Running more 👍🏻 eating more 👎🏻

[Undertheeaves]

I've started running/jogging again after a long hiatus. I've been enjoying it a lot and feel better afterwards. Not loads, but 4-5k twice a week which is as much as I can realistically fit in.

The trouble is I am definitely hungrier and eating more and I give myself permission to eat junk because 'I've been for a run' 🙄

As a result I think I'm becoming fatter than ever which is not the intention. Do any runners have any tips - should I eat before, after? Any low calorie boosts for after a run to perk me up when I have a slump?

I found this when I started running. I would be so hungry! When I was training for a 1/2 marathon I gained 5kg. Now I’ve been running for a while it’s settled down. I can’t say I found any way around it. You won’t be burning many calories so avoid eating extra esp if you want to loose weight. I would aim for high protein, high fiber, volume eating. Your body will adjust it just takes time.

I gained weight when I first started running, but once I really got into it, improving my running was a much better motivation to sort out my diet than wanting to lose weight.

I eat a lot of plain greek yogurt. It wouldn't be considered 'diet' food because it's high in fat and calories but it feels like a treat to me and keeps me full up. Plus high in protein.

Thanks for the replies. I'll keep at it - the benefits of running so far have been great to clear my head and feel fitter. I will continue to try to eat healthily and see how it goes.

I think I'm partly surprised because when I last took up running I was in my twenties, and a slight jog to the bus had me looking like a gym wear model. Sadly no longer seems to be the case...

I love greek yoghurt and have it every morning. I could eat it for every meal!

Don’t underestimate hydration too, especially this time of year. As an experiment, weigh yourself before and after a run, that’s how much water you need to replenish- a pound is 14oz of water (2 big glasses/ a pint)! That feeling of insatiable hunger can very often be thirst

I never lost weight when I was running as I was always so hungry. I find walking and weights have been far more beneficial

I run quite a bit and yes it makes me hungrier but you say you feel you deserve a treat or feel uou have permission to eat junk after - I think I would try to work on that mindset - running 5k is fantastic but you dont need a treat after for doing it and your body does not need it for that distance - if you feel like this can you switch to non food treat like a hot bath, good book, time just sat down?