Just not hungry...

[whole30newbie]

Hi Everyone,

I started my first whole30 on March 22 (11 days in...yeah me ). Other than a headache the first couple of days I really haven't had any struggles and am loving the new recipes I am trying! My only concern is I am struggling to eat three meals a day. I work shift-work (12-h shifts, 2 days then 2 nights) and can usually manage a decent 1st meal of the day--usually spinach & veggies, mayo, protein, coffee and maybe a small glass of fresh OJ. I try to eat again 6-ish hours later, but feel like I am forcing myself since I am not usually hungry. If I do manage these two meals, I am definitely not hungry at suppertime and try to have a smaller meal a couple of hours before bed. Any thoughts?

[Kirsteen]

Hi, there's no doubt that shift work helps screw up our system. I know I used to do it. So absolute kudos for your 11 days. If it was me, I'd cut out the OJ and concentrate on real food especially if you're finding it difficult to eat enough.

Many people, even without the shift work, find their systems are out of whack when they first start. The meal template really is your friend here http://whole9life.com/book/ISWF-Meal-Planning-Template.pdf. Personally, I feel it's important to get into the habit of eating 3 meals a day, even if we're not hungry, the one I struggled with was breakfast. I would think of compliant foods you really enjoy eating (if you're not hungry it's even harder if you don't really fancy the food on offer) and try to have even a smallish meal at set times. Hopefully this'll sort itself out as you get further into a W30. good luck and let us know how you get on

[whole30newbie]

Thanks Kirsteen.

I have a fridge full of veggies, chicken breast, taco salad fixings (W9 recipe is amazing--didn't miss the chips and cheese!) and eggs baking in avocado right now. I ate three times yesterday, but felt like I overdid it. I will try three smaller meals today, so I don't feel so stuffed. This listening to your body is difficult after 30+ years of ignoring its messages

I'm sure, like all things it will work itself out especially if I keep with the template.

[Samphire]

Hi I started just 2 days before you and like you I've not been hungry. it's been more like, "Oh blimey, is it really time to eat again!". However saying that, the only day I've needed an afternoon snack is the one day I messed up the meal template for lunch (not enough protein or fat), so it shows that the amount I've been eating is about right to keep me going though the day.

I have found that sometimes I can't finish my evening meal (this is unheard of!). I give it my best shot and don't worry about it. I'm not hugely active so I expect if I start exercising more I'll need to eat more.

So I agree with Kirsteen, have smaller meals until you find the amount that works for you. Oh and btw, i don't think a glass of OJ is compliant. If you want fruit, it has to be the actual fruit itself not juice.

[Samphire]

Waaah! Spoke too soon.

Didn't eat enough protein at lunch. (underestiamted how much meat was in my leftovers). Then the trains were delayed going home. I grabbed a few prawns and some grapes as a quick snack befo my dance class, which ran over so I didn't get in till 9pm.

On hello fierce hunger. I've been wondering where you are!

Just goes to show the template really works at keeping those hunger pangs at bay!

[whole30newbie]

LOL, i guess it does speak to the truth in the template! Great job sticking with it despite a challenging day.