, which I’ve been doing pretty well with. I’m down 43 lbs thus far. My problem is I’m having these cravings and it’s really intense and I feel like I have no control over it. I have been ok at not succumbing to them, though Sunday I did go off the rails with my eating but I’ve kept it in check since then. It’s just the urge is there and it’s strong and it’s stressing me out. Like I don’t know if I can overcome this constant craving for junky foods. Prior to this i haven’t craved to this extent so it was manageable.
I’m extremely determined to prioritize my health and making good choices but holy crap it’s getting difficult and I’m scared I’m gonna binge.0 -
You haven't shared your diet and exercise log, so just some guessing here. First, since you said you don't feel hungry but just want to eat, and you allow sweets, are you noticing anything with your diet? Are you consuming more sweets or other high calorie foods? Is it any particular food, or is it anything goes? Is your cravings all day, or do they hit around 2-3pm or late night (after 8pm)? If you just feel like eating something...ANYTHING...then I would suggest go for it, but make it low calorie items like veggies. I assume you also have a balance on carbs, fat, protein (50, 25, 25 ballpark). I'm not on keto, but I do have problems with fructans and gluten, so I stay away from bread which naturally keeps my carbs down to 20-35% and my fat high (around 35-55%). High fat isn't what I think is filling me up as much is it's lots of low calorie vegetables, but dropping my carb calories has left me more full after meals and keeps me satiated longer. It's also the onset of winter and shorter days, and the body seems to want to calorie up in prep for the winter for some people.1
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You haven't shared your diet and exercise log, so just some guessing here. First, since you said you don't feel hungry but just want to eat, and you allow sweets, are you noticing anything with your diet? Are you consuming more sweets or other high calorie foods? Is it any particular food, or is it anything goes? Is your cravings all day, or do they hit around 2-3pm or late night (after 8pm)? If you just feel like eating something...ANYTHING...then I would suggest go for it, but make it low calorie items like veggies. I assume you also have a balance on carbs, fat, protein (50, 25, 25 ballpark). I'm not on keto, but I do have problems with fructans and gluten, so I stay away from bread which naturally keeps my carbs down to 20-35% and my fat high (around 35-55%). High fat isn't what I think is filling me up as much is it's lots of low calorie vegetables, but dropping my carb calories has left me more full after meals and keeps me satiated longer. It's also the onset of winter and shorter days, and the body seems to want to calorie up in prep for the winter for some people.
It’s like an alllll day charade of me just wanting to eat crap. I can be super full after eating but I still just want something junky. I allow myself to eat whatever I want but in moderation and even with that I just want more. I use a different app for most of my tracking but yesterday I started tracking with MyFitnessPal again because the other app I was using doesn’t have such a diverse food library.
I’m starting to wonder if it’s the time change considering this coincides with it. I never realized that the seasons really affected my appetite before. I always just assume weight gain because of the holidays and not really anything else but I’m wondering about the season change now and how that impacts me. It’s weird trying to be in tune with my body and noticing all of the changes and stuff.
I’m going to try something a little different I think and add a bit more protein to my meals and maybe that’ll help. When looking at my macros I noticed my protein intake is on average about 15-20% so I’m wondering if consuming a bit more would help with satiety.
I’m also trying to find things to distract myself with. I know I had very disordered eating and was diagnosed with a binge eating disorder in the past so I’m wondering what’s going on in my life that is maybe making that come up lately. I definitely think this is all psychological.2 -
Just wondering whether you've talked to your doctor at all about what your hormones are up to - this might be related to an imbalance that you can settle with some tweaks to your food intake or with specific supplements, as your body is adjusting to a pretty dramatic internal change.
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KareninCanada wrote: »Just wondering whether you've talked to your doctor at all about what your hormones are up to - this might be related to an imbalance that you can settle with some tweaks to your food intake or with specific supplements, as your body is adjusting to a pretty dramatic internal change.
I had some bloodwork done in July to check my thyroid and my estrogen and all of the other hormones related to my reproductive system I guess. My doc started me on Premarin and medroxyprogesterone at that point since I was in the throws of surgical menopause hell. I know my thyroid levels came back fine.0
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