Unexplained Hunger

Hey, this question is for teens in ether middle school or high school

Okay, so I eat both a substantial breakfast and lunch, but for some reason when I get home(about 2 1/2 hours after lunch) I'm starving. I try to eat just a snack but I end up eating sooo much and I'm left with like 200-400 calories left for dinner.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Yes I've had this problem before

You could try drinking water to see if you are mistaking thirst for hunger, and if not, you can drink some green tea or something of the like to curb appetite

What do you eat for lunch? Make sure that it has some protein, fat and fiber. These are the things that make you feel full for longer. 

I used to be the same way in high school and middle school (first year uni now). Try to drink lots of water during the day, particularly when you're eating. Maybe it's just me, but it feels like water expands the food in your stomach or something...Feel fuller.

Make sure your substantial meals aren't junk...Probably a given, but still needs to be said. If you're eating a substantial amount of french fries for lunch, then yeah, you'll feel hungry after school :P

There's nothing really wrong with eating a snack after school though. Some light yogourt and almonds, fruit and peanut butter, veggies and dip or something. If you're seriously hungry- eat!

When you say 'calories left for dinner' maybe all that's happening is that the calorie allowance you've set for yourself is too low?  If you skimp on your supper every night because of your post-school snack you'll wake up fairly hungry and it'll just compound the problem.   If you're under 20 your calorie needs will be much higher than an adult the same size.  Another reason for feeling hungry fairly soon after eating is if your food choices are poor.... wholegrains, proteins and vegetables are the most long-lasting combination for lunch, for example.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

For lunch I'll usually have a PB and J sandwich and a fruit or vegetable, or a sandwich with hummos, tomato, and avocado and a fruit or vegi.

and about the calories I'm not really sure how many to have each day. CC told me to have 1400 but I aim for about 1600

Seeing as you are a teenager, it could be that you are just growing and might require more calories. If you are truly hungry, add an extra 100-300 calories for a week and see how you feel. Your body might just need the energy.

Original Post by karategirrl:

and about the calories I'm not really sure how many to have each day. CC told me to have 1400 but I aim for about 1600

 There's the problem right there...  CC is designed for people over 20, not the teenage metabolism.  This website is more accurate for the under-20s ... http://www.kidsnutrition.org/bodycomp/bmiz2.h tml  

You're also not overweight.  Often, young people will fill out a little right before a growth spurt.  At 14 your body is in such a state of flux that the last thing it needs is calorie-restriction.   Underea ting will simply make you feel hungry so it's not 'unexplained hunger' it's totally predictable hunger.   Check out how tall your parents are... are they 5'1" or taller?  On average, girl children end up somewhere between their mother's and father's heights.  Where would that put you? ....

If you were to increase to 1900-2100 a day and make sure you were as active as possible you'd probably find the hunger-pangs were no longer a problem, you felt happier and that your weight would be under control.   Plan snacks for mid-morning and post-school within that number and choose good quality, wholegrain and high-protein foods so that they're satisfying and nourishing.

you could try eating a special K protien bar.  They are 180 calories and keep me full from lunch, all the way till dinner.

now with my schedual i have been eating late... like 8-9 at night.   so to keep from getting too hungary I eat a banana or an apple and some tea around 3... it helps alot!

its because your a teen, you should eat more, but dont over do it, pack an extra snack to school then eat it on the way home or save it for when you get home. amongst my friends we have things like 2 slices of toast, bowls of cereal, sandwhiches etc.

your a kid, no need to calorie count, especially when your growing, eat when your hungry stop when your full, learn to honour those feelings. you will eat more and gain more weight before you reach adult potential, expect it, dont stress

you may need more dietary fat in your diet.  people avoid dietary fat, because the idea of any fat scares them, but dietary fat and protein make you full.  since upping my fat intake, i havent overeaten once.