Hunger

[Rumpsteak]

When I started lifting about two weeks ago, I naturally also changed my diet. I'm not yet on a very good diet, but I'm working on it. I've cut out the food that is sugar/fat dense and replaced it with protein/slow carbs. I've gone from 3-4 meals/day to 5-6. I'm probably not getting enough proteines yet, which I'm working on. I'll go buy some tuna/salmon/chicken and possibly order some whey soon (damn it's overpriced!). I eat a lot of eggs instead as of now.

What I've started noticing the last days is that even though I'm eating larger portions and more often, I get hungry all the time. Even after a large meal, I feel like I could eat a couple of sandwiches, and when I haven't eaten for 2-3 hours I'm getting really hungry.

Why is this and is it good or bad? Should I listen to the body and eat whenever I'm hungry? Am I still getting too little food?

 

[Warboss Alex]

It's very good, it means your metabolism is jacked thanks to a better diet and energy expenditure (working out). Basically, you're burning calories all the time now at an increased rate - hence why you get hungry quicker. It's a very good thing.

I wouldn't advise eating other meals between meals though - snack on some fruit or veg or a few nuts, and make your regular meals larger.

 

[Rumpsteak]

Alright sounds reasonable. I'm getting thirsty all the time so I'm drinking more water. I guess it correlates quite well with burning more cals.

Btw, I drink quite a lot of caffeine throughout the day (lots of tea). How is this affecting metabolism and overall workout effects? Should I try to reduce it?

 

[Lifeforce]

coffeine increase your metabolism. I don't see it as a problem as long as you drink lots of water and eat some more.

 

[whistler]

The 2-3 hour thing is to give your body time to digest. If you're hungry before then, that's a good signal that you can eat more frequently.

I doubt anyone will say you should ignore your hunger and hold off from eating if you're trying to bulk.

I like Warboss Alex's approach: Eat the protein first, then the carbs.

 

[Warboss Alex]

I doubt anyone will say you should ignore your hunger and hold off from eating if you're trying to bulk.

Hunger should never be ignored, no, but food eaten between your 6-7 regular meals a day is more likely to go into adipose tissue if it's high-calorie, so stick to fruit, veg, a handful of nuts/raisins or something similar.

Once your body's adapted to eating every 2-3hours it'll get hungry a little while before a meal - if you get hungry too soon after eating a meal, then you're not eating enough in that meal.

As far as caffeine is concerned, it's our friend. If you like it, drink green tea itself - a better thermogenic than regular tea/coffee plus it's packed with anti-oxidants (which, strangely enough, you can also get from 100% cocoa powder.. </useless trivia>) - I drink two cups (500ml or so) of green tea before my every cardio session, and a cup of strong coffee before a workout is good too.

Remember that hot caffeine beverages (hot tea for example) can dehydrate us, and dehydration is a bad thing, so keep up that water intake too!

 

[Rumpsteak]

Yup I drink lots of water as well. I've no problem drinking much as long as I remember to do it. Water tastes exceptionally well at times.

Btw, will a higher metabolism increase the need for anti-oxidants or is that just a general piece of advice?

 

[whistler]

Thanks Warboss Alex.


Let me clarify...

Snacking ---> not so good

Shortening the time between meals because you get hungry for another meal sooner than a preset time ----> fine

You may end up eating more meals a day of course (and that's fine).