Why Am I So Hungry?

Over the past 4 or 5 weeks I have been following a fairly strict high protein, low carbohydrate eating plan. This called for significant changes to my usual ‘seefood diet’, that is see food and eat it! The eating plan cuts out all sugar, all dairy, all alcohol and limits carbohydrates to fruit and vegetables therefore no pastas, rice or breads.

I have followed this eating plan a few times now and highly recommend it if you are seeking to lose roughly 1-2 kgs per week. It is not a long term solution as we do need foods from all the food groups to make up a balanced diet on an ongoing basis. I also recommend an increase in activity to coincide with the eating plan to really accelerate your results. It is so easy to increase our activity levels and if you think you don’t have time you’re kidding yourself.

As little as half an hour each day can help the energy in versus energy out equation begin to work in your favour. Just think of how many hours we waste each day either in front of the TV or computer, social networking or laying in bed.

Another huge revelation for me while following the eating plan is in regard to portion sizes. Nearly all of us eat far more than we need. Ideally you’ll probably find you can halve the amount of food on your plate at meal times and still survive comfortably. This may seem unreasonable for the big eaters amongst us but trust me, your body will adjust.

It is interesting to notice the changes in your appetite once you begin to lose weight. The first week or two will be the hardest and may find you asking yourself ‘Why am I so hungry’? If you find this is the case this is what your body may in fact be telling you ;

• Your meals do not contain enough vegetables – start adding an extra serve or two of vegetables or salad to each meal.


• You have been drinking too much diet soft drink or coffee as both caffeine containing drinks are natural stimulants and can disrupt your natural hunger instincts. Try drinking more water in place of these.


• You are not eating the right balance of carbohydrates and protein, especially in the morning – if you are hungry all morning then your breakfast is either too small or does not contain enough protein.


• You are eating too many carbohydrates – a constant stream of glucose to the body’s cells can cause a relatively high insulin release which can drive appetite.


• You are not eating enough in the day – if you have skipped breakfast and only had a small lunch, you may experience rebound hunger in the afternoon and/or evening.
  

Once you get over the initial changes, figure out what your portion sizes can be reduced to and get your balance of protein versus carbohydrate sorted out, you will discover that the feelings of hunger begin to subside and the weight will begin to start falling off you.

For further information regarding this eating plan please contact Lifestyle Improvers via our website www.lifestyleimprovers.com/contact.html or by calling 1300 339 685.