Medications = Always Hungry!
Zephalie
Posts: 5
Hi there! I just started MFP the other day, and as I've been looking over my daily food logs (just two so far), I can see that I'm eating more often than I should be. The problem is, I'm on antiepressants and antipsychotics which make me, well, hungry. All the time. Does anyone have suggestions as to what I should eat that would fill me up more? I'm basically trying to use up the rest of the stuff in my house before I switch over (I don't like to waste), so for now it's white bread, salted crackers, and so on.
ALSO: I can't stomach beans, but I'm going to be picking up whey protein powder tomorrow.
ALSO: I can't stomach beans, but I'm going to be picking up whey protein powder tomorrow.
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Replies
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I am very hungry a lot of the time and I don't take pills. I notice after I have vinegar I feel less hunger. If I have a salad with
oil and vinegar it is helpful. I read that eating jalapenos when hungry will help. I have not tried it yet...altho I did put some in my tuna yesterday
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If I was you, i'd look for ways to modify my diet for better mental health to get off that stuff. It will make you gain weight.
Low fat diets have been linked to depression. Low fat meaning less than 10% of your calories from fat.
While that sounds nice in theory, I have BPD and cannot function without them, period. I hallucinate, have massive anxiety attacks, and, like I said, can't function.0 -
are you on risperidol? that stuff gave me the munchies like...well let's just say certain herbs I used in my youth
Check with your meds counselor...things like Cymbalta actually curb appetite0 -
I feel for you. You might raise this issue with your p-doc and see if he has any helpful info. A couple of things stand out. Your calorie limit may be kind of low. What is your activity level? How much weight did you set to lose per week? Sometimes it's better to ease in rather than decreasing all of a sudden. I was hungry at first, but have found my stomach really has shrunk and k can't eat nearly as much as before.
Don't skip breakfast. Eat more complex carbs and protein. Oatmeal with fruit (minimal sugar to flavor it), whole grain cereals, Greek yogurt, eggs, etc, are all great!
Eat as much whole food as possible. Fruits and veggies, lean protein, good fats (but, olive oil), and complex carbs.0 -
Hi there! I just started MFP the other day, and as I've been looking over my daily food logs (just two so far), I can see that I'm eating more often than I should be. The problem is, I'm on antiepressants and antipsychotics which make me, well, hungry. All the time. Does anyone have suggestions as to what I should eat that would fill me up more? I'm basically trying to use up the rest of the stuff in my house before I switch over (I don't like to waste), so for now it's white bread, salted crackers, and so on.
ALSO: I can't stomach beans, but I'm going to be picking up whey protein powder tomorrow.
If I was you, i'd look for ways to modify my diet for better mental health to get off that stuff. It will make you gain weight.
Low fat diets have been linked to depression. Low fat meaning less than 10% of your calories from fat.
Many disorders are chemical in nature. Diet and exercise only go so far in correcting that.0 -
The one that makes me the most hungry is Haloperidol. I've spoken to my doc about cutting back, which we did, as well as with the anti-depressant, and I spiralled downhill so fast, I had a same-day appointment because I was at my breaking point. My calorie limit is set to 1440 a day, losing two pounds a week. I work out 3x a week for two hours, about an hour of which is swimming and water calisthenics.0
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your biochemistry can change with your thoughts, think bad things you feel bad, produce negative biochemicals, think good thoughts produce positive biochemicals. Not saying it's simple as that, but i am saying to an extent we can control our biochemicals.
True, but when you're diagnosed with paranoia and BPD, you can't control what you think, see, and hear sometimes. There's lots more, but I'm not going to go into detail.
Thank you, @pinuplove. 0 -
To the OP, if you're struggling with a 1000-calorie/day deficit, maybe you should start out with a smaller deficit until you get stronger. Take some of the pressure off.0
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I know you want to use up what is in your house, but really to start healthy eating, you need to make a plan and go ahead and get those ingredients to start your successful journey. You can slowly use up some of he previous things as you learn how to fit them into your calorie allotment. Some items I just got rid of because it isn't worth it.
Do a google search on what foods make you full longer. Heartier breakfasts helps as does the right kind of protein and even increased veggies. Veggies are fiberous water bulk that are very low in calorie so you can eat a ton if it and yet they take longer to break down so they take up room in your tummy.
There is not a one size fits all for everyone. Basically you need to make a master plan of foods you like to eat that are good for you and aren't calorie dense. Use that to help you plan.
This takes work and as you do it, you get better at it. If you aren't an automatic success in all of it overnight, don't sweat it but also don't allow it to be an excuse to get off the train.
You can do it!
Meds can have a certain effect but MOsT people have this same response at the beginning of a diet and during stress. It can be overcome. I do think you should follow up with your P-Doc. Sometimes they can adjust how often you take it, when you take it or a similar med with less side effect or one that causes less side effect for you. It's worth a try. Sometimes they might have extra tips you haven't thought of.0 -
Sometimes the p-doc can give you something different or add on a prescription for cravings. While a positive mental outlook can really help with the depression aspect, don't believe you can cure yourself with "happy thoughts". Follow doctor's orders and get help from a REAL medical professional.0
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Ignoring the little war waged between those of us who have/had real mental issues and those who would like to think they know better, I'd say good complex carbs (think sweet potatoes, whole grains) and lean proteins (lean meats, eggs, low fat milks) are the best at KEEPING you full and being bloody good for you. Fruits and veggies are ace when wanting to pick at something (raw carrots are especially good when you need to "worry" a food) which you can spice up with certain low-fat dips and stuff.
Me, I'm on different meds now but have been on many that made me hungry all the while. It's a total *****, but workable. Apples paired with a bit of lean meat (think cold chicken or the like) are good too. I used to snack on dry cereal a LOT too. In baby bowls, just slightly sweetened stuff like bran flakes or sometimes cheerios. Seemed to work better for me, eating lots of tiny food such as dry cereal piece by piece rather than a big snack when I was constantly hungry.
Are you exercising and stuff when you can? I know it can be really hard with panic and stuff but on good days when you're capable, a little cardio will do you loads of good, too, in the long run.
Either way it's trial and error, but you'll find with persistence a better diet will help take a little of the edge off sometimes too.0 -
In regards to PU's posts: Posts by members, moderators and admins should not be considered medical advice and no guarantee is made against accuracy.
really pay attention to the no guarantee is made against accuracy part.
I agree with the above poster ohffs...I have done this in the past, and it works.0 -
OP, I would agree with the idea of maybe halving your deficit. baby steps are still steps in the right direction. take it a bit slower. it may help your body adapt and regulate a bit.0
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I want to add...
Sometimes making the plan and doing your research is the most important part. Often there are foods out there we like that will fill us up or satisfy our cravings just as much as the foods we are currently using but it takes more work to figure out what these are. A fudgecicle instead of a chocolate candy bar is one example. I currently make bean soup that mimics the bean dip I eat constantly but this version isn't an actual dip so I don't need the chips. My husband noticed I substituted my hips and dip cravings with toast (which is hard too) and spreadable layers of good foods I might use in a dip such as avocados with chunks of tomatoes. I mash it for that creamier texture. My friend knows I'm a chocolate fiend and use nutella but found me a homemade version that I think will be a much better substitute (I have to read it and calculate it first, just got it today). She knows I love avocados so she is looking for spreads that call for part of one (a whole one is too many calories) but other good foods so that I get my bang for buck. I don't naturally gravitate towards all veggies so I made an extra effort to do research and make a list so I know which ones I'm more likely to use. I also find recipes I can hide veggies in. I know I hate lettuce so I use less of this and more of other veggies and add some nuts, fruit and chicken to make my salad easier for me to like. I go ahead and use my full fat dressing but with all the other stuff I need much less of it. Dried cranberries are great for my sweet tooth. I switched to olive oil and use it sparingly. I increased my water intake A LOT.
Another trick is to put food on your plate like you would normally eat it and then only allow yourself half of it. Put the other half in the microwave and wait one hour. In the meantime drink water and do something else. After an hour, if you are still hungry, eat it. Often we decrease our need for it if we just wait a bit. Also, you might be a grazer. If that is you, plan accordingly. You can literally eat all day and stay in your allotment if you plan ahead!0 -
When it comes to food and mental health issues, it's really hard to not eat when your brain is telling you to. Sometimes, it feels like a second-by-second battle. You just have to try to win more battles than you lose.0
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I am on an antidepressant as well and it gets me super hungry! I increased my proteins and fruits and veggies in my meals and I also started eating Fiber One Bars for snacks while I'm in class, which are very tasty and have quite a good amount of fiber. If the antidepressants and antipsychotics are improving your quality of life DO NOT stop them. I also suggest maybe taking a multivitamin and drink plenty of water, most times thirst is mistaken for hunger.0
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another thing that might work, just to fit that 'always wanting to eat' bill is to take on low-cal munchie type options. stuff like air popped popcorn (20 calories a cup), baby carrots (what, like 3 or 4 calories apiece?), even dry cereal works for me. you can find a ton of options there that are right about 100 calories a cup -- like chex or cheerios. at night most every night I will get two cups of dry cereal and much away. low cal and fills that munchie need.0
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1 word
Ghrelin0 -
another thing that might work, just to fit that 'always wanting to eat' bill is to take on low-cal munchie type options. stuff like air popped popcorn (20 calories a cup), baby carrots (what, like 3 or 4 calories apiece?), even dry cereal works for me. you can find a ton of options there that are right about 100 calories a cup -- like chex or cheerios. at night most every night I will get two cups of dry cereal and much away. low cal and fills that munchie need.
Goldfish crackers, too. 37 have 90 calories, I think, and they're satisfying. (I think the OP was scared away)0 -
First of all, I'm sorry that there are so many ignorant people out there. I work with people with mental illness, so I understand where you are coming from. Unfortunately, a lot of antipsychotics cause an increased apetite. I also have a hard time throwing food away, so I am still munching on Christmas chocolate goodies. It helps me to make a menu so you can see how much of eat different food group and what kind of food in each group you are eating each day, and then stick to that as much as possible. My fiance is trying to lose weight so we are really focusing on eating a lot of vegetables, fruits, protein, and limiting his carb intake to specifically whole grains as much as possible. I find it helps me too if I pre-prepare vegetables (have celery sticks, carrot sticks, and sliced vegetables) handy so when I'm hungry I don't have to work for them so I'm more likely to eat them rather than packaged food which are convenient. Good luck in everything!0
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OP, if you're seeing all this, know that from what I've seen, most people here on the forums are decent folk. I've been around a while under a few names, only started talking recently, and I've little faith in humanity. But know that the majority of MFP folk seem to be inherently good.0
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Yeah. I'm currently on 400mg of Seroquel (I've pretty much taken all the antipsychotics/mood stabilizers and antidepressants in the book though...) It definitely increased my appetite since I've been taking it. It has also made me gain a lot of weight in throughout the years and if I'm not careful about my eating or exercising, it will take its toll again. I find that eating and exercising actually help me a lot in my bipolar.0
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We should concentrate on the OP now. This isn't helping her.0
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Please Note
A suggestion was made, rightly or wrongly, to try and get off medication. Once the OP had said that wasnt an option it should have been left at that. Continuing to argue either for or against the use of meds has taken the topic so far off course that hardly any helpful advice regarding the OP's original question was given.
If you feel that bad (read dangerous) advice is being given, REPORT it. If you are attacked/abused, REPORT it, do NOT retaliate. The arguing between yourselves has not helped the OP whatsoever.
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Now, does any have any tips or tricks that help them when the dreaded munchies strike?
I'll go first. I'm on frequent steroids, I get a gnawing hunger when on them that is very hard to ignore so I make my main meals lower calorie with lots of veg as fillers, this then leaves me with lots of spare calories so I can graze, (egg whites are one of the best for me, low calorie high protein). Its what gets me thru it without major, actual weight gain (always gain due to horrid steroid water retention)0 -
TO THE OP: for trying to curb the munchies, try foods that are high in protein (providing you do not have weak kidneys), such as eggs - omelettes are excellent as is chicken. Ensure your meals are spaced out so that you do not end up with say, two meals within three hours of each other but because of that you have to wait for six hours for the next meal - you will end up ravenous if that happens.
Hoping you find what suits you quickly x0 -
Hi again everyone, I apologize, I was just very discouraged last night by some of the posts and I just had to step away, which I felt was better than getting worked up; I'm a pretty passive person, but when it comes to my mental health, I can get touchy.
Anyways! In regards to what a lot of you suggested, I've bought some very lean black forest ham slices (Pillar's), and on Friday I'll be doing a Costco run after going to the gym, so I'm going to pick up some whey powder and fibre bars. I'm a picky eater, so I've been looking through recipes online- but I didn't know that upping my protein intake would make me feel more full!
I actually forgot I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, so I'm going to ask my doctor about different medications in the same family.
In response to some of you asking about my exercise, I go to the YMCA three times a week and workout/swim for a total of 120 minutes. I usually earn back over 700 calories on those days, which I pretty much eat. It gets to the point where my stomach actually rumbles so audibly people near me can hear it. Crazy, right?
ALSO: I get frequent calcium oxide kidney stones, so I can't overdo the protein, but I'm trying to eat my daily allotted amount.0 -
Hi again everyone, I apologize, I was just very discouraged last night by some of the posts and I just had to step away, which I felt was better than getting worked up; I'm a pretty passive person, but when it comes to my mental health, I can get touchy.
Anyways! In regards to what a lot of you suggested, I've bought some very lean black forest ham slices (Pillar's), and on Friday I'll be doing a Costco run after going to the gym, so I'm going to pick up some whey powder and fibre bars. I'm a picky eater, so I've been looking through recipes online- but I didn't know that upping my protein intake would make me feel more full!
I actually forgot I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, so I'm going to ask my doctor about different medications in the same family.
In response to some of you asking about my exercise, I go to the YMCA three times a week and workout/swim for a total of 120 minutes. I usually earn back over 700 calories on those days, which I pretty much eat. It gets to the point where my stomach actually rumbles so audibly people near me can hear it. Crazy, right?
ALSO: I get frequent calcium oxide kidney stones, so I can't overdo the protein, but I'm trying to eat my daily allotted amount.
Ack sorry OP, I didn't realize about the kidney stones, I wouldn't have said about more protein if I had known.
Hope you get a positive result when you go to the Doctors tomorrow and you get your medication sorted x0 -
Hi again everyone, I apologize, I was just very discouraged last night by some of the posts and I just had to step away, which I felt was better than getting worked up; I'm a pretty passive person, but when it comes to my mental health, I can get touchy.
Anyways! In regards to what a lot of you suggested, I've bought some very lean black forest ham slices (Pillar's), and on Friday I'll be doing a Costco run after going to the gym, so I'm going to pick up some whey powder and fibre bars. I'm a picky eater, so I've been looking through recipes online- but I didn't know that upping my protein intake would make me feel more full!
I actually forgot I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, so I'm going to ask my doctor about different medications in the same family.
In response to some of you asking about my exercise, I go to the YMCA three times a week and workout/swim for a total of 120 minutes. I usually earn back over 700 calories on those days, which I pretty much eat. It gets to the point where my stomach actually rumbles so audibly people near me can hear it. Crazy, right?
ALSO: I get frequent calcium oxide kidney stones, so I can't overdo the protein, but I'm trying to eat my daily allotted amount.
Don't blame you for stepping back. I should have instead of running my mouth off; it's a sensitive issue to me and far too close to home. I should have ignored what I didn't like and I'm sorry for adding to the palaver.
The kidney stone thing sucks; but as you say, you can be keeping an eye on it. I find the trick is to combine veggies and fruits and the like with just a leeetle bit of ham or turkey, just to add to the fullness, if you know what I mean?
It's a good idea, asking about other meds; let us know how that goes! Either way, just know that the meds won't mean you won't succeed. As I said before, I've been on loads that made me super hungry and I managed to lose regardless while being a grazer
s'just choosing good things.
Quick question - what are your food habits pre/post workout? 2 hours is a good long workout, you fuelling up sufficiently?0
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