Hunger control products

**MomToTwoBoys** · 09-15-2008, 03:46 PM

Does anyone have recommendations as to what may work the best? Here is my scenario:

I noticed that I had started to gain a bit of weight, which is no biggie for me because I'm underweight as it is. However, I also noticed that I'm back to eating how I used to eat at age 13. I can eat two large plates of food to myself and still be hungry an hour later! Today, I had a plate of leftover chinese and two Bistro Crustini pockets with meatballs and mozzarella inside. I've been drinking pop quite a bit lately and eating all sorts of junk food.

As a result, I noticed that I'm gaining quite a bit in my midsection and it makes me feel all sorts of horrible about myself. I've always been super skinny and my bday is Wednesday. I turn 31. I just find myself always wanting to eat and it's not like I spend that much time sitting down at the computer anymore.

Could my body just be completely starved and I'm finally catching up? I used to only eat twice a day and then nothing after 7. Now, I can't eat less than maybe six times a day (small items between meals) and I'm snacking at 11pm sometimes.

**PrairieRose** · 09-15-2008, 06:33 PM

I don't use any products at all, other than just vitamins and royal jelly supplements. When I get the urge to eat I try to make myself take a minute and consider what exactly it is that is 'bothering' me. It's usually an emotional trigger for me. I can have my meals, my snacks and drink my water...making it through most days ok. It's hard when we go out of town b/c there is food everywhere and it's really tough to control myself then. :nervous: I figure if I use 'crutches' like appetite surpessants that I haven't gained anything in respect to re-learning how to eat and control my urges and cravings. Kwim? It may help you but for me, in my vast, past experience.....I know I have to work it out the old fashioned way. (darn it)

**cab54** · 09-16-2008, 01:37 PM

http://www.intuitiveeating.com/

I agree with Prairie Rose, that emotional eating is often the cause. It's not always obvious that something's bothering you, or causing your eating, but it may be. I'd bet 90% of the time when I see a person gaining lots of weight, they have many buried emotional issues. It CAN feel like major hunger.

First thing to do is find out if your thyroid is OK, or other things that may be a physical cause. But if you're physically alright PLEASE don't get on the diet roller coaster like I have all my life. All you do is keep going up. A little after each diet. BUT, I'm not saying don't do anything, becasue you said the weight is very upsetting (I can relate).....

The site I posted above has been very helpful to me. After years of dieting, it is helping me gain perspective on food and why I over-do it sometimes. They have a book out also which I recommend highly. (Two women nutritionists). What I posted were the 10 disciplines or whatever their called (LOL) , but check out the entire site.

**tbs727** · 09-16-2008, 02:01 PM

You may be hungry because you aren't eating enough protein.

**Squirt** · 09-16-2008, 02:17 PM

Agreed- protein will keep you feeling fuller.

Sugar (pop/soda) will make you hungry.

Chinese food will make you hungry (Everyone knows that! LOL.)

Eating just before bed will make you hungry in the morning.

It would probably be helpful for you to read about nutrition on the internet for a while and take stock of your current eating habits. Most non-genetically lucky people who are thin do not have pop and chinese food in the house to snack on. It's tough to start, but it's great that you are catching yourself now.

Chromium piccolinate will help curb hunger pangs if you do want some help.

Another thing to look at is your hormone profile- that could be causing the increased drive to eat.

Best of luck to you!

**Squirt** · 09-16-2008, 02:17 PM

Agreed- protein will keep you feeling fuller.

Sugar (pop/soda) will make you hungry.

Chinese food will make you hungry (Everyone knows that! LOL.)

Eating just before bed will make you hungry in the morning.

It would probably be helpful for you to read about nutrition on the internet for a while and take stock of your current eating habits. Most non-genetically lucky people who are thin do not have pop and chinese food in the house to snack on. It's tough to start, but it's great that you are catching yourself now.

Chromium piccolinate will help curb hunger pangs if you do want some help.

Another thing to look at is your hormone profile- that could be causing the increased drive to eat.

Best of luck to you!

**Mo-BayMom** · 09-16-2008, 03:29 PM

The best hunger control products I have found are....my own two hands..I stop putting food in my mouth.

I know that sounds simple and we all know that losing weight is not a quick fix..it takes time and it takes work....lots of work. don't bother taking pills and potions,, just eat better and excerise.

Keep a diary of what you eat for a week...write it all down..then look at it....did I need eat all of that food or did I need to eat that certain food or could I have made better choices? Did I eat enough fresh fruit and veggies? Did I drink enough water everyday?

It does take time and effort but it is well worth it.

**shortstack** · 09-16-2008, 10:35 PM

I second or third the thought that you need more lean protien. It sounds to me with your hunger going up and your midsection gaining that you are on a sugar or carb induced roller coaster ride with your insulin. Too much insulin = extra fat stores in your mid section.
Andrea

**The Muse** · 09-17-2008, 10:29 AM

I use psyllum husks (Metamucil) when I start to gain weight. I drink a glass before meals and can't eat as much. I don't guarantee that this is healthy, it's called the "anorexic's assistant" for a reason, but it works.

**nuisance26** · 09-17-2008, 10:51 AM

~I like unsweeted, herbal iced tea or a stick of sugarfree gum. It will take a week or so to adjust to less food(whatever you do, don't drop below 1300 calories a day because it will cause you to actually GAIN weight!) and your tummy will be growling but wait it out. Try to distract yourself with a cleaning or crafting task.~

**Michelle** · 09-17-2008, 11:30 AM

I agree with keeping a food diary. Keep track of everything you put in your mouth, and if you feel comfortable, post it for us to look at. You may be missing out on key nutrients that would explain your increased appetite.

**Mo-BayMom** · 09-17-2008, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by The Muse

I use psyllum husks (Metamucil) when I start to gain weight. I drink a glass before meals and can't eat as much. I don't guarantee that this is healthy, it's called the "anorexic's assistant" for a reason, but it works.

I'm not a doctor but I can tell you that using Metamucil to lose weight is NOT healthy. You can abuse the product and your body will become dependent on it and you won't have a BM without it.

**The Muse** · 09-17-2008, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by Mo-BayMom

You can abuse the product and your body will become dependent on it and you won't have a BM without it.

Are you sure? I thought that only applied to stimulant laxatives, not bulk forming laxatives. Psyllium husks have also been shown to lower cholesterol.

**pip** · 09-17-2008, 04:39 PM

If you are underweight, I don't think you need to be thinking about hunger control products. Bodies DO change as we age, as do our thoughts about our changing bodies!

But rather than thinking so hard about the implications of your changed eating patterns, maybe you should think about the things that are going on INSIDE you, such as your thoughts, emotions, feelings, etc. Are there things that you are feeling insecure about, such as relationships or implications of growing older? The reason I suggest this is that sometimes when I find myself obsessing over my body, it often has more to do with my feelings about other things. Stay healthy! And, love yourself. That's most important.