[tkrik]

Normally, I eat a few bites and feel full. For years, it has been hard for me to eat a full meal and so, I eat smaller meals throughout the day. For the past couple of weeks, I've been eating bigger portions and not feeling full afterward. It's like I am always hunger and really shouldn't be. I've even gained some weight because of this. It's like the button is stuck in the on position all the time.

I've having a hard time figuring this one out as I haven't been this way in years, like since my early 20s and let's face it, I don't have the metabolism or activity level I did in my 20s. I drink plenty of water as well as a little juice and electrolyte water every day.

So, has anyone experienced this? I know we have talked about not feeling hunger or early satiety but I don't remember us talking about being hungry all the time.

[Debbie D]

First of all, has it been cooler or cloudier where you live lately? Maybe it's the hibernation response.
Then, wonder if you are having troubles with your thyroid...maybe it's working overtime and upping your metabolism.
Keep track of it...

[tkrik]

Thanks, Debbie! My last thyroid check (TSH, T4, & T3 uptake were all normal). However, do you have trouble with this with your thyroid?

It's been sunny and warm here. I don't feel depressed or anything like that. It's just so weird to feel this way after being the opposite for years. And, if it doesn't settle down with in a week, I am definitely calling my PCP. I figure that's a good place to start to rule out any other thing that could be going on. I have a feeling it is neurological though, since I have nerve damage going in to my stomach.

[Debbie D]

If you are truly feeling hunger, and you're not "stuffing" your feelings, or trying to comfort with food, then it definitely is something your PCP should know about, then maybe your neuro.
I have the opposite problem...I eat reduced portions and can't lose the weight, even if I work out several times a week. I have to be more consistent with watching and journaling what I put in my mouth tho...but my energy level is up and down so much that I know my thyroid isn't working right. I just hope it isn't my pituitary...

[Dejibo]

I find when I get stuck in one of those ruts, its because the food I am eating is of low nutritional value. I will grab one of those shakes that has TONS of veggies, fruits, and protein added to it, and down the hatch. My hunger switch gets turned on cause...im hungry! my body needs some sort of nutrient that it isnt getting. Once I over load myself on fresh juices or high nutritional value greens, or a good piece of protein, it backs off. The funny part is that I am not craving that kind of food. I want JUNK! I want cheetos, or cookies, or candy or chocolate or pie, or cake! or comfort foods like mac and cheese, or stuff like that. I get ravenously hungry.

I find also that if I uptake my exercise I have a chance to burn off some of that cortisol that gets released when we are stressed, and turns us into emotional eaters.

mmmm...now im hungry! Im off for a nutrient shake.

[tkrik]

Dej - Funny thing is, I'm not craving junk at all. I don't even have junk food in the house. I have protein (varying proteins between meat, eggs, and veggie protein) at every meal due to hypoglyemia. I eat lots of fruits and veggies throughout the day as well. I do eat carbs as we all need some carbs. For instance, today I had 2 eggs this morning scrambled with a cup of fresh spinach and chopped fresh green beans and a piece of bread with a glass of orange juice. I didn't feel full after all that and ate some yogurt and an apple. To me, that's a huge breakfast. And, I had to have a small snack a little bit ago (1/2 can of tuna). Which still didn't satisfy me. Lunch will be coming up which will consist of a tomato and cheese sandwich and soup. At least, that's what I have planned. But doesn't this seem like a lot of food and, even worse, to still feel hungry? At this rate, I am definitely going to blimp up in no time at all. I won't even get on the scale as I know over the past couple of weeks I put on some pounds.

Oh and I drank about 30 oz of water so far as I know that thirst can feel like hunger so I try to keep well hydrated.

[karilann]

Hormones can do this. For me, I am a bottomless pit a week before my period. I'm always amazed that I don't gain weight because I pack in the calories. But then it magically just stops.

Are you on any new meds? Some meds make you feel like that too.

I remember years ago when I started on birth control pills, I could eat and eat and not feel full. So I know that hormones play a roll.

I remember Oprah talking about Oolong (sp?) tea helping with that "can't feel full feeling". I think it ups your metabolism or something.

[SallyC]

The "bigger portions" are, most likely, stretching your stomach. So now you have a larger capacity to fill....and that could be why you're hungry.

Hope this makes sense.

[ewizabeth]

I have gained twenty pounds in two years. You all have me thinking. Maybe I have a thyroid issue too? My regular blood tests all look normal though. I think for me it is just my job.

[tkrik]

Karilann - That is exactly what it feels like only, it's been going on much longer than my normal hunger a week before. Hormones may be part of this, I mean I'm 48 now so changes are coming.

Wiz - It's worth getting it checked out. Many people don't have symptoms of thyroid issues.