Weight training and appetite question

[sunflower49]

I go to a gym occasionally, usually preferring to run outdoors. But recently I decided I wanted to put more muscle on so I booked a course of personal trainer sessions.

I have had two so far, and also been to the gym once and done a weight training session on my own. I've also been doing chin ups at home and done a few of my usual runs.

My appetite has shot through the roof!I'll be full, then an hour later will be sniffing around for food again. It isn't like, insatiable,empty stomach hunger, just really feeling I need to eat something, and once I start It's obvious I'm hungry.

I have IBS, and usually if I overeat I get sick. But this isn't happening, my body is functioning fine. Yesterday for example I had a large late lunch, and after getting home a few hours later I was hungry enough to want another, full meal.

I'm scared I'm going to get more fat, instead of muscle, if this carries on!
Plus I'll have to adjust my routine for it.

Is this normal?It isn't as if I've done a lot, or even done enough for my muscle tone to change, yet!

I guess it could also be a coincidence or just part of the issue, the other part being monthly cycle or generic hormone changes or something.

I'm a healthy weight, but the heavier side of healthy. Slim but carrying fat around my midriff.

[Fabulassie]

Are you eating enough protein? I eat a sorta vaguely low-carb/paleo/South Beach thing where I don't have sugar and I avoid bread/pasta/potatoes. I eat a lot of eggs, meat, cheese, veggies, and fruit. And I find that I am rarely hungry in a ravenous way. When I ate breads and sugar, I would get very hungry.

Anyway, I exercise pretty frequently and hard and I find it can actually be a challenge to eat enough to fuel my body when I don't eat "white stuff."

[sunflower49]

I low-carb too, but I'll try to up my protein. I mostly eat protein and veggies, but perhaps I need more, now.

I'm glad you seem to be similar-food just seems to disappear on me , at the moment, but because I've only just upped my exercising it seemed weird that it happened so quickly!

Thanks for your reply. :)

[Sleepwhenidie]

Do you have something to eat pretty soon after training? A protein shake with milk (any kind) and maybe a spoonful of nut butter perhaps?

It does sound like your body is craving protein and it is actually quite hard to hit 'ideal' levels for building muscle (typical recommendation is 80-120g of protein for every 1lb of bodyweight). You could use MFP for a few days to log and see what split of macronutrients you are consuming to get an idea of whether you should tweak the ratios, possibly also to put your mind at rest.

I think the main thing is to listen to your body, prioritise protein, plenty of good fat and veggies, minimal processed crap...you may find your appetite levels out when you adjust to training anyway.

[sunflower49]

Thanks sleep. I do eat a lot of nut butters. I've used MFP before but got fed up of it, It's a good idea now I'm properly training though.

I'm just getting into protein shakes.

Having said that , I feel like crap today! Sniffly and tired. Wonder if this is another side-effect of trying to train lol

[Sleepwhenidie]

It may just be coincidence and you've caught a cold but watch not to overtrain, if you aren't sleeping properly, heartrate faster than usual, persistent fatigue, ease off. You should only need to do a couple of days if MFP to get a better idea of where you are food wise

[Littlepumpkinpie]

I weight train five sessions a week plus 2 cardio days I am on 6 meals a day three hours apart. Yes can feel hungry but sometimes its confused with thirst. Hit your water goal check your having enough protein and natural fats intake and that its correct amount for you. My macros are frequently changed by my coach. Happy lifting :)