Day 5 discouragement...HELP!

[mrlectka]

I started Whole30 on June 1 because I've been a picky eater my whole life and rely way too much on bread and pasta in my meals. In the first few days, despite the cravings and fatigue, I can already see how I'll be able to integrate Whole30-style meals into my normal lifestyle. Wahoooo.

 

HOWEVER. I'm having a really hard time finding the right formula for a meal that keeps me full. I'm not trying to lose a significant amount of weight so I have no problem adding protein, fat, and starchy veggies, but most of the time it feels like I eat (protein, veggies, and some fat), I feel full, and five minutes later my stomach is growling again. It's SUPER discouraging. Yesterday in particular was weird because I ran/walked a 5k with my family and it seemed like I just couldn't fill the void that was my stomach, no matter how many chicken meatballs I put in it.

 

It doesn't help that my context includes anxiety, which means I tend to spiral when I get discouraged.

 

Basically, HELP!! I really want to follow the program the way you're supposed to, but I also want to make sure I'm eating enough, and I need accountability and encouragement so that I don't run out and stuff my face with bagels.

[GFChris]

Ok, breathe. 

 

You're training your brain and body to eat in a different way, so that will take some time.

 

Starchy veggies are likely to be your friend here.  Do the best you can to build meals of protein, veg and fat that satiate you for 4-5 hours. Add pre and post workout mini meals before/after exercise.  If you do that and still get genuinely hungry between meals (litmus test: you could eat something bland like steamed fish and broccoli), have a mini meal of protein, veg and fat or at least two of those components.

[mrlectka]

Ooh...I like that litmus test. It's definitely hard to distinguish between hunger and a craving, especially when you have an emotional relationship with food. Thanks!

[Libberation]

I'm having a really hard time finding the right formula for a meal that keeps me full. 

 

I'm on day 5 of my 3rd Whole30 and I still run into this problem whenever I start the program. It really does take a while for your body to adjust to eating this way, and you're also retraining your brain to distinguish between hunger signals and cravings which, for me, is really difficult. 

 

Also, I am always surprised by how much I need to eat when I first start out. Like, pre-Whole30 I would have been like "oh a sensible 4 chicken meatballs is a reasonable amount" and then during Whole30 I realize, no I actually need 6 meatballs to be really satisfied and give me energy all afternoon and since I'm not filling up my plate with any crappy chips or following my meal with some sugary snack, I'm obviously going to need more of the good stuff to fill me up. Actually eating more is good sometimes too!