Increasing Appetite

[Carbonator]

I have been on Atkins now for approximately 3 months. During induction, my appetite was pretty low (for me) and I ate between 1,500 and 1,800 calories a day. Now, I have noticed my calories are in the 2,000 - 2,300 calorie range and I go to bed hungry sometimes.

I am OWL 1 and around 23-28 net carbs daily. I currently weigh about 248 lbs (5'11 inch 27 year old female).

Question is - what is up with the increased appetite? Is it normal, or do I need to up the carbs? My % are usually around 70% fat, 25% protein, 5% carbs.

Could it be that the initial decreased appetite experienced during induction is wearing off?

[liv]

Re: Increasing Appetite

Could be but most commonly it is because things sneak in. Have you checked your menu and thought about what you are eating (and drinking) now that you may not have eaten earlier.

Also if you up exercise you may require more food. That is just a natural thing.

[Desertthorn]

Re: Increasing Appetite

You might want to up your carbs % and you protein % up some. 70 is a little high for the 3rd montn

[JaxMama]

Re: Increasing Appetite

I had that increased appetite too. Some days I would be overly hungry, some not esp in RUNG 1. I increased my fat intake and that seemed to hold me steady. I am only starving in the mornings and that has never changed. Oh, and a lot more veggies helped me too.

[JaxMama]

Re: Increasing Appetite

sorry, my post is incorrect, i had more hunger in rung 2 not rung 1

[WWJD]

Re: Increasing Appetite

I believe sometimes our bodies cry out for more sometimes. Like myself, I was really hungry yesterday, and the day before and today I'm not and needed less food. I think we should listen to our bodies more. In your case as Desertthorn wise advice you might want to up in the areas where you need too, and or as liv said watch what you're taking in closely. Listening to old timers who've been there done that is very wise. Try http://www.fitday.com for free if you haven't already. I hope all works out for the best for you, there is nothing more frustrating than trying and things go in an opposite direction.

[Carbonator]

Re: Increasing Appetite

Thanks everyone for the advice. I am definitely going to try to watch my intake more. I have been eating sausage or bacon in the mornings, but I cut that out starting yesterday. I am going to try to go a few weeks with no processed meats to see if that helps. I am also going to try to not do low carb desserts at night. That is usually what bumps me from 1,800 calories to 2,200 and I think I partially do it just out of habit or reward, which is not good.

Definitely need to up the veggies more!! I usually eat all my veggies at lunch time and not much at dinner, so I think veggies with dinner will help too.

I think its easy to get a little more lax on the diet after a few months, at least for me. So, I am going to pull the reins in some and see if I have an improvement in my weight loss and appetite.

[thefemalegreenday]

Re: Increasing Appetite

Eat some chopped cucumber and lettuce before meals =] It keeps you feeling full for longer

[liv]

Re: Increasing Appetite

Eat some chopped cucumber and lettuce before meals =] It keeps you feeling full for longer

Would not work for me. So I guess we are just different in this matter. I need a fair amount of fat and adequate proteins to feel satisfied. But greens are healthy stuff

[WWJD]

Re: Increasing Appetite

Would not work for me. So I guess we are just different in this matter. I need a fair amount of fat and adequate proteins to feel satisfied. But greens are healthy stuff

I totally see where you are coming from. I am the same way, in fact when I up my veggies I must add in extra fat and protein to balance it out or I will not feel satisfied. Great point!

[LateNiteDiner]

Re: Increasing Appetite

I am also going to try to not do low carb desserts at night. That is usually what bumps me from 1,800 calories to 2,200 and I think I partially do it just out of habit or reward, which is not good.

I found that artificially sweet treats like sugar free Jell-O, diet sodas, or sugar free chocolate made me crave the bad sugar as well, especially if I consumed these things in the evening when I was more or less sedentary. I try to steer clear of anything sweet after dinner, even if it's a legal food.

[WWJD]

Re: Increasing Appetite

I found that artificially sweet treats like sugar free Jell-O, diet sodas, or sugar free chocolate made me crave the bad sugar as well, especially if I consumed these things in the evening when I was more or less sedentary. I try to steer clear of anything sweet after dinner, even if it's a legal food.

Exactly! Me too! I cannot say this enough! We have to know our limits.

[msanjelpie]

Re: Increasing Appetite

Sometimes our bodies get hungrier right before a loss... It's a last ditch effort to hang on to that pound...

Try upping your protein to be around 30%, that should help...