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Tired of starving to get weight off
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borneve
Posts: 3 Member
When I am trying lose weight, even if I know what I should be eating. Sometimes I’m afraid to eat. If that makes sense.
I’m in my 60’s and fight for every pound I take off.
I am tired of being hungry to lose weight.
I don’t want just veggies and fruits.
I’m in my 60’s and fight for every pound I take off.
I am tired of being hungry to lose weight.
I don’t want just veggies and fruits.
2
Replies
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I eat pretty much only meat and lose weight. Yes, I log calories as being in a calorie deficit is vital to losing weight. For me, meat fills me up and keeps me full. I am a 57 year old male. For most people eating more protein will help them feel full.3
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Only fruit and veggie!? My lunch today was a tilapia fillet with black beans and guacamole on a fajita tortilla. I do feel slightly hungry during the day, but after a few weeks I get used to it.1
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I'm female, 68, even vegetarian (for almost 50 years now), and I wouldn't remotely consider eating only veggies and fruits.
Protein is especially important in our demographic, and it's more important when 55-60+ to spread it through the day.
https://www.jamda.com/article/S1525-8610(13)00326-5/fulltext
This thread may help you identify calorie-efficient protein sources:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10247171/carbs-and-fats-are-cheap-heres-a-guide-to-getting-your-proteins-worth-fiber-also
As a bonus, many people find protein especially filling.
It should not be necessary to starve in order to lose weight. Many people will find so-called whole foods more filling than highly processed ones, if the latter are part of the picture now.
Both food choices, and timing of when we eat them, can affect how full we feel.
What's best tends to vary individually, so it takes some experimentation. If you're logging your food, notice when you feel better (more full, energetic), and when you feel less so. Does the eating pattern that day (or even the day before) suggest anything to try? Nutrition, sleep, and stress can also be factors in appetite (or water retention).
I'm sorry to hear that you're afraid to eat sometimes. Is it that you're worried you won't lose weight, or something else? Nutrition is important, and undereating can be counterproductive for weight loss. Slow loss is fine, even at 60+ . . . especially if the alternative seems to be a routine that makes us miserable.
I hope you're able to find a path that works for you, sincerely!5 -
I see you're in your 60's (me too). I'm not sure if this applies to you, but it did to me. Low fat diets were all the rage in the 80's.
But, fat is an important macro and it's also satiating. I know that fat calories add up quick, but I make sure to include fat with each meal. Ditch the skim milk.....if that's you.2 -
I agree with you, Tracy. Protein satiates me, but fat makes me smile. It's a never-ending battle to balance it, but I WON'T give up my butter and whole fat milk.2
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Seconded (third-ed? Fourth-ed?) the protein and fat recommendations!
A large salad can fill you up with fiber and micronutrients. But a 1 ounce slice of good cheese, nibbled slowly, will satisfy my hunger for much longer. The two together makes a great lunch.
Eat a little high quality fats with every meal.
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I think we are trained by society that weight loss should be hell, and we should suffer to achieve it.
Ditch that mindset. It’s only a struggle if we allow it to be.
Take your calorie goal like you would a financial budget. How can you get the most for your money / calories? Can you reduce fruit and veggies here and introduce something else in its place?
I think of my daily calorie goal like Tetris. I fill out what I plan to eat in advance. Protein is particularly satiating for me. Fat and carbs tend to be more’ish to me. If I see I’m running low on protein, I check to see if I’m high on fat or carbs, pull an item that’s high, and replace it with something more protein oriented.
Today I had more than enough protein, but still had calories left over. I also did a challenging cardio class this morning. Replenishing some carbs might be nice. I’m using the extra calories for a nice serving of hot air popcorn to snack on during my volunteer front desk stint this morning.
Having foods pre-logged really helps. I was able to stay well under yesterday for the holiday, even after enjoying some peach ice cream and homemade strawberry shortcake. Because I’d pre-logged, I had the easy option of increasing here, decreasing there, and took full advantage of it.3 -
I shoot for eating at least 30 grams of proteins each meal along with healthy fats and fiber and this was definitely the answer for me! (I know I need to eat more grams of protein than that but I am already full and even trying to fit in protein in the afternoon as a snack is difficult) MFP helps me keep on track! (Even though there are days I don't reach it and that's ok!!) I'm turning 60 soon and I am down 23 lbs since January 31, 2024. I started January 31, 2024 but I didn't measure. I measured March 5th and have lost at least 13 inches and almost 2 jean sizes! This change in my eating habits, resistance training, some cardio and trying to get no less than 8,000 steps per day... It's working for me! All that with a 112 mile commute each day to work and full work day. Feeling full, energetic, less joint pain and just overall SO much better!! Not stopping anytime soon this new way of life!2
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All these comments have been helpful.2
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Instead of just measuring, I am also weighing foods. This has proven more accurate so far.2
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I was brought griping and complaining to the altar of metric, but now it’s the only way I cook. 😇0
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