Runners and hunger

Compass04
Compass04 Posts: 24 Member
edited November 11 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi Everyone!

So I've been casually running for a little over a year now, nothing crazy, maybe 2-3 miles twice a week. However, I just started training for a half marathon about a month and a half ago and my hunger has gone through the roof! I'm hungry almost all the time and the problem is I'm eating a lot more than I'm burning (because I'm over eating on my rest days and even sometimes on my running days). I have already gained 4 pounds, which due to my limited strength training and over eating I assume it's mostly fat.

I assume that when you push your body, it is normal for it to respond like this, but does anyone have advice on how to curve your appetite when your body is convinced it needs fuel?

Thank you for your replies!

Replies

  • Compass04
    Compass04 Posts: 24 Member
    Dead post? :(
  • selfishshellfish
    selfishshellfish Posts: 97
    You know, this has always been a huge problem for me, to the extent that weight maintenance (let alone loss) gets really difficult when I put in any decent distance on a regular basis.

    A friend of mine suggested upping my fat percentage considerably while keeping my calories stable, but I still had appetite issues. But maybe that would work for you.

    Sorry to be a bit of a downer here.
  • Compass04
    Compass04 Posts: 24 Member
    No worries! Thanks for the input! I'll try anything at this point! Thanks again!
  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
    we lovingly refer to it as the "training tapeworm". This is why losing weight while training for a race is hard. you are creating hunger and then need a good portion of the fuel back to have quality workouts

    I never try to lose a significant amount of weight in a training cycle but I do work to maintain but eating a good deal of vegetables with my meals. They make you feel full, are really good for you, and give you a visual sense of eating a ton when really the calories aren't there. I often will put a plate in front of my husband (who is a high mileage runner) and he'll claim he won't be able to eat it all. "it is only 600 calories...jeesh!" I respond :)

    And eat often
    and eat carb with a protein (hard boiled egg, cottage cheese, etc).

    good luck!
  • kaynagel
    kaynagel Posts: 571 Member
    I have used half marathons to increase my weight loss. First, I would recommend that you do your homework by reading running magazines or checking out runners websites and reading up on running and nutrition. That being said, you need to make sure you hydrate sufficiently before and after your runs. You alse need to refuel after your runs. When I increase my mileage as recommended which I think is no more than 15% increase a week, and I eat a healthy diet, and I stay hydrated, I don't feel hungry all the time. Use the tools on MFP to keep you within the correct calorie intake.
  • Compass04
    Compass04 Posts: 24 Member
    I have been eating multiple healthy snacks throughout the day and 3-4 small meals. I think stepping up my vegetable intake is a good idea - it can be hard though, because I'm a really picky eater. :(

    Thank you for the great advice! And I'm glad to know others go through the same thing.
  • Compass04
    Compass04 Posts: 24 Member
    Thanks kaynagel!

    I am following a recommended training schedule for the half marathon. And have been trying to eat healthy foods throughout the day but am still hungry most of the time. I do realize I don't drink enough water so I'll try to pick that up.

    Thanks for the advice!
  • yourpalacf
    yourpalacf Posts: 51 Member
    This happens to me when I ride a lot. It sucks... I think it has something to do with your body using its calories more efficiently during steady state exercise. Maybe make a concerted effort to keep up weight training, or add in some HITT, which can help endurance in the long run as well. Good luck!
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    This always happens to me when I get into the high mileage training. I make it a point to eat something high-protein within a half hour of finishing a run ( e.g. a protein shake with frozen berries and peanut butter, or cottage cheese). Broccoli and spinach salads become common at every meal (yes even breakfast). Lots of fiber, lots of protein, and lots of water help out.

    By the last two weeks I will absolutely destroy a bag of chips if its put in front of me, though.
  • Cooriander
    Cooriander Posts: 2,848 Member
    Eggs, nuts and Kefir curbs my appetite :smile: HTH!
  • Emilit_uk
    Emilit_uk Posts: 87
    I hear you, this is my problem big time, especially when i'm in the office all day and boredom sets in; all I can think about is my rumbling tum! I have upped my protein intake, I eat plenty of eggs and I also find protein powder helps

    Also recently i've tried to stick to savoury snacks rather than sweet; I still eat fruit, but i've cut out the cereal bars, as the sugar is just not satiating, in fact it makes me want to eat more
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