Why am I always hungry?

Question

I'm currently 6 months post- partum and still nursing. I've really wanted to go on a ‘not- too harsh diet’.
Recently I came to this conclusion when I was at Arden B trying on an L as opposed to an S.
I went to the grocery store last week and got eggs, tuna, salad, chicken, and whole -wheat bread. I figured I could do eggs in the morning with toast then tuna for lunch and then finally grilled chicken salad for dinner. In between these meals I feel as if though I'm starving!! I'm currently a SAHM mom. Do you think boredom plays a part?

In full defiance of my 'wanna be diet' I wolfed down waffles, eggs, and bacon for breakfast. Roast beef with potatoes for lunch and salmon with rice pilaf for dinner.
In between I grabbed cheese puffs and cheese sticks as snacks..

How can I overcome being so hungry all the time?

Current Weight 145lbs
Height 5.6

Pre baby weight 125

Pregnancy weight at 9 months 170

Answer 1

You're hungry because you're breastfeeding. Eat sensibly until you finish nursing, but don't go from one extreme to the other. Egg whites & salads won't satisfy you entirely, but you shouldn't dive into ice cream & french fries either.

Easier said than done, I know.

Answer 2

I have the same problem. I recently read somewhere that your body will expect the same eating pattern until it is changed. For me, I have changed it up by having a decently sized breakfast(two eggs and two toast and big glass of Milk) and then constantly drinking a 60-20-20 mix of water, Oj, and a berry juice to reduce calories but not getting too bored with it-I'm a horrible water drinker. Make sure you are getting enough fiber and protein, they will help keep you full longer. I believe the rule while nursing is to get no fewer than 1800 calories a day. smaller meals throughout the day is best to lose weight, just keep an eye on your calories. I bought lean cuisine to help me throughout the day so i don't cook too much and i can keep a better track of my intake. Hope you find something that works!!!

Answer 3

Honestly, you might not be consuming enough calories. I have no idea how much food you are eating. To just GUESS:

("Eggs" = 2) 2= 180 calories
Toast = (2 slices) = 130
Butter = (2 pats of butter) = 70
3 oz. can of tuna, oil, drained = 165
4 oz grilled chicken breast = ~150
1 head of lettuce = 70

Sooo...you are, and I am guestimating, trying to ONLY consume approximate 765 calories A DAY!

Well, normally....women who are NURSING, consume "2,200 calories per day to provide necessary nutrients and to maintain milk production!"

So, you are undereating. This is why you are hungry.

EDIT Add:
I know you are trying to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight...but, you have done really well in loosing what you had, at 9months...you don't need to be as drastic as you might want to be...make sure you are not overconsuming calories. You can take a notebook...write down your food and daily caloric intake...keep it to around the suggested..and just keep track of your weight on the scale. You shouldn't try to loose more than 10# a month...and you need to make sure you are taking vitamins, when you are doing this...for the baby. The more calories you keep close to your 'normal' daily caloric intake, the less you will binge. Oh, and the lower link gives you ideas for eating right.:-)

Answer 4

It sounds like you're doing good stocking your fridge and pantry with good foods. You also have planned out your meals which is a good idea too.

The next step is adding is a snack in between breakfast and lunch and then lunch and dinner, and maybe one after dinner if you need it. Something small, but hearty, like fruit, nuts, veggies, or granola bars. Next make sure that you are preparing and eating the meals before you are hungry. If you wait until you get hungry, you'll start eating anything, and eat more of it. Get up a little earlier and make breakfast. Eat a snack 2-3 hours after breakfast whether you're hungry or not, and continue that trend throughout the day.

I would also suggest taking a nice, long walk with your baby everyday. It will be fun for both of you.

Your weight for your height is normal, I would think. Just don't play mind games with your food. Plan them out like you have, eat early, and don't let yourself get hungry.

Answer 5

Well, you severely cut your caloric intake in a day - when your body is still using an awful lot of them.

I think that your idea to eat healthy is a great idea, just maybe don't go into such a harsh portion control.

Allow yourself snacks - like fruit or low-fat cheese sticks. Even peanut butter on a slice of whole wheat. The hungrier you get before a meal, the more you'll eat and the less likely it will be you're actually eating food that's good for you.

While you're breastfeeding, keep eating good size portions, just of good food. After that, decrease your portions gradually so your body can adjust.

You'll do great. Plus, once your kid starts running around, you'll be getting lots of exercise.

Answer 6

Try cutting out all the junk food. Stick to all whole foods (non-enriched breads, nothing from a bag or box, nothing powdered...) I have found that when i eat junk food (like the tortilla chips im having right now!) I will graze all day... i just can't seem to stop eating! But when i eat all whole-foods i have no problem limiting my intake (also helps if nothing junky is in the house... oh man, now im craving root beer!)

Also, try alot of protein... nuts are great for that salty-snack craving... yogurt is good... eggs are great... fill in the holes with fruits and veggies. salmon and rice pilaf is great! As long as the rice is homemade, of course...

Answer 7

As long as you're eating healthy foods its ok to snack in between meals. I tried doing a similar diet, but always found that I was hungry too. It's good to keep healthy snacks, such as fruits and veggies around for you to eat. I do think boredom plays a part. You feel as though you don't have much to do but eat and take care of your baby. Do yourself a favor and don't go for the bad snacks.
Good Luck!

Answer 8

Boredom is a huge part of it. Plus you might always be in the same settings. The best thing I ever did was get a great jogging stroller. Soon you're little on will be able to go in toddler swings, we would jog to to the park and back.

The other thing you could do, is if you have a pump, at 6months, your baby might be moving to some solids. Pump out extra milk & freeze it to use when baby weans. This burns calories too !

Answer 9

Breastfeeding burns between 500 and 1000 extra calories per day. It is totally normal for a nursing mom to need more food. Just try to make healthy choices.

Answer 10

can you add more fruits and veggies to your eating program?

This may keep you feeling more full without adding very many calories. Also, how much exercise are you doing?

Only you know whether boredom is making you eat. But boredom doesn't cause ravenous hunger, just a 'desire' to eat or 'cravings' for fatty foods.

Answer 11

Boredom can definitely have something to do with it. When ever you start to feel hungry, stop and ask yourself "Am I really hungry?" If you're not, find something to do. Take your baby to the park, and get some fresh air! If you are hungry, grab something healthy and filling. You're doing great by shopping for healthier foods. Keep up the good work!