Why am I always so hungry?

Any ideas on how to curb my appetite?  I have been pregnant or nursing for the last three years, but now my youngest is weaned.  My hunger for those extra calories though is still there and I am packing on the pounds.  I feel completey out of control.  Any suggestions?

try polyglycoplex (PGX) to curb your appetite. it's all natural african yam powder or something... anyway, it knocks my cravings right out. it's not an appetite suppressant it's just crazy fibrous stuff that expands in your stomach and makes you feel full. you take it like ten minutes before you eat and you'll only eat the right amount. as for me, i take it after dinner to keep me from snacking at night. hooray!

What and how much are you currently eating?

Veridan, I don't know if you are taking any vitamin supplements, but try to take one fiber supplement every day, say before your evening meal.  This helps will the feeling fuller and has other positive benefits as well.  You can pick them up at GNC or any other drugstore.  It has helped me immensely and I hope it works for you too.  Also a lifesaver, sugarless gum!

Rather than fibre supplements and gum you could try changing your food choices gradually and trimming the portions a little.   Nothing too drastic at first or you'll feel like you're being starved.  Check with the CC calculators how much you need for your age, weight and activity level and err on the side of 'a little too much' rather than scraping by on the bare minimum

The most filling combination of foods is some complex carbohydratess (the high fibre kind), protein and fat.  If you serve those in modest amounts and add in sizeable portions of things like vegetables and salads which are low calorie but very bulky, you can make meals more satisfying and long-lasting

Next string to your bow is to eat regularly.  If you let your blood-sugars drop you'll feel hungry.   So try not to go too long between eating but time a few healthy snacks to put you on between meals.

Best of luck

A lot of your hunger is probably due to hormones. Your body is like: Hey! She weaned! Let's fatten her up so we can make more babies!

If you're into the idea, "monophasic" (aka continuous) birth control will turn off your bodys' baby making machine. It helps a lot with the post-nursing hormone insanity.

I was advised not to diet when I feel especially hungry. If you are super hungry & force yourself to restrict calories below what is required then you are likely to binge.

Good luck!

You might find this article interesting

http://www.webmd.com/diet/volumetrics-what-it -is

It's talking about eating low calorie, high volume foods such as vegetables to satisfy the appetite.

Hope it helps!

edited to add:  I'm not reccomending you buy her book.  You can get all the information you need about which foods are low in calories and high in bulk right here at calorie-count.