Hungry, Hungry, Hungry

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2004
Hungry, Hungry, Hungry
9
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 1:02am
Any suggestions on how to curb your appetite? I'm constantly hungry - snack throughout the day, have second helpings for many meals, then go for dessert and sometimes a midnight snack. I wake up hungry and go to sleep hungry. I feel like I'm never satisfied. Of course this has caused me to pack on the pounds (7 months after having my baby, I'm back at my top pregnancy weight!). I've tried diet pills and appetite suppressants but they never work, exercise makes me want to eat more, and I love healthy foods but they don't satisfy me. My overactive appetite really kills my motivation, and if I could just get it under control, I think I could stick with healthier food choices and exercise. What can I do to get in control? Thanks in advance for your help.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 1:15am

I have no idea if you've already tried this, but do you make sure that you eat protein when you eat? I can NOT live on carbs alone. Try eating six times a day, a protein serving at each meal and lots of veggies. I find whenever I'm really hungry it's because I'm not getting enough protein or I'm forgetting to eat regularly. South Beach, Kathy Smith and the Body for Life guy all recommend this (first two say eat 4x a day, BFL says 6) When I eat this way, I feel GREAT.

Don't know if I've helped. Good luck!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-12-2005
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 1:34am

Hi! I know how you feel ... I am the same way. What seems to work for me was to set mini goals (baby steps). For example, a couple of weeks ago, I stopped drinking Coke. That's all I did. The headaches were bad but with the help of Advil, I made it. This week, I am trying to not eat after dinner. I would normally eat an early dinner and then eat dinner again a few hours later. On top of that, I would still need a dessert. I won't lie, it's a hard habit to break. I'm trying to fill up on water and that helps.

Good luck ... Sending you thoughts of encouragement!!!

Take Care,
Dawn

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-17-2003
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 8:35am
I agree. Try eating several small meals a day instead. Also, after you have eaten if you still want to eat try to occupy yourself. I find if I get involved with something like quilting or scrapbooking I forget about eating. TV doesn't work for me. it makes me want to eat more. Also try taking a walk after dinner. Another thing that works with me is having some sugar free jello or a healthy desert after my meals. It tells my mind that I am done. Coffee and hot tea also work for me. I am not sure why. There have been days when I first start a diet that I sit around and drink hot tea all day because I keep wanting to go grab some food. I have found that about a week into the diet I find it easier to eat less. Hope this helps. sharla
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-09-2004
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 8:59am

Hey Dawn....well when I get hungry late at night I usually try to eat a little protein. Like a pinch of shredded cheese. Or a tiny piece of chicken or meat like roast. And most times it works for me.

I am doing low carb-low fat and sort of following Atkins. In Atkins you can have the sugarless jello and allow your self a tad of whipped cream on top. Which I find very satisfying. I know that this one desert can get boring. But on Adkins they also have morning start bars in many varieties...which I use as a desert if I am really in the withdrawal zone. Also, you can't forget all the Adkins candy bars and other sugarless products. I also like the Atkins shake type drinks...

Also, Adkins has a supplement that you can take which has vitamins and an appetite suppressant. You may try this it really works.

I don't know which diet you are following so my suggestions may not be suitable for your diet.

Sussie_Q

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2004
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 9:11am

Everyone else has really good suggestions, but I wanted to reiterate the protein thing. It really does help! Try some peanut butter on an apple or crackers or celery, or have some cheese.


Another thing that I didn't see anyone else suggest was water. Drink a glass of water before each meal. It'll help fill you up and it's very good for you!


- cl-Yavie, sig in  still in progress :D

I am just a young girl in need of some

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-31-2004
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 9:32am

It could depend on the things you are eating too.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-12-2005
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 3:16pm

Hi Sussie Q,

Thanks for your 2 cents! I'll take it! I realize that having protein satisfies the hunger for a longer period of time but my excuse is lack of preparation!! Your email is a sign for me to prepare for the hunger!!

Thanks,
Dawn

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-29-2003
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 10:14pm
Not to alarm you, but, I feel it needs to be addressed. Have you been tested for diabetes? Constant hunger is one of the signs that you could be diabetic, or borderline diabetic. You may want to get tested by your doctor. It could have been triggered by your recent pregnancy.
Again, don't mean to frighten you, but, if you do get tested, and it rules out diabetes, then, at least you know.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2005
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 11:21pm

One thing that I didn't see suggested, that I sometimes have a huge problem with...Sometimes your brain mistakes hunger for thirst. I'm really bad about drinking water, so when I feel like I can't get enough to eat, I go get myself a 32 oz. Powerade and that usually takes care of it. It's hard to remember, but I've never had a time of uncontrollable hunger that I couldn't resolve with Powerade, if I remembered.

Andrea