Im dieting how can I curb my appetite? I always feel hungry!?

Question

So im dieting im eatin 1200 calories a day 30 grams fat vitamins ect, 8-10 cups water, ect proteins, whole grains..and working out for at least an hour... but i feel sooo hungry throughout the day...whats up and how do i curb my hunger?

im 5'7, 180 trying to get back down to 150- at 150 i was a size 3/4....female...22yrs old

Answer 1

Keep a small bag of raw almonds with you. If you're getting hungry and you're still an hour from your next meal eat 5-10 of them. The protein will fill you up. Or a string cheese, also low cal with protein and great flavor.

The first things you want to eliminate from what you eat are: sugar, fried foods, and white flour. You want to eat as natural and unprocessed food as possible.

Sugar, anything with it is bad. From Coco-Crispies cereal, nearly all sodas, to a small bag a M&M's. All turn into body fat fairly quickly.

Fried foods. Chips, french fries, etc. All have very high levels of calories and fats. Cut out mayonaisse and butter while you're at it.

White flour. White breads, spahgetti, Ramen noodles, most cereals, tortillas (corn & flour).

You're going to want to eat 5-7 small meals/snacks in a day. That may seem like a lot of eating, but look at it this way. Say your lost in the woods and you need to make a fire that will last all night. Will the fire last longer throwing all the wood you've collected into the fire once or twice during the night, or if you toss a couple of logs in once every 45 minutes-hour?

Your body is pretty similar. You need to feed it a little bit every 2-3 hours to keep it burning fat. The longer you go in between meals, the more likely your body is going to store what you eat as fat. This is because your body doesn't realize that there is food everywhere in the world we live in. It still thinks your a cave-man. And cave-men didn't get to eat very often. Sometimes once every 3-5 days...starving. So our body is designed to store what we eat as fat, because fat has the most energy (calories) per pound. So, if you sleep all night, then skip breakfast and don't eat until lunch at say 11:30am...you probably haven't ate anything in 12+ hours. So, your body thinks your starving, that there is no food to eat. Then you eat a nice, greasy, calorie-loaded slice of pizza. Your body will then store most of it as fat because it thinks there is a food shortage.

Aim for 250-300 calories at each meal/snack.
Also try to eat 20-30 grams of protein at each meal. And of course, your going to want to keep even healthy carbs to a minimum (less than 80 grams a day).

The healthiest carbs are:
Yams
Oatmeal (no sugar)
Sweet Potatoes
Brown Rice

OK carbs are:
Whole-grain bread/buns/tortillas (whole-grain should be the first name on the ingredients list)
Fruits

Aside from the carbs listed above, your meals should consist of:
Chicken breast
Turkey breast
Tuna
Salmon
Egg whites
Almonds
Low-fat cheese (cottage, string cheese)
Lots of vegtables
Lots of water

You need to drink 1 gallon (128oz)minimum per day. Water is what carries the toxins and fat you burn off out of your body through your urine. It also helps keep you feeling full and does wonders for your skin. If your urine isn't clear like water, drink more.

Also, take a multi-vitamin (like Centrum).

If you were to do cardio like ride a bike or jog for 20-45 minutes everyday AND diet, you'll be several sizes smaller in no time. But remember, losing weight is 90% about what you eat, not how much you exercise.

Bodybuilders and fitness models basically eat this way. Not only is it low calorie, low carb, high in protein and natural...it controls your blood/sugar levels and how your body uses the food based on the glycemic index.

And have 1 cheat meal a week. Gorge yourself on a couple burgers, pizza, or french fries...it doesn't matter. It will taste better than it EVER has and also give your mind and body a break.

Answer 2

You might actually need to eat more if you're working out that much. Try maybe having 1400 calories a day, or even 1500. If you're anywhere near the 'average woman' (5'4"), then you can probably still lose weight that way, and do it much healthier and not being hungry all the time.

You seem to be getting enough water...
And fruits and vegetables are great stomach fillers, full of vitamins, and don't have a lot of calories. And I think they're delicious!

Green tea is supposed to help curb appetite as well. If you don't like the taste you can always take a supplement. I take 300mg of green tea everyday, and it helps me with appetite.

Answer 3

Are you eating some complex carbohydrates? Fruits and vegetables are metabolized a bit slower and may help you feel less hungry. Are you eating 6 small meals a day? Three meals a day isn't enough for anyone. We all need some healthy snacks, if we're active. Try a stalk of celery with low fat peanut butter, or a piece of cheese with some low fat crackers, or a piece of fruit, like an apple with a touch of the fat-free caramel dip, or some carrots or cucumbers with fat-free dip, or a handful of almonds, between meals. If you've just started your diet, those hunger pangs will lessen after awhile, if you're taking in enough calories and eating healthy snacks during the day. If you need to add another 100 calories to your day, do that; it will ensure your success in that you may not give up due to the feelings of hunger.

Answer 4

Three tips to help you control your appetite:

1. Post reminders on the refrigerator of other activities you can do instead of eating. When you are inclined to take a snack from the refrigerator, try to draw yourself away. For example, chat with a friend or visit your favorite web site.

2. Drink some water and eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Water does not contain any calories. However, it has the ability to subdue appetite. Also, fruits and vegetables help you feel full. Instead of reaching for a package of cookies, eat an orange or a bunch of grape.

3. Exercise. It's a myth that you'll be extra hungry if you exercise. In fact, regular and moderate exercise may suppress appetite a bit. Exercise can help relieve stress. Take a 20-30 minute walk or do any aerobic exercises for 20 minutes.

Answer 5

1200 calories a day might not be enough. At that rate, unless you are exceptionally small, you are simply teaching your body to starve. You may loose weight now, but 10 years from now you will be overweight and wondering why. I know. I have that particular tee shirt.

See you doctor about a sensible diet. And remember to put something chewy in your diet. For some reason, chewing satisfies hunger better than anything. Also, a cup of hot coffee or tea with a meal helps to fill you up.

Answer 6

Dieting is actually very unhealthy, despite what the diet books say. Learning to eat a well balanced variety of healthy foods is much better for you.
When you get hungry, eat fruit or veggies between meals. They are filling and have lots of vitamins and roughage that will help keep you healthy. Whole grains are a great filler at meal times and you can even eat popcorn, as long as you don't add butter and salt.
If you are concerned about your weight, you should talk to your doctor about it and get an idea of how to eat a balanced diet.

Answer 7

Your calorie intake is probably too low.1500 is normal for a woman not doing an hour of exercise a day.
First roughly calculate your Calorie usage for the day. there are lots of charts with examples (ie 1hr walking=300, etc)
Second track your daily calorie intake. this should be (for healthy weight loss) 500-600 calories lower than your usage. 3500 calories = 1lb of fat. 500 calories a day 7 days a week. you get the picture.
Third eat smaller meals throughout the day 5,6,7 meals is ok.
Fourth lots of water
Fifth low on the carbs they burn off quickly and leave you hungry. try to fill up on protein and fiber.
and finally it's OK to keep a snack bag with you for if you feel hungry. trail mix (homemade not store bought) is good. grapes. other fruit.
Keep at it you'll do great

Answer 8

I rarely eat before bed but sometimes I"m so hungry that I just can't help myself! I either indulge in something very heavy and fattening or I choose something light and healthy as my snack. Some of my favorites (both the fattening and healthy) include: nachos grilled cheese sandwiches hot fudge brownie sundaes mozzarella sticks yogurt fruit salad finger jello pretzel rods buttered popcorn mixed nuts/trail mix granola bars pop tarts tasty cakes (such as Little Debbie or Hostess brands) macaroni and cheese chips and salsa fresh vegetables with ranch dressing buffalo chicken wings french fries or tator tots gummy candy smores

Answer 9

Chew sugarless gum. Have fruite around to nibble on.
It is better tohave many small little meals that a big 1 and then try and get through the day. Drink plenty of water.

Answer 10

I find that when I get hungry I just fill up on more water, this makes me feel full and I can handle the wait to the next meal.