Hunger Pains

How many calories are you actually eating a day? How tall are you and what is your current weight? You may have decreased your calories too low if you are experiencing hunger pains, irritation and crankiness.

Much of the calorie needs reduction with age is not uncontrollable metabolism. It's changes in muscle mass and routine daily life activity levels.

Even to the extent that there is some metabolic rate decline, it is going to vary from person to person. How did you decide your metabolism has declined? How did you decide how much less to eat?

I'm 64. You'd have to persuade me that there's major metabolic decline for everyone by age 48.

Like others said: How many calories are you eating? You may be eating too few. What are your food choices? Some foods tend to be more filling than others. How is your nutrition (such as how much protein, fat and carbs are you getting on average daily)? Sub-ideal nutrition can trigger hunger.

Also, how long have you been eating fewer calories? It isn't unusual to have a *short* adaptation period, like maybe 2 weeks-ish.

Since you cut calories, did you increase exercise? Some people find certain types of exercise trigger more hunger. Also, cutting calories and starting exercise at the same time can increase hunger, if the fueling of that exercise isn't factored into calorie intake.

Has you sleep quality or quantity been affected by reducing calories? Some people experience temporary sleep effects, and poor sleep can increase feelings of hunger.

Hang in there - you can figure this out!

Had you been gaining weight, or was lowering your calories just a preemptive action on your part based on an assumption about your slowing metabolism? You may not be eating enough.