Hungrier now than before the diet?

Are any of you hungrier now that you've been enlightened (so to speak) re: your food choices? Or am I just bingeing?? Before c-c.com, I would eat when I was hungry, order whatever I wanted (good/bad, whatever), and then stop when I got full. Ever since I became obsessed with caloric values and such, now I can't stop eating! My boyfriend made the keen observation "you know, you never used to really buy/eat much chocolate, but now that you're on that diet, you've got an arsenal of sugar-free chocolate." And you know what? He's right. I'm not sure if I'm subconsciously trying to compensate for supposedly depriving myself, or if I'm subconsciously panicking about eating something "bad," and so I just surround myself with tons and TONS of "good" food, so that when I *do* eat, I can only choose from "good" options. Either way, I go grocery shopping now almost EVERY DAY, roaming the aisles, basically grazing. I read all the labels, and always end up buying things I deem to be calorically sound. Our pantry and fridge are filled to capacity.

Also, I've noticed that nowadays whenever I go out to eat, I can't stop eating. Take this example, for instance. Before the diet (B.D.), I used to eat at Souplantation pretty regularly. I'd get a moderately sized salad, complete with garbanzo beans, a little cheese, and chow mein noodles with light Italian dressing. Then I'd get a cup of chicken noodle soup w/oyster crackers, and a slice of sourdough with a bit of butter on the side. For dessert I'd go back and get a small chocolate frozen yogurt with sprinkles. NOW, I go and gorge. It's insane. It's like I'm suddenly aware of how good their food is and how much I *really want* it, and so I'll do what I did last night: get a smaller salad, sans beans, cheese, or chow mein noodles w/vinegar in lieu of dressing. Then, feeling like I'd made good choices, I'll reward myself wthe bread/butter. Then, because I'm still hungry, I'll go back for the soup. After the soup, I'll start wondering "would it be ok if I went back for more food?? I'm still a little hungry... How about a little portion of pasta? Yeah, a little portion's ok." After my "little portion," I'll feel slightly full, but I rationalize that I was a good girl in getting a small portion, so it's ok that I go back for dessert. Then I'll see the cherry cobbler (which I can't resist), and I'll partake. But oh wait! I came for the frozen yogurt, remember?? Silly Krissy... So I'll get some, thinking I'll eat it plain... And then I notice the little toffee pieces (which are my fave) and I'll be so thrilled, since they normally DON'T have them, that I'll sprinkle some on. I'll go back, and then, while I'm eating, the cookie lady will come by. I'm all set to refuse her little chocolate chip cookies... and then everyone else at the table says "SURE!" and so she puts a big pile smack dab in front of me on the table. At this point, I add up the night's mistakes in my head, and say "Ohh screw it. You've already f'd up, you might as well have the cookie." This time, btw, I will have easily outeaten all of my friends. Upon finishing the cookie, I'll be REALLY full -- but because I've decided that the night's officially a wash for me (diet wise) I'll go back and binge some more (chocolate mousse w/a little bit of brownie this time)! Why is my brain still insisting on eating even though I *know* my stomach is full??? Is it because I feel like I'm not going to get to do it tomorrow (cause of the diet) and so I better get my kicks now, since everything's messed up anyway?

Have you guys ever done this?? It's like I'm food-disabled. I now eat constantly, regardless of how hungry (or full) I am! Either because it's "good" food, and so it's supposedly okay, or because I've already messed up my diet for the day and so I'm going down in a big way. I hate it. In the past 6 days I think I've averaged 1700 cals a day (sometimes more), and then the following day I always resolve to be good, and end up being bad. I think a part of this is because I'll often times eat a larger breakfast, telling myself that I'll have a lean cuisine for dinner, and inevitably I'm forced to go out to lunch and/or dinner w/a friend, parent, or my BF because I'm obligated. Planning where and how you'll get your meals is very difficult when you're a 22 y/o college student who doesn't really cook very well/often.

I'm so at a loss. I just don't know what to do. I crave food all the time (even if I'm physically full). You name it, I want it -- particularly breads, cheeses, and sweets. I want them now so much more than I did before I dieted! I'm back up to 110 lbs (started at 113, got down to 106 once), and I have a feeling that more of the weight will show up in the next couple of days, because for some strange reason my body takes a few days to catch up (weight wise) after I've been eating poorly for a while. It's like I'll eat poorly for a week, the scale won't budge, and then all of a sudden on Day 6 the scale will move up 5 lbs. ::shrug::

Please furnish me with some advice -- I'm at the end of my rope!

<3- K.

Did you seriously just steal my brain right there? Because I think the exact same thing. I was a big eater before I got to C-C, that's my main difference, but now I literally FANTASIZE about food. It friggin' sucks.

I have experienced this somewhat. I am basically in maintance mode, give or take five lbs. I am more obsessed NOW with food than when I was strictly dieting. And I do binge but in pretty small ways (like I will have two bowls of cereal instead of one).Going from 106 to 110 doesn't sound so bad. Are you very small and short? And young?

Louise.

Maybe you need to change the way you think about this process.

I notice you use the word diet.  Stop thinking of this as a diet.  Instead of trying to eat less, identify your bad eating habits.  Make a list.  Once you know what they are, pick one to change.  Figure out some way change the bad habit into a good one.  For instance, if you find that you eat too much sugar, gradually decrease the amount you put in your coffee or cereal, and cut servings of sweet foods in half.  Substitute a good food for the sugar, like a small piece of fruit or some yogurt.  Once you've conquered that first bad habit, then go on to the next one.  Don't set a time limit on these changes.

Don't even get on the scale!  Just concentrate on turning bad habits into good ones.  Make sure these changes are ones you can live with for the rest of your life. 

It's not a diet when you do that.  It's a change in lifestyle that will last you forever.

glamstarlette, what has helped me is realizing these foods are *not* going to go away. They will be there to eat another day! I love the chocolate chip cookies at my workplace's cafeteria; they are seriously gooooood. Ditto the chocolate chocolate-chip muffins, lemon meringue pie, and a bazillion other things.

You know what? If I don't get a chocolate chip cookie today, it's okay, because they will still be available tomorrow. They aren't going away!

So I get a chocolate chocolate-chip muffin every other week. I have never said to myself, "I can't eat that until I lose weight!" or even "I will never eat that again!"

As clairelaine said, it's not a diet; it's a lifestyle change. My lifestyle used to include chocolate chocolate-chip muffins for breakfast every day. But you know what? They'll still be there tomorrow; I don't have to get one today!

I'm a lot hungrier now than I EVER was when I was bigger.  Why?  Because I allow myself to be hungry before I eat.  Before, I would just eat and eat and eat. "Oh, its 5?  I guess I'll eat dinner."  "Ok, it's been 3 hours since dinner, I'll eat some ice cream now."  That is not a way to live.  Eat when you're hungry, don't when you're not (unless you really SHOULD...like breakfast).  It sometimes feels like I'm eating all day long and I'll shudder when I think of the calories...but then I realize that it takes a lot less food to make me full and therefore eat less calories.  I dunno...I'm rambling.

Hmm.. I find I'm actually less hungry, but only because I eat so often. :p Try eating six meals a day and you'll begin to understand how little time passes between "meals".

I'd try to aim to eat at least your three main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), a snack between breakfast and lunch and one between lunch and dinner. This helps keeps your blood sugar levels more stable and make you less likely to overeat during any one of your meals.

I'm less hungry too.  If I'm working I plan my meals and never leave myself feeling hungry.  I spread my meals out through the day (about 6 including snacks) Before I used to eat even when I wasn't hungry.  I'd binge.  Now I have a plan I don't.

glamstarlette, you've totally pinpointed my problem! I do the same thing. I don't really know why but it's true... I'll just consistently eat.

Thanks everyone -- I knew I could count on you guys for some sound advice!

I'm doing *slightly* better today. I had a 100 cal carrot muffin top, a sugar free cinnamon roll (pillsbury, 110 cals), a light & fit yogurt (60c) and a tiny bit of toffee/bran cereal on the side for bfast, and then I went on a hike in Runyon Canyon. For lunch, my BF wanted fast food, so we went to Arby's... BUT, I managed to be reasonable, and got a grilled chicken w/bcon and swiss sandwich -- NO honey mustard. And I refused to order fries -- instead I had 2 of his. Go me!

Now if only I can make it last and get through the 2 y/o food-filled birthday party I have to host tonight at work...

Yikes!

<3- K.

I agree with Claire. Almost all of it is how you think about it. the minute something becomes forbidden fruit, suddenly it becomes a whole lot sweeter. I dont' seem my self as depriving myself of certain foods, but rather I see myself as being rewarded with good health. I deserve better than something made up in some food scientist's test tube.  I deserve healthy, balanced real food.

I also allow my self to have treats on special occasions. I refuse to sit around muching carrots and celery while the rest of the office is devouring tiramisu. I limit myself to one piece and savor it, but I dont' deny myself , or I'll be thinking about it all night.

I also figure if I am healthy in my choices 80 or more percent of the time, I can relax the other 20% of the time. Life is too short to eat food you don't enjoy.

I just had a chocolate chocolate chip muffin today from work.  Our muffins are sugar free fat free and have 35 calories in them... I know you can order the batter offline... I'll find out the batter maker if you want... you can make them yourself, and still have them everyday! lol

Gypsy

oooo gypy04 that'd be lovely!

oh and by the way, i can totally identify with the origional post. i, too, am full and then think... "well i'll have one more healthy thing". an hour later i've had 5 such "healthy things" and i'm 250 cals above where i'd like to be. i'm working on it, but i totally feel your pain, it's hard!

I would LOVE to know that manufacturer, gypsy! :) I've ordered some stuff from www.dixiediner.com, and it's been good -- the carb conscious apple cinnamon muffins (made w/egg whites and fat free sour cream) yielded only 51 cals per muffin!  ;-)

i live by this website religiously but...does anyone think that counting calories continuously has an effect mentally on your outlook on food, and even your lifestyle...the past few days i've really been wondering this, who even determines these values sometimes??

Yes, this has happened to me, and it happens to most people who diet. Even people with EDs. It is very, very common, and SHOULD be expected.

What happens when you diet, focus/watch on your food intake, or try to lose weight, is that you are paying very close attention to food, calories, weight, etc. Food suddenly starts taking on a different value and purpose - it isn't just to fill you up and fuel your body without second thought anymore, now it is all about how you can eat a large amount for a small amount of calories or how you can fit so and so treat into your diet without "blowing it".

You will also probably want to be around food, talk about food, hoard food, buy too much food, or read message boards like this constantly...because food now seems restricted to you, off limits, dangerous, taboo even. It is a survival instict. Your body thinks that you are restricting food, even if you are eating enough, because of the way you are thinking. So it says, we need to be around food NOW! GET FOOD GET FOOD STARE AT FOOD BE AROUND FOOD, etc. 

So therefore, your mind is on food constantly. All you can think about is food, even when you aren't physically hungry, because to your mind, it is now scarce and restricted.

This is why it is optimal to trust your body; follow hunger cues and eat everything in moderation. No measuring, counting, weighing, etc. Just eating when truly hungry, and putting the fork down when you are content. Food will no longer be so important. Less obsessing, preferably none at all.

The sad thing is, once you start obsessing, it is hard to ever completely stop. I've been at this for three years, and I'm still not over it...stop if you can...it isn't worth the hell.

 i think all that sugar-free, artificial sweetener foods is contributing to this. I firmly believe that they increase your appetite.

I disagree with this statement:

This is why it is optimal to trust your body; follow hunger cues and eat everything in moderation. No measuring, counting, weighing, etc. Just eating when truly hungry, and putting the fork down when you are content. Food will no longer be so important. Less obsessing, preferably none at all.

In today's society with food all around us and so readily available and most not even remotely good for us, our bodies have been conditioned to be obsessed with food. If we trust our bodies, our bodies are going to lie to us because we have, in the past, abused them with an overabundance of foods/calories. We conditioned our bodies to want, want, want what we don't need, need, need. In order to make wise decisions, we need to know the calorie content in foods. One whopper meal with cheese has over one thousand calories. Do you really want to eat that as one meal, knowing that that is over 2/3 of your entire calorie allottment for the day with very little nutritional value overall? We, as a nation, live to eat. We should be eating to live.

This is how I look at it. I try hard not to eat more calories than I can burn in a day. Also, I focus on trying to maintain the food pyramid guidelines and recommended daily allowances for fat, protein, fiber, and carbohydrates while staying as low as feasible on cholesterol and sodium.

My focus is on changing my lifestyle and not on dieting. The only way you gain weight is by eating more calories than your body can possibly burn in a 24-hour period. Eating foods that are full of additives and preservatives are usually also full of calories with less nutritional value than natural foods, i.e. fruits, vegetables, grains, etc.

I, also, think about food too much, but I am seeking to change this. It isn't necessary and it isn't healthy so I make myself do something to take my mind off food. I don't need the food I am thinking about, I just want it. Eating healthy foods and in the right proportions is enough. I space my calorie allottment out over the course of the entire day, so some days I feel like I have been eating all day, but everything I ate was on my food plan for the day. I know that my overall calorie intact was correct for the day and that the foods I am eating are good for me. Taste for natural foods develops over time. If you have spent alot of time eating fast foods, prepared foods, sweets and goodies, than natural foods don't seem to taste as good. You need to allow some time for body and taste buds to adjust to your new eating lifestyle and begin to relish those foods.

Seek to change your lifestyle and not just diet. Find out the number of calories you need to consume in a day in order to maintain your weight and seek to consume this number of calories every day. If you want to lose weight, add in some activities to burn more calories than you currently do. My goal is to be a healthier, more active individual. I am striving to lose weight, but I want to change my lifestyle so I don't turn around and gain back the weight I lose later on.

Take care and good luck. 

You were 113 at 5'3" when you were eating naturally!!

Honestly, I'd say go back to not restricting at all. From your profile, you were unhappy with your shape and maybe your fitness level and that's why you started dieting in the first place. It sounds like you should have kept "free-feeding" (as the research scientists call it) and just hit the gym instead. Remember that your shape is your shape, and no amount of diet or exercise will change your natural proportions (i.e. being heavier on the bottom than on top). The presence or absence of "cellulite" in a normal-weight person, aka where your natural, normal, NECESSARY butt and thigh fat deposits lie, is also largely genetic. We are SO brainwashed into thinking that we need to have certain traits that are incredibly rare - and check out this site to see how even those who we think have them, don't really have them (go to "portfolio").

Since you were able to "free-feed" without becoming even a tiny bit overweight, you clearly are able to "naturally" avoid the trap that j_watkins describes (he/she has a point, because I was caught in that trap, but you weren't!).

Strip the moral associations from food and fat, work on loving your body the way it is, and tell yourself that if you really want to change your body you're going to do it in a way that is healthy for a normal-weight person... exercise! (And be realistic -  you won't be able to change into somebody else's body).

Try to get back to the way you were. It sounds like you were more "enlightened" - and certainly less anxious - then. If you want to eat healthier, change the kinds of foods that you eat - you know what's healthy and what's not - but return to free-feeding and forget all about calories. Don't deprive yourself.

When pets free-feed for their entire lives, they don't get overweight. When you restrict their intake, they lose the ability to self-regulate and start eating based on external cues.

You have temporarily lost the ability to free-feed safely, but if you get rid of the food obsession/anxiety, it will come back to you (humans are superior to other animals in this way). It's a beautiful skill.