Appetite - out of control - any tips to restrain it??

[BigbreastsBiggerbeard]

My appetite seems to have increased lately and sometimes I feel it's almost impossible to stop eating. Obviously, I do (at some point) but it takes a monumental effort of will. It's definitely an increase in appetite (as opposed to comfort eating)as I have hunger pangs more often.

I have been exercising lately, mainly weight training. About three times a week and it's a real effort for me as I have a chronic health condition. Because I know, without a doubt, that it's good for me to be stronger, I'm committed to this. Since last April I've lost two stone, which I'm obviously chuffed about, but part of that weight loss was (I think) down to the fact that I'd set myself a 1500-1600 calorie limit per day and in the main, stuck to it. Eventually it wasn't even difficult. Had the odd mad day where my appetite went haywire but it didn't matter. Now there are days where it's over 2,000, sometimes 2,300 (and then I stop keeping score!) and I'm appalled.

Now I'm concerned that I'm going to pile weight back on (well, fat to be exact) and that is somewhat concerning. So, I'm here to find out if anyone else's appetite ramped up to zombie like proportions when weight training and if anyone has any tips to get it under control again? I understand the logistics of it; your body needs extra fuel to build muscle etc, but come on, not this much!!

Also, I'm 52 and peri menopausal so am also wondering if that has anything to do with it?

Just wondering - could it be that thing that once you've lost weight you need fewer calories to maintain than someone who had always been at that weight, so it becomes harder to keep yourself under control all the time??

@middlenglander - there could be something in that. I don't actually have a clear idea of what my maintenance amount is at the moment. possibly around 1800.

@linerforlife - Maybe I'll try a bit of salt here and there, though got to be honest, I don't sweat a great deal when exercising. I've never been a big sweater

Things are a bit better at the moment, though I'm not sure if that's because I've totally stopped the squash, therefore having no artificial sweetener or if it's because I was badly pre menstrual. No, that can't account for three weeks of eating everything and then going back for seconds. Oddly though, despite inhaling everything in sight, haven't gained weight. Ooh, it'd be great it my maintenance number was 3,000!