stomach growling...does this mean i should up my intake?

Hey yall,

So this might have an obvious answer, but I wanted to hear some feedback. I usually eat 2500+ calories a day (I'm a 5'6" 135lb very active female). However, I gained a couple of pounds so I'm now up to 137-138lbs. My ultimate goal is to get down to 130lb. Anyway, long story short - I'm trying to lose weight a little bit faster. Before when I would eat 2500+ calories, I would only count every now and then. I've now decided to start counting everyday, and I want to aim for 1500-1800 cals a day. Yesterday and today my stomach has been growling... a lot. Do yall just ignore your stomach or do you up your intake? I really really want to lose more weight, and I don't want it to take months. I eat very healthy foods and am not starving myself or anything.

Any advice? thanks :)

From what I have heard on this site and other places, you've cut your intake too much.  Try for only a 500 calorie deficit, or you risk lowering your metabolism, which will make you gain more weight.  The truth is, it took time to put the weight on and it will take time to take it off.  Personally, I don't do really well hungry - I get grumpy, sometimes shaky, and then when I give in, I stuff my face.  So I try eating low cal stuff like carrots, which are sweet and a lot of work to chew and digest.  Also, if you haven't done so, try changing your activities to something more challenging, but you sound like a pretty "fitness-knowledgable" person, so you probably knew all this.

Not sure calories matter when it comes to stomach growling. Could it be what you're eating? Maybe you need more filling foods..some heavier items like oatmeal or sweet potato for instance.

I find I can eat a bowl of oatmeal and feel full for a long time, but something like a cookie for the same calories..not so full.

Could be a matter of food density.

Well, a growling stomach is nothing to be concerned about.

Your body is hungry which is good - sadly a feeling that many never feel anymore.

Don't worry, when you eat it will stop growling.

thanks for the advice, guys!!! :)