How long after a salad are you hungry again?

[Locie]

Trying to lose the stone I’ve gained over Christmas and three weeks spent in America at the end of last year.

Losing weight just fine but do just have to accept a certain level of hunger. Which is annoying.

An hour and a half ago I had a whole chicken breast, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, sweet pepper, sweetcorn and cucumber. With a homemade mustard and lemon dressing. Covered an average sized plate. I was full immediately after eating. Wouldn’t be able to eat a larger portion or add more protein.

I’m ALREADY peckish. It just sucks that was supposed to be my dinner. Going to probably end up boiling a few eggs and having a herbal tea. Maybe some Greek yoghurt too.

How long would what I ate fill you up? I am at my limit with these hunger pangs. Hunger pangs make feel emotionally weird. I don’t know how to describe it

That would likely do me for a while although I'd likely have a banana or a yoghurt as well. If you're struggling with satiety then might it be worth adding some new potatoes or mixed beans?

Are you sure it's actually hunger?

Just drink a pint of water and go for a walk or do something so you don't think about food.

A friend of mine realised she was 'hungry' when she was under stimulated and what she thought was hunger actually wasnt.

I ate steak and salad at 6pm and am still fine.

You need carbs. Whether that be adding quinoa/brown rice to the salad or putting some new potatoes/sourdough on the side it will satiate you for far longer. You don’t need to starve yourself to lose weight, sensibility &
whole foods go a long way. It would fill me from lunch until dinner, however in the evening I do need a bigger/more satisfying meal so wouldn’t go without carbs then.

Have you had a pint of water?

Can you do something to distract yourself? Are you bored?

Paint your nails then you won’t be able to eat 🤣 or brush your teeth.

Or you could try adding some wholegrain carbs do your salad like brown rice?? Or lentils.

Depends on the size of the chicken breast but it would definitely keep me going for a good while. Maybe add some cheese or, as pp have suggested, beans?

100% it’s actual hunger. It’s very annoying. I constantly chug water.

I wouldn’t say I was bored. Just hungry.

I’d suggest adding a boiled egg or some beans.

I avoid carbs when trying to lose weight. Weight loss is non existent if I eat carbs as I have PCOS. It’s was a massive revelation last year how much easier it is to lose/maintain weight by controlling my carb intake.

I'd be full until Easter Sunday after all that.

Appreciate everyone giving advice. Will try bulking the meals out.

Put some baked sweet potato with the salad. If you have an air fryer pop diced sweet potato in (no oil) and air fry on 200 for 12mins. Please do try it - works for me!

Carbs are not the enemy! Especially when they contain fibre - the ingredients in your salad will actually contain very little. I'd suggest adding something like a mixed bean salad (you can buy tins) or there are some lovely packs of microwavable grains and beans you can buy

Might just be an evening thing. I'm.always hungry an hour after dinner, even if its huge, whereas u can skip breakfast or only eat a little lunch and be fine.

I started eating later and or reducing portion to allocate a 9pm supper of cereal or slice of toast.

I am aiming for 1400 calories a day. I’m only 5 ft 1.

Ok to answer your question, it would keep me full for about 2 hours or less. Honestly I can't help it for some reason I always feel hungry :(

Also I have PCOS, maybe cutting carbs will help me? I've always tried just limiting portions but it's never successful for long.

I find green veg and root veg are good for filling me up and keeping me full.
I eat lentils for carbs + protein.
A little bit of fat will help with satiety.

Interesting. I’ve been following a lot of PCOS influencers who really suggest avoiding carbs. I have to say I’ve had some shocking results when I cut carbs but still consume 1400. I find I stagnate and am confused with weight loss when eating to a deficit but consuming carbs. When I eat carbs I will stand on my scales and genuinely be confused with the number I see. Never happens when I cut carbs. I’m always happy with my progress.

Sadly I weigh food so I concluded my body just does not get on with carbs for whatever reason.

If you have TikTok I would really recommend following people who try to spread awareness on there. Many people with PCOS find success with avoiding carbs. I have to say when I cut carbs I am never confused by the scales. I’m always motivated as the weight loss seems “fair” and actually encouraging. I could eat the same number of calories with carbs and I’m tearing my hair out.

I do think I will just commit to no carbs for good. Not even letting up over Christmas/on holiday. Just not worth it.

I could eat that for lunch and be fine till dinner - but if I ate that for dinner I’d be hungry an hour later.

Makes no sense but it’s the way I appear to work. Also small and PCOS here.

I don’t eat breakfast, try to eat very low carb at lunch and then normal dinner with carbs (this also fits best with eating the same as the family so I don’t have to make separate meals).

admittedly I am not losing weight on this approach but I’m not gaining either. If I was trying to lose weight yes I’d need to do more low carb dinners.

I have exactly the same issue with carbs. My body just doesn’t like them - at least not the usual suspects like rice pasta bread etc. unfortunately my tastebuds do!

I agree. A few healthy carbs added in would make it more filling for longer. Brown rice, lentils, chickpeas, new potatoes or pumpkin/sunflower seeds added to your salad would make it more filling and tasty too.
If not, have some Greek yogurt and fruit later? But a little portion of well chosen carbs will help you stay fuller for longer.

You need some fibre with it and don't be afraid of a bit if fat, a few nuts, oil or cheese. Try half a can of cannellini beans or some wholemeal bread. For me it's protein and fibre together which makes something satisfying.

Wow I’m similar. This would a definitely be adequate for lunch until dinner (with Greek yoghurt and some fruit). Followed by endless cups of tea. I wonder if it’s hormone related.

The dressing had olive oil.

I would normally add a cheese (feta or cottage cheese is my go to) but didn’t have any in.

Thanks for the advice will try beans too.

Greek yogurt or any high protein yogurt is your friend here. It will kill your hunger pangs for relatively few calories. I sometimes have a Arla high protein chocolate pudding in the evening to tide me over after a salad dinner.

Just give it time. Your body is used to having more so needs to adjust.

Ne chuffed at yourself for ignoring it!