Just not enough "stomach capacity?"

[schnuffichen]

Hey Whole30 community,

 

this is my first post here, so I hope to adhere to all rules there are.

 

I just started the program (I'm on day 5) and so far, it's working mostly beautifully for me. No real cravings whatsoever, although I lived on a carb-heavy diet before. 

 

I'm a bit baffled when it comes to portion sizes. On day 1, I tried to follow the three-eggs suggestion religiously and it was hard and I felt overstuffed well into the early afternoon. I've moved to having two eggs (plus veggies) for breakfast and that usually lasts until noon, though I do find myself getting hungry before lunchtime.

The same happens in the afternoon: I eat a satisfying lunch (usually ground beef, potatoes, veggies) until I'm really full, but then I get hungry again two hours before dinnertime. 

 

I understand that (and why) we're not supposed to snack, but is that really always feasible? Maybe I just have a tiny stomach and it will get used to portion sizes that'll last me longer?

Do I need to eat different things?

I'd like to think that what I'm feeling is actual hunger (as in, I want my dinner, not just "I want that amazing chocolate cake my office mate's having right now."), but how would I know?

 

Thanks a lot for your help in advance!

 

Jana

[Tom Denham]

Some people need practice to adjust to eating a full-size meal as described in the meal planning template: http://whole30.com/downloads/whole30-meal-planning.pdf Our stomachs are amazingly adjustable and practice will lead to this feeling natural. 

 

Figuring out how to compose a great meal can take some practice too. I had trouble composing meals that kept me satisfied 4-5 hours at first, but eventually got it after about a year. If you post several days of what you have been eating, we can offer feedback about adjustments you might make. 

[fmr_sailor]

I'd like to think that what I'm feeling is actual hunger (as in, I want my dinner, not just "I want that amazing chocolate cake my office mate's having right now."), but how would I know?

 

Thanks a lot for your help in advance!

 

Jana

I, too, have asked this question: How would I know if I'm really hungry. And, honestly, it made me sad that I have ended up at a point where I don't exactly even know what hungry is. I've been "diet conscious" for many years now, and have lost weight and maintained. But since starting my Whole30, I'm learning even more how to know what my body is actually telling me. And I'm only on Day 5.

One way that I have figured out how to get lasting fullness without feeling stuffed is MORE FAT. Really, but I'm new to this too, so the mods should be able to help you in the best way. I just wanted to offer some encouragement and say hey! :-)

[Munkers]

Are you including fat with your meals? If not, that could be the culprit on why you're hungry two hours later. Also, some people who are new to this style of eating experience what seems like an increase in hunger and might find themselves needing four meals a day. The working theory is that this is due to your body recognizing that it's being given good, nutritious food and is responding with "give me more of that!" It'll settle down after awhile. In the meantime, if you're really and truly hungry, fix yourself a template meal even if that means four or five meals in a day.