I think that my stomach has shrunk...

Okay...pre "lifestyle change" I could eat a value meal and feel full, but 2-3 hous latter still be able to eat again. now I can not do that at all. I had 4 raviolis and a a small  salad and felt like I had eaten a whole hamburger... it is getting harder to fit in my 1750, because less food fills me up. Any suggestions? I notice a lot of people talking about eating less than intake..

It is possible that your stomach has shrunk.  When we over eat our stomachs, like everything else, stretch out to accomodate the sheer volume that is being consumed.  However, 1750 calories is not an excessive amount of food and cutting your intake may slow your weight loss progress. 

If you are having trouble eating that much everyday, try alternating days like Mon-1750; Tues 1400; Wed- 1700; Etc...  This could help your body avoid getting into a routine or pattern. 

Also, try to eat better food - less fat, more protein - more fiber.  Ravioli are pretty high in fat and carbs and low in other nutrients.  Even with a small salad, the kind or amount of dressing you use could too high in fat; and iceberg lettuce has no nutritional value at all!  Try dark color leafy lettuces like romaine, green leaf or red leaf lettuce and use half a serving of high fat dressings or try  to find a low fat/low calorie dressing you like.

Bottom line, make sure you are getting enough protein and fiber in your diet and try to minimize your fat intake and that should help you reach your caloric goals without feeling stuffed or hungry.

Try this - make a fist with each hand and put one atop the other. That's roughly the natural size of your stomach. Unless you overeat and have stretched it your stomach comfortably holds about 1 liter of food (32oz). It can be stretched to hold about 4 liters or more with coaxing.

3 square meals is out! Try eating more often, every 2 to 3 hours. Control your portions, you should feel slightly hungry each time you eat. If you are starving an hour or so after you eat, you need to increase your portions. If you are not at all hungry when 3 hours rolls around, you need to cut back.

Original Post by bethystan:

It is possible that your stomach has shrunk. When we over eat our stomachs, like everything else, stretch out to accomodate the sheer volume that is being consumed. However, 1750 calories is not an excessive amount of food and cutting your intake may slow your weight loss progress.

If you are having trouble eating that much everyday, try alternating days like Mon-1750; Tues 1400; Wed- 1700; Etc... This could help your body avoid getting into a routine or pattern.

Also, try to eat better food - less fat, more protein - more fiber. Ravioli are pretty high in fat and carbs and low in other nutrients. Even with a small salad, the kind or amount of dressing you use could too high in fat; and iceberg lettuce has no nutritional value at all! Try dark color leafy lettuces like romaine, green leaf or red leaf lettuce and use half a serving of high fat dressings or try to find a low fat/low calorie dressing you like.

Bottom line, make sure you are getting enough protein and fiber in your diet and try to minimize your fat intake and that should help you reach your caloric goals without feeling stuffed or hungry.

Sure it does.
Iceberg Lettuce
It's

• Very low in saturated fat
• No cholesterol
• High in calcium
• Very high in dietary fiber
• High in iron
• Very high in manganese
• High in magnesium
• High in pantothenic acid
• Very high in phosphorus
• Very high in potassium
• High in thiamin
• Very high in vitamin A
• High in vitamin B6
• Very high in vitamin C
• High in zinc

The trick to stretching out your stomach is gradually eating a little more, and eating it more slowly.  My stomach shrank quite a bit, I'm assuming.  I once was able to eat a full Little Ceasar's large pepperoni pizza, no problem (even though it did take me about two hours to get it down) and now I'm full after two slices.  Like, seriously full.  It hurts to get the last few bites down full.

It's a blessing and a curse.  I can eat a half cup of ice cream and feel beyond satisfied, but I can't finish a happy meal from Micky D's without asking for help from Alex.