Is it normal to be constantly hungry while dieting?

65% Normal
6 Comments

Is it normal to be hungry ALL.THE.TIME. when dieting? I've been trying to cut calories for nearly a year now and I've been feeling like I'm starving to death most of that time. I don't mean just like wanting to eat for emotional reasons or cause you have a craving for something (though I do get cravings too), I'm talking empty, rumbly stomach feels like it's trying to eat itself hunger. Ya know the "real" physical kind. I find it hard to think about anything but food and my mouth waters more than usual. Sometimes when this happens I feel twitchy and restless, other times I feelso weak and tired just sitting upright almost takes more energy than I have, I feel like a droopy wilted flower and ppl have to ask me to repeat myself frequently as I don't have enough strength to project my voice very far. I've read several opinions on calorie amounts for various individule needs, but according to all I get enough, considering I am trying to lose weight (which I do need to do, I'm 5'1", 155 pounds, my BMI is 29.3 so I am very nearly obese). But I am hungry all day, even when I eat it only barely takes the edge off. I have trouble falling asleep at night because I'm so hungry. Then about once a week or so I just can't take it anymore and I end up basically binge eating 2000-3000 calories in one sitting so I can actually feel full for once. Which in one way makes me feel really good, like finally coming up for air after holding your breath forever, but also it makes me feel really guilty and it's keeping me from losing weight I think. I have always had a really strong appetite but I do think part of the problem lately may be a side effect from Synthroid I've been on for a couple years for my thyroid and about 4 months ago they upped my dose again (they are still fiddling with trying to get it right) and I think my hunger got worse around then. I can't bear the thought of living like this forever, I think I'd rather be fat. That's the really sucky part, I'm not even losing weight even though I'm torturing myself to try to. I'm going off to college in a couple months and I'm afraid when I'm there surrounded by yummy food with an unlimited meal plan and no parents looking over my shoulders I'm going to completely lose control and get huge.

Voting Results
65% Normal
Based on 20 votes (13 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 6 )
  • pizzabrowniesushi
    7 years ago

    I have lost 62 pounds doing the following.
    stopped drinking a liter of coke everyday and using the motor scooters in stores because I am too lazy to walk.
    learned how to cook somewhat instead of eating big macs and gas station food every meal.
    check labels on diet stuff and salad dressing. a lot of it is full of sugar and taste disgusting.

    eat stuff that will fill you up like bacon and eggs bagels with cream cheese. you can make fruit into smoothies if you dislike fruit like me and I have a couple good man salads that won't make you sad.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • Russianlavender
    7 years ago

    Hi there. Firstly strict dieting doesn't sound like the best way for you be happy, if you're always hungry! Sounds like you love your food so why not buy a healthy cookbook and start cooking your own healthy balanced dishes., That way you'll be able to enjoy your food, experiment with new flavours, and take in loads of good nutrition, giving you less cravings and less lethargy.

    The other thing that I'd mention is how beneficial taking up a sport can be. Swimming, running, road cycling, mountain biking, team sports, circuit classes at the gym, mountaineering, rock climbing, ... I'd recommend taking up a sport, better with friends/clubs/classes than alone, and setting yourself small goals and building on them and having loads of fun ! Cycling's a good one, you can go to new places, take fast downhills (if you're into that sort of stuff) and burn 600 - 1000 Cals an hour. Practising sport regularly will give your body cravings for the right sorts of foods, when it needs them and best of all, if you're having fun you won't even be thinking about dieting.

    Anyway whatever you decide, I'm sure you are beautiful as you are, and you can do anything if you put your mind to it!

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • riffraffy
    7 years ago

    You have to count your calories if you are at all serious about losing weight. It will force you to be more aware of your eating habits, and the act of tracking it will force you to eat less.

    As for hunger, you can mitigate by using intermittent fasting. Strange as it sounds, eating makes you hungrier. So limit your 'eating window' to around eight hours. Skip breakfast and compensate by eating a bigger lunch and dinner. You'll be less hungry that way.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • ifuckhandsignalsdaily
    7 years ago

    LCHF, your welcome.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • tommygirl
      7 years ago

      Had to Google that of course, lol. Interesting, I have a massive sweet tooth but lately I've actually been craving more fatty stuff.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
        -
      • ifuckhandsignalsdaily
        7 years ago

        sugar = insulin, insulin is the fat storage hormone, sugar makes you fat, fat gives you energy.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0