When will I stop feeling hungry?

[CaptainBeakyandhisband]

Caught sight of myself in a photo recently that I didn’t like, combined with the way that the scales are creeping up and up means it’s finally time to do something. I’m 5’3ish and weigh 64kg, I’ve never really lost the baby weight but have been under 60kg since the kids, although I’d like to get closer to the 55kg I was before kids.

I downloaded Noom (thankfully paid the minimum as I’m not sure I agree with it completely, and it seems to be Slimming World in disguise). The calorie counting aspect is useful though, it’s eye opening to see the random unaccounted calories I’m scoffing between meals.

I’ve had a pretty good day with nutritious meals and a couple of healthy snacks, but I’m starving!! Will I get used to the lower food intake? Any top tips?

I’m actually far less hungry today than yesterday but I don’t know if that’s just because I’m unwell.

A whole lot of disorderly eating tips on here.

Well, yeah, but calorie counting in and of itself is disordered eating. And whilst eating disorders can be incredibly dangerous, it’s not inherently dangerous to count calories and be aware of which foods have different nutrient profiles.

@kateandme , mine isn't. I eat as much as I like. My weight is healthy and stable. I don't normally eat food that makes me feel hungry after two or three hours. I eat when I am hungry. My diet includes lots of vegetables and some fruit. I just don't eat in the evenings or between meals.

It's probably quite close to what I ate as a child but in bigger portions and with less cake and puddings. We didn't have takeaways or snacks in front of the telly or eat the high GI food that is now popular.

I'm in the same position as you OP and looking at similar numbers. Weight just creeping up for the first time. The biggest things I've noticed are that I eat too fast. I used to think 'eat when you're hungry, stop when you're not' was a healthy way of eating (and I guess it is) but boy I can pack it in before my brain gets the message my belly's full! So I've learned to slow down. Also, I need bread in my life a lot less than I thought.

Other than that I'm just calorie counting with My Fitness Pal. How's it going for you a few weeks later?

Thanks for checking in @crosshatching. I’ve definitely got over the initial hunger. I struggled really badly last week with an IBS flare and basically extreme constipation from too much insoluble fibre (turns out lettuce can be bad for you). I started at 64.7kg and am down to 62.8kg a fortnight later. The first kg came off quickly, the rest has been slow, but if it continues slowly then I’m happy with that. It’s probably more sustainable if it comes off slowly. I’m finding calorie tracking to be good in terms of me considering whether I really want to eat the thing or whether something else healthier might satisfy. So that part of it works. But I had a mini magnum the other day and have had a small amount of dark chocolate most days so not really depriving myself. I have also found that ending a meal with a date seems to work quite well if im craving something sweet.

Just another 2p's worth, but I had pastry at lunchtime and the carb craving has kicked in. I'm not hungry but I have the false hunger.

Dates are brilliant.

That’s interesting, I’ve so far managed to avoid any really indulgent carbs like pastries (by basically not buying anything from myself if I go to the Lidl pastry counter). I’ve found that some of my carb cravings are actually salt cravings, so adding a little salt to my salad (or salad dressing) really helps. Especially in this heat!