Why am I so hungry?

[Badgerbollocks]

I am in peri menopause and am eating really healthily, not dieting but loads of protein and fresh veg etc. I am hungry ALL the time and I'm finding it difficult to lose weight. Is there anything that helps with the hunger? A supplement etc? Feel ok otherwise. Thanks

Just to say I am the same, I literally feel like I haven't eaten for days but am eating well. I hate this.

I've found this too but have also noticed that when I'm stomach rumbling hungry, a small snack (apple or carrot or sometimes just a coffee/tea) will make me feel full again! Properly full not just a temporary fix. its SO weird.

Glad I'm not alone! I'll have a big meal for dinner then be so hungry a couple of hours later.

I think we can safely say it's hormones. What hormones, and how, that's the question. I think oestrogen has an effect on leptin, the hormone that makes us feel full.

With me, I can eat a full roast dinner and be starving again in 15 minutes. It's like my food is being diverted off to somewhere else other than my stomach.

Yes, exactly this! And I'm eating healthily but the pounds are not budging. 5 years ago, I would have lost half a stone in 2 or 3 weeks...

Yip. I've had a hysterectomy so I'm in surgical menopause but take HRT. Despite the HRT I have put on over 2 stone and I'm tired and hungry ALL the time. Today I've eaten two slices of toast with loads of avocado and tomatoes and two flat whites and I'm sitting in my kitchen trying to resist the temptation to raid the kids snacks. As soon as I have exercised I am also starving and feel like I could have a nap. I've been taking vit c, vit d, and magnesium every day but still feel knackered and starving. If anyone has any ideas I would also be very grateful.

Are you eating foods which promote satiety? If not, this could be why you are hungry all the time.

Foods high in carbs and sugar do not promote satiety. Focus on getting protein and good fats.

Yes, lots of protein and veggies and low carbs and sugar.

I can't take HRT but sounds like it hasnt helped much anyway, Phonedown. I have just over a stone and a bit to lose and can't get into most of my jeans.

What about fat? We have been conditioned to regard fat as the evil that must be avoided, but it is essential to our well-being and also promotes satiety.

If I eat, say, salad and cold meat, then I am far more likely to want a snack than if I add a generous dollop of mayo to my plate.

I'm 58, on HRT, and my skin is better if i avoid carbs and add lots of vegetable fats to my diet.

Loads of fats - make my own mayonnaise, avocados, nuts, olive oil, salmon etc.

I’ve been hungry my whole life! I do 18:6 intermittent fasting, no snacking and try and avoid sugar as much as possible. The only thing that works for me is having strict rules and I find that this way, when it comes to lunch and supper I do feel full.

Hmm tricky.

Do you drink enough? I find that a hot savoury drink fends off hunger pangs better than any other drink.

It is it but hunger at all, but something else...?

If you're hungry between meals, have a drink - sometimes body signals get mixed up.
If you're still hungry, have a snack.
If you're still hungry - it isn't food you're hungry for. Are you bored/lonely/sad/worried? Do you need a change of face or activity?

Maybe try adding some ‘good’ carbs in. I know we’re often told carbs are the devil but they’re not. Our body needs them. It might turn out the amount you’re currently eating is actually ok but it won’t harm to try and see.