Dieting and constant hunger. Reasons?

[rurkster]

What are some factors that could be causing excess hunger while dieting?

I'd like to establish a list of possible causes in this post (i'll edit it as the responses come).

I am aware this is a fairly general question, but I would like a range of responses.

[Rachel_n_SD]

ummmmm-because you are in caloric deficit....

[rurkster]

ummmmm-because you are in caloric deficit....

Perhaps I should have clarified. This is more than being constantly hungry, its more like very very hungry.

[spytechs_wife]

Perhaps I should have clarified. This is more than being constantly hungry, its more like very very hungry.

maybe you cut calories to low.

[emunah]

Leptin and other hormones.

Your body hates you. Cut cals too low and it will rebel.

[sherdi]

Another thing could be is that you are not balancing your meals right....if you are skipping on good fat and complex carbs, you could be getting adverse effects. Also lack of fibre can influence the severity of hunger. So make sure you are getting heaps of fibrous veggies. You can never really eat too much fibre and it really fills you up! Aim for at least 40grams per day if possible. Lack of water consumption also can give you feelings of hunger....so make sure you are drinking plenty of it!

[BlondeAmazon]

Leptin and other hormones.

Your body hates you. Cut cals too low and it will rebel.

This is true- if you cut too low too fast- your body wont respond by dropping fat anyway- it will hang on for dear life thinking you are starving it. Ease up a bit.

[Outdoor Girl]

I have been dieting off and on for the last year to achieve my goals (am very close now!). If I:

1) Eat a balanced, healthy diet in many small meals throughout the day;
2) Don't have TOO much of a calorie deficit; and
3) Don't totally overdo the exercise,

I usually won't feel hungry. In fact, when I hit everything at the right levels, I don't feel hungry at all. The hunger kicks in only when one of the above items apply. If my body is telling me I'm really, really hungry, something is out of whack.

[girlinseattle]

Looks like you definitely cut too low too fast. You underestimated your metabolism and your body's need for fuel. You don't want to be feeling that hungry as it screws with your goals. I'd listen to Outdoor Girl.

[Emma-Leigh]

CLICK --->My explination of extreme hunger....

If you have your diet in check (eg: fiber, protein, fats, some carbs as required), if you are well hydrated and if you are not overdoing the cardio then it is as Emanuh said - likely that it is just a case of your body hates you...

[Miranda]

CLICK --->My explination of extreme hunger....

that post made me feel a lot better when i originally read it a few weeks ago . . . just suck up and indulge in spring water and celery sticks

(licking the kitchen floor helps too )

[crazycat]

CLICK --->My explination of extreme hunger....

If you have your diet in check (eg: fiber, protein, fats, some carbs as required), if you are well hydrated and if you are not overdoing the cardio then it is as Emanuh said - likely that it is just a case of your body hates you...

That has to be THE BEST! explination of hunger. Thank you thank you thank you Emma-Leigh