Why am I so hungry?
InnerFatGirl
Posts: 2,687 Member
Hello all.
I am 5'6", currently 305lbs. I am eating 1600 calories per day. Not much exercise at the moment.
For the past few days I have been really hungry. To the point of getting headaches. I don't understand why?
I drink at least 1-1.5l of water a day and I ONLY drink water. I am eating vegetables with nearly every meal, I am not snacking, I'm eating lots of protein too.
I'm mostly within my goal though sometimes I am a bit over.
I am sitting here starving hungry with a headache but I don't want to eat as I'm already over my calories for today
Only thing I can think of is that I am sleep deprived right now. Does that make this much of a difference?
Please could someone take a look at my diary and tell me what they think? Thanks!
I am 5'6", currently 305lbs. I am eating 1600 calories per day. Not much exercise at the moment.
For the past few days I have been really hungry. To the point of getting headaches. I don't understand why?
I drink at least 1-1.5l of water a day and I ONLY drink water. I am eating vegetables with nearly every meal, I am not snacking, I'm eating lots of protein too.
I'm mostly within my goal though sometimes I am a bit over.
I am sitting here starving hungry with a headache but I don't want to eat as I'm already over my calories for today
Only thing I can think of is that I am sleep deprived right now. Does that make this much of a difference?
Please could someone take a look at my diary and tell me what they think? Thanks!
2
Replies
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Not getting enough sleep always makes me hungrier and more prone to cravings.
Your diary is currently closed.7 -
too much water and not enough electrolytes/salt can cause headaches7
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Your diary is not open for viewing.3
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Sorry guys, will make it open now.0
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Okay, it's open now. Sorry about that!1
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deannalfisher wrote: »too much water and not enough electrolytes/salt can cause headaches
That's useful to know. I think I am having enough salt/electrolytes but I'm not sure. Hopefully you guys can view my diary and let me know.1 -
janejellyroll wrote: »Not getting enough sleep always makes me hungrier and more prone to cravings.
Your diary is currently closed.
Yes, it definitely seems worse with not sleeping enough. I really need to sort that out.3 -
deannalfisher wrote: »too much water and not enough electrolytes/salt can cause headaches
This seems likely. I can't tell for sure but I think the OP's picture says that she lost nearly 7 pounds in a week and magnesium deficiency could also affect sleep.
OP. Go get yourself a sports drink. If you do not like artificial sweetener just get regular. I am assuming you have a 1000 calorie deficit so even if you go over a little more you will still lose some weight today.1 -
Assuming your entries are accurate, your fiber looks consistently on the lowish side. Some people find that a higher fiber diet helps them feel fuller. It may be worth experimenting to see if you're in this group. Just don't increase too much at once because many people find this upsets their stomach or creates digestive problems.3
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I know that many MFP entries are missing/incorrect sodium but it really looks like yours is quite low which surprises me because it looks like the stuff you are eating should be higher.
Yesterday you ate a small amount of salted pretzels I suggest enjoying a good size snack of them now. You are hungry anyway and it does no good to be miserable and sleepless. Tomorrow you will hopefully feel much better.2 -
I'd recommend you increase the vegetables and fruits you eat by quite a bit. They are full of water and fiber which are some of the most satiating components.0
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deannalfisher wrote: »too much water and not enough electrolytes/salt can cause headaches
This seems likely. I can't tell for sure but I think the OP's picture says that she lost nearly 7 pounds in a week and magnesium deficiency could also affect sleep.
OP. Go get yourself a sports drink. If you do not like artificial sweetener just get regular. I am assuming you have a 1000 calorie deficit so even if you go over a little more you will still lose some weight today.
Thanks for your reply! I'm not sure exactly how accurate my weight loss stats are as I started on a different scale and switched halfway but I started on the 12th Jan I think, weighed in at 313.1 on mechanical scales at the gym. I bought my own scale on the 20th and it said I was 309lbs. I've been weighing daily since then and the lowest weight was three days ago at 305lbs.
I'll try getting a sports drink and see if that makes me feel a little better. But can the same effect be achieved with a tablet? Or are there foods high in magnesium?1 -
janejellyroll wrote: »Assuming your entries are accurate, your fiber looks consistently on the lowish side. Some people find that a higher fiber diet helps them feel fuller. It may be worth experimenting to see if you're in this group. Just don't increase too much at once because many people find this upsets their stomach or creates digestive problems.
That's really helpful, thank you! I didn't realise my fibre was low. Do you have any quick suggestions of what I can add for fibre?0 -
I know that many MFP entries are missing/incorrect sodium but it really looks like yours is quite low which surprises me because it looks like the stuff you are eating should be higher.
Yesterday you ate a small amount of salted pretzels I suggest enjoying a good size snack of them now. You are hungry anyway and it does no good to be miserable and sleepless. Tomorrow you will hopefully feel much better.
Perhaps it's because I've been mostly home cooking and I don't add salt to my food? I do add seasoning which has some salt.
No pretzels left unfortunately! But I had a small slice of homemade pizza, some cucumber sticks and a piece of ham. I feel a little bit better but still empty. I dunno if it's just my body crying out for a binge. It's so frustrating!4 -
robingmurphy wrote: »I'd recommend you increase the vegetables and fruits you eat by quite a bit. They are full of water and fiber which are some of the most satiating components.
Thank you. I should make them a bigger portion, you're right.0 -
Have you also cut back on caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, colas)? Caffeine withdrawal headaches are no joke. When I'm feeling headachy, I find a cup of tea and a cup of soup broth usually fixes that. As for feeling hungry a few ideas: 1) you aren't used to eating in a calorie deficit yet, this will take a week or two and should get easier as you adapt, 2) low fibre intake, as others mentioned, increasing fibre can help with feeling full, vegetables and beans/legumes are good in that respect, 3) fats, you don't have fat on your short list of nutrients so I don't know how much you are getting, but many people find that fat is filling. Keep playing with it.5
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deannalfisher wrote: »too much water and not enough electrolytes/salt can cause headaches
1-1.5 liters isn't that much water though (it's 4-6 cups), especially at 300 pounds. People's water consumption needs vary, but that is definitely on the low side. Thirst can sometimes be confused with hunger, so if anything, the low level of intake may be a factor.
5 -
deannalfisher wrote: »too much water and not enough electrolytes/salt can cause headaches
1-1.5 liters isn't that much water though (it's 4-6 cups), especially at 300 pounds. People's water consumption needs vary, but that is definitely on the low side. Thirst can sometimes be confused with hunger, so if anything, the low level of intake may be a factor.
but if its a significant change from previous and also cut back on other drinks then its a perfect storm2 -
If you want to increase your fibre with not much calories try some konjac noodles. They take on the taste of whatever you add to them. I hope this helps:)2
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deannalfisher wrote: »too much water and not enough electrolytes/salt can cause headaches
In what world is 1.5 l of water too much water, for someone who doesn't drink anything else? That's roughly 50 fluid ounces or 6 cups.6 -
deannalfisher wrote: »deannalfisher wrote: »too much water and not enough electrolytes/salt can cause headaches
1-1.5 liters isn't that much water though (it's 4-6 cups), especially at 300 pounds. People's water consumption needs vary, but that is definitely on the low side. Thirst can sometimes be confused with hunger, so if anything, the low level of intake may be a factor.
but if its a significant change from previous and also cut back on other drinks then its a perfect storm
Whatever else they were drinking was almost certainly was mostly water, unless they were subsisting on 100+ proof alchohol. Almost everything humans drink is mostly water. So hard to see where the "significant change" comes in when combined with cutting back on other drinks. At least not in the direction of "too much water." Possibly too little water.2 -
deannalfisher wrote: »too much water and not enough electrolytes/salt can cause headaches
1-1.5 liters isn't that much water though (it's 4-6 cups), especially at 300 pounds. People's water consumption needs vary, but that is definitely on the low side. Thirst can sometimes be confused with hunger, so if anything, the low level of intake may be a factor.
Exactly. And dehydration can cause headaches.3 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »deannalfisher wrote: »too much water and not enough electrolytes/salt can cause headaches
1-1.5 liters isn't that much water though (it's 4-6 cups), especially at 300 pounds. People's water consumption needs vary, but that is definitely on the low side. Thirst can sometimes be confused with hunger, so if anything, the low level of intake may be a factor.
Exactly. And dehydration can cause headaches.
I might be dehydrated as I often have a dry mouth. But even with drinking only 1.5l a day I am weeing constantly and it's so irritating. I am concerned I have T2D though, so I am getting a blood test to check.2 -
InnerFatGirl wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »deannalfisher wrote: »too much water and not enough electrolytes/salt can cause headaches
1-1.5 liters isn't that much water though (it's 4-6 cups), especially at 300 pounds. People's water consumption needs vary, but that is definitely on the low side. Thirst can sometimes be confused with hunger, so if anything, the low level of intake may be a factor.
Exactly. And dehydration can cause headaches.
I might be dehydrated as I often have a dry mouth. But even with drinking only 1.5l a day I am weeing constantly and it's so irritating. I am concerned I have T2D though, so I am getting a blood test to check.
Oh man I hope that's not the case but most of us pee A LOT. It's really annoying to have to get up and go so often but it's just a pesky side effect of drinking enough water. I hope you get the test results that you are looking for!1 -
InnerFatGirl wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »deannalfisher wrote: »too much water and not enough electrolytes/salt can cause headaches
1-1.5 liters isn't that much water though (it's 4-6 cups), especially at 300 pounds. People's water consumption needs vary, but that is definitely on the low side. Thirst can sometimes be confused with hunger, so if anything, the low level of intake may be a factor.
Exactly. And dehydration can cause headaches.
I might be dehydrated as I often have a dry mouth. But even with drinking only 1.5l a day I am weeing constantly and it's so irritating. I am concerned I have T2D though, so I am getting a blood test to check.
Oh man I hope that's not the case but most of us pee A LOT. It's really annoying to have to get up and go so often but it's just a pesky side effect of drinking enough water. I hope you get the test results that you are looking for!0 -
Perhaps try lowering your rate of loss for a week or two, even though you can theoretically sustain the highest rate of loss doesn't mean it will suit you. If you drop it from 2lbs to 1.5 or 1lbs that will give you another 250-500 cals per day. You'll still lose weight just a little slower.6
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tinkerbellang83 wrote: »Perhaps try lowering your rate of loss for a week or two, even though you can theoretically sustain the highest rate of loss doesn't mean it will suit you. If you drop it from 2lbs to 1.5 or 1lbs that will give you another 250-500 cals per day. You'll still lose weight just a little slower.
I wanted to highlight this advice because I think it's especially relevant given what you said earlier about feeling like your body is crying out for you to binge.
Often people will pursue an aggressive deficit, which makes them hungry enough that they then overeat in response, especially during times of stress. It's possible to wipe out the calorie deficit for the entire week doing so. And that feeling of loss of control can be discouraging, putting some people into a "I can't do this, why even try" mindset. Not saying that's your case, OP, just something I've observed plenty of times here.
Upping your calories by a few hundred may slow your rate of loss for the immediate future, but may be a more sustainable long-term option, especially if you have a lot to lose.6 -
InnerFatGirl wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »Assuming your entries are accurate, your fiber looks consistently on the lowish side. Some people find that a higher fiber diet helps them feel fuller. It may be worth experimenting to see if you're in this group. Just don't increase too much at once because many people find this upsets their stomach or creates digestive problems.
That's really helpful, thank you! I didn't realise my fibre was low. Do you have any quick suggestions of what I can add for fibre?
I get most of my fiber from vegetables, beans, and grains (whole grains have more). Fruit has it too -- two fruits that have pretty good fiber counts for the calories are pears and blackberries, although I'm sure there are others.2 -
CaffeinatedConfectionist wrote: »tinkerbellang83 wrote: »Perhaps try lowering your rate of loss for a week or two, even though you can theoretically sustain the highest rate of loss doesn't mean it will suit you. If you drop it from 2lbs to 1.5 or 1lbs that will give you another 250-500 cals per day. You'll still lose weight just a little slower.
I wanted to highlight this advice because I think it's especially relevant given what you said earlier about feeling like your body is crying out for you to binge.
Often people will pursue an aggressive deficit, which makes them hungry enough that they then overeat in response, especially during times of stress. It's possible to wipe out the calorie deficit for the entire week doing so. And that feeling of loss of control can be discouraging, putting some people into a "I can't do this, why even try" mindset. Not saying that's your case, OP, just something I've observed plenty of times here.
Upping your calories by a few hundred may slow your rate of loss for the immediate future, but may be a more sustainable long-term option, especially if you have a lot to lose.
I agree that raising calories a bit will help.
I'm 140 pounds and I feel like binging on 1600. I can't imagine trying to make it work at 300 pounds.
I don't know the answer for the OP, but probably a little of all of this stuff. More water, add some salt, raise calories to around 1900, eat more vegetables for fiber, get a little exercise so you can eat a little more. Lots of things to do.
6 -
tinkerbellang83 wrote: »Perhaps try lowering your rate of loss for a week or two, even though you can theoretically sustain the highest rate of loss doesn't mean it will suit you. If you drop it from 2lbs to 1.5 or 1lbs that will give you another 250-500 cals per day. You'll still lose weight just a little slower.
Yes, @InnerFatGirl I'm your height, weigh less than you, and would be hangry on 1600 calories. I have to get 500 exercise calories to be happy. Since you're not exercising much at the moment, try reducing your rate of loss.
If you're not exercising due to knee issues, maybe start another thread about that. I can hold forth at length about working around knee issues
The short version is starting with walking and/or swimming, good shoes, and exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knees. I lost 40 pounds swimming in an absolutely hideous bathing suit. 3
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