Help me feel less hungry!

[tomhazard]

I am 1.5 stone overweight and have been addressing this for the last week. I have lost 2lb in that week but I am feeling hungry. I carry most extra weight round my middle. I do not calorie count because I fear failure and instead am cutting out snacking, seconds and reducing carbs.

Breakfast: 2 eggs and half an avocado
Lunch: chicken and bacon salad, banana
Dinner: whatever we are having, ordinary portion on a small plate. So rice and red Thai curry, jacket pot and beans, chickpea curry for example.

My really hungry time is about 4-5pm. Sometimes I have an apple but I'm still hungry. Can anyone suggest different food that might help me feel fuller? I am really keen to continue progressing and have also increased exercise.

[RoseMartha]

How about making a tea or coffee with semi or skimmed milk and no sugar sometimes when we are hungry we are actually thirsty and a drink might make you feel full until dinner.

[LaLoose]

That's a great idea. Also, perhaps it might help to reappraise your attitude to hunger. You sound as though you are feeling afraid of it, as if it's something to be overcome and stopped. Perhaps it isn't? Perhaps you need to be hungry to lose weight? Could you embrace the hunger and see it as an excellent thing, as it shows your plan is working?

Your diet looks excellent, by the way, and that high-protein approach will get you there. You've only been at it for a week, I reckon you'll get used to the hunger / it will subside.

[tomhazard]

Thank you I will definitely try tea and milk when hungry.

Yeah I'm definitely fearful of being hungry! I've suddenly packed on weight for the first time in my life (I'm 32) and I'm a bit disappointed and keen to shed it before I get to a weight that's difficult to lose.

[tomhazard]

You're right. I guess it's fine to be hungry. I find that time 4-5pm really hard though as just in from work and the dc are having their dinner and I want to hoover their leftovers!

[tomhazard]

I have a friend on a diet who has lost a lot of Weight recently. (He had a lot to lose but 5 stone off so far) and he claims he is never hungry. I'm just not there yet!

[2good]

Glad to hear you're not calorie counting and just choosing the healthy options instead which is much better. But don't cut out snacks- just choose healthier ones. Things like a handful of nuts, a Greek yoghurt, some apple/carrots with hummus, a boiled egg. Oh and drink loads of water- about 2-3 litres a day.
I get slagged in work because it seems like I never stop eating, but it's all healthy options and things to keep me full. I lost 3 stone about 12 years ago and have kept it off ever since

[tomhazard]

Thanks 2good why does drinking water help? I know I should drink more.

Well done on losing all that weight. I know calorie counting isn't the right way for me- I won't succeed and if I do I won't maintain.
Thanks for the tips on the snacks - I'll try these things.

[claire23rd]

only been on this a week, but I've found hot water helps me sometimes. Really not sure why. Ive also got a jar of pickled onions on my desk so if I'm feeling hungry even though I've eaten and drank water I just munch a couple of those. they are virtually calorie free (I know your not calorie counting) and do seem to make me feel less hungry x