Okay, so about 6 weeks ago I started the journey of changing my lifestyle. I did my BMR and it said that I should be taking in about 2300 calories if I want to lose about 1-2 lbs a week to my goal weight of 189 lbs. I did my homework and prepared a meal plan were I eat 3 big meals (500 calories) and 4 smaller snack times- roughly 200 to 300 calories; adding up to 500 calories. I was never hungry and felt great.

It is 6 weeks later, and I've lost a total of 15 lbs. (about 2.5 lbs a week) this week however, I have been starving!! I haven't changed anything in my meals- I have been eating the same since I started but now it is getting to the point were I have hunger pangs throughout the day.

Should I up my caloric intake a bit? My activity level hasn't changed either.

What should I do? Any suggestions?

Tom
New to the group not to the Podcast!

For me, even as a terrible diet dr pepper aholic, drinking water, even water with crystal light or something, helps put me off.

And I try to keep my snacks high in fiber---what about an occasional high fiber/protein bar---does that help?

Just a thought

Amy

Definitely second that Amy, water, lots of it, and fiber rich foods, as well as some protein, will help you feel fuller longer.
I don't think you could space your meals out any more than you already have, that would have been another suggestion.

Wow! Thanks! I need to switch some things up I think as a am getting bored with the same meals for 6 weeks. I'll take your advice and add some more fiber and protein.
Thanks again!
Oh and drink the H2O too!

You might have reved up your metabolism by spacing your meals and keeping the calorie count low. You may need to up your intake just a little. It happened to me.

Are you eating the calories to support just your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)? If so, then you aren't eating enough. Remember you need to consider calories for your Activity Level and the Thermic Effect of the foods you eat. If you are starving, your body may be trying to tell you something. For a point of reference, I am 6'2", 195 Pounds. My BMR is about 2000 calories. I eat nearly 3000 calories and that should probably be alittle higher. Of course, I run/cycle a 2-3 days a week and lift weights 3 days a week. If I were to try to shed a couple of pounds I'd start at about 2600-2700 calories. You know your body best, but you may want to add another snack or bump up the number of calories across the board.

You guys are awesome. I'll look at my meal plan and shake it up a bit. I will definately add some calories...I'll let you know in about a day or 2 what I come up with.

I'll add something like Metamucil to my water ... really helps take that hunger away and gives you some extra fiber. If that doesn't do it, drink it with an apple... most Gala apples are about 80 calories. A drop in the bucket.

If you are losing 2.5 pounds a week maybe you could slow that down a bit. Adding 500 calories a day would bring the weight loss down to 1.5 pounds a week. The key is finding a level you can live with over the long haul.

Hey, Tom.
I thought I should tell you what I'm going through. My body is stuck at 5 pounds above my ideal weight, so I added a very steep mile to my trail run thinking it would take off at least 1 of those 5 pounds. I did that for 2 days, then, yesterday I was starving all day! I ate everything in sight! Probably 1000 calories above my normal if not more.and...are you ready?...
I WOKE UP 1 POUND LIGHTER THIS MORNING!!!
Now I don't really know what to do from this point forward, but obviously, I needed more calories, right?

LOL I added 500 calories to my meal plan and was fine all day yesterday- no hunger pangs- I'll see next Tuesday how it effects the scale.

I have been pretty active these past couple of days and with the weather up here in Canada...it looks like I'll be shovelling snow in the next couple of days.

Just an update...
Gained 1 lbs last week LOL but can probably have a bowel movement and fix that LOL ewww!

Anyway, been feeling better since I up'd my calorie intake. Next week also start my running clinic for a 5km race. Should be fun and I may have to up the calories some more

Rosie, that same thing happened to me. Probably the most unhealthy thing I could do one day. I was home with my two year old son, and we were playing, having a great time, and then he wanted to watch one of his shows. So I put it on, and then I notice that I am hungry. I look for something lean and find an apple. Eat it. Then I'm still hungry.

I started craving the Girl Scout Cookies on the counter. I eat a couple, add them to my daily intake, and I'm still hungry. Well, a few cookies later, and I stopped even putting them into the calorie counter app.

Next day, a pound lighter. Motivation to stay within my calories is back. I know that I should have found something leaner and good for me. But the lesson is still to listen to your body. I know things will work out for you, Tom. And like I say to everyone who gets discouraged...

I can guarantee that your issue isn't that you are working out and eating right.

So how is it going?

I'm fine now I raised my calorie intake and I gained 1 lbs per week for the last 2 weeks. I started a running class this week and already lost 1 lbs for this week. I'll let you know how things go in 2 weeks.