help! I'm starving all the time!

[larisa0001]

So, I've decided to stop eating meat, for health reasons (all the medical studies are pretty convincing). But I'm hungry all the time. I have to literally eat every hour in order to stay more or less functional. When I try to stuff myself with vegetarian food - deliberately try to overeat, that is - I feel "stuffed" for a short while, and then I'm hungry again, an hour or two later. Is this common? Am I eating the wrong things? I really don't want to slow down my metabolism, or to starve myself to emaciation (I'm fairly slim as it is) - what should I do?

I appreciate any advice.

Larisa

[paula]

Hi Larisa,

You might want to try eating more calorie-dense foods, such as nuts and seeds and nut butters, avocados, soy foods (such as tofu, soymilk, and soy yogurt), salads with olive oil-based dressings, etc. Smoothies are another way to get more calories without filling up too fast. In addition, eating more whole grains and legumes (i.e. beans) may help you feel satisfied for longer.

Feel free to send me a private message if you want to discuss your specific diet.

cheers,
Paula

[larisa0001]

Thanks for the advice! I added beans to my diet and now I'm not so starving. I think I must have needed protein or something.

Gratefully (and stuffedly),
LM

[chris]

Excellent news

You may also want to trying adding more pasta and rice to your diet.

Take care

Chris

[tammy]

I think potatoes are also good and filling foods! I like the 'yukon gold' potatoes. They are creamier than russet potatoes. In fact, I'll sometimes eat them plain with just a bit of salt, or with baked beans.

If you are okay with microwaves, potatoes are so easy to make that way! Just poke some air holes, and cook... my microwave even has a potato button..

My other trick is: I always have a luna bar with me! It is a vegan energy bar by the same people that make Clif bars. Great for a pinch when I suddenly feel hungry and I need something to tide me over.

Tammy

[Guest]

I my opinion, there's absolutely nothing wrong with eating something every couple of hours (or every hour, if necessary)!

Several years ago, I lost 95+ pounds, and a BIG part of my success was having many small "meals" throughout the day. Having more (but smaller!) meals keeps the blood sugar more level, and your digestive process also keeps your metabolism going (it takes calories to digest the food you eat).

As was mentioned, rice, potatoes, and pasta are good "fill you up" foods. Don't forget those "good" fats like nuts, nut butters, avocados, etc.

Good luck!

[stevebarnum]

I know you don't want to slow down your metabolism, as fat will start to deposit, but you might temper it down a bit by taking some lecithin granules, like a supplement to your meals.

[Nym]

if you have late night food cravings like me, keep a jar of pickles around.
keep zero snack food in the house. my inhibitions are lowered when i wake up at 3, 4 in the morning hungry as a mule, and i will shred through any "easy" snack food like it was...well, a snack food

eating small snacks frequently is great for you, keep a lot of fruit around
glad to hear you added beans. if you REALLY want to get something that will fill you up for a reliable period, find yourself some quinoa

also, oatmeal is one of my favorite snacks and it keeps you full for a while.

[Guest]

Try taking more glutamine, especially if you are craving carbs.

Also try pyruvate as a supplement because (I think) your brain prefers it as an energy source over glucose.

You can also try taking just ephedrine without the C and A.

And I hope you're getting enough Protein, fat, and good stuff like salad in the evenings.

Are you taking a varied Protein drink with flax oil before bedtime? Or something like good cheese or lean meat?

Oh yeah, and lots and lots of water...