I'm a tad worried I'm doing something wrong, without knowing it. I eat my breakfast (RTD vanilla shake with two cups of spinach in it) and it only keeps me full for maybe an hour. I am soooo hungry and counting down the minutes until I can have another one. I've been measuring the oil I get in and salt, getting my supplements and at least 100 ounces of water a day... any advice?

How many days have you been on the protocol?

I'm on my fifth week.

Maybe try a 'heartier' breakfast, omelet with veggies, or the crispy cereal pancakes (2 egg white recipe) with shredded zucchini, mock French toast (I've just tried it this week and it is VERY filling). You could also add lettuce to the smoothie, I do that to add extra bulk and it keeps me filled. How does the rest of your eating schedule look like? I need to eat every 4 hours or else I am hungry girl!

I eat every four hours, but in between is just difficult.

Last week in spite of being 100% OP I was hungry and tired everyday. When I went to WI last Wednesday my coach suggested adding a restricted item each day (I didn't have any restricted items the week prior). She thought my body needed a few more carbs. So this week I've added a bar each day. I also monitor my ketosis status daily to ensure I'm still in the fat burning mode. This week I'm doing much better (not as hungry or tired). I've also added large salads to both lunch and dinner on the days I do feel more hungry (it's my TOM). Just a couple thoughts...

Sometimes its a mental hunger game vs a physical hunger...However..regardless of what it is...One thing i did in the first week when i was feeling really hungry...is started taking PGX daily... Basically its a natural capsule that contains glucommanan...a natural fibre... You start with one capsule 20 minutes before a meal..and then increase it by one every few days until you feel like youve reached a dosage in which you are comfortable with..but basically it works on the premise that the fibre in the capsule expands in the stomach, causing you to feel more full prior to eating..It also helps balance out your blood sugars so your not dealing with lots of cravings and blood sugar swings...This might be a thought for you...or possibly something similar if they dont have it where you live..Basically any fibre capsule will work..as long as it doesnt contain sugar of any kind...

And i agree with LizR... Eat frequently...little snacks here and there to keep you going..

PS: I cant go 4 hours.. i need to eat every 3 at least...most people on this diet do...inless your eating a protein dense meal like your 8oz of meat.. then you can go longer it seems...

I have sat here reading everyone's postings because I'm trying to stay out of the kitchen. I needed something to eat, I felt hallow inside. I drank a peach mango drink and large water. One way I have found it to distract myself, but also I have to put something in my mouth every 2 hours. It may be a drink, a cup of Pero, some celery or cucumbers whatever. I stay on plan but i graze all day. I was feeling ill week 2, like blood sugar to low ill, so on that week I would eat a restricketed snack pack every other day. That did the trick for me. If I wasn't losing weight still or platuaed then I would stop the restricted food, but week 1 I lost 15 lbs, week 2 I gained 6 lbs and week 3 I lost 9 lbs. Tomorrow I weigh in and on my scale I have lost 5 lbs. So we shall see. Thank you all for letting me talk to you. Nobody understand except like minded people. Have a great week everyone!

I am wondering if your protein can be spread out between lunch and dinner might help. I am new, so I don't know if we can do it, but maybe it might help...

I find when I have the pre-made drinks for breakfast they don't last as long - have my restricted many times for breakfast and it seems to last longer - plus as the others have said - I eat veggies every 3-4 hours or I get cranky.

Yes, your protein can be separated between meals. There is no real rule on when it should be eaten, though some coaches who are super strict on protocol may object. When I started. I found I had to have some of the protein at lunch time to survive. After a month or two, I found I could do with just the veggies at lunch, most times. After being on the program for three months, I have found I need to add extra protein at some point in the day (I'm on alternatives and use a zero carb protein powder added to my pudding shake.) I have been doing this now for 3 months and it has not affected my weight loss. I believe that some people do require more protein. This is my opinion and a suggestion. If you're using an IP coach, I would talk to them and see what they say.

Molly

I agree with Wingnut too! If you need to split your protein - then DO IT! After 5 weeks you should be able to trust more now when you have 'mental' vs. 'true' hunger. And honestly, listen to your body - there are still days when I am truly hunger - happily those tend to be right before whooshes. My mental hunger days though are usually around TOM, and not so whooshy. Think about the 2 egg whites with regards to recipes, splitting up your dinner protein if needed, adding lettuce either as a salad or to your smoothies. Also, not sure if you've tried Miracle Noodles (some folks can't STAND them though, so I suggest sampling one before investing in a big haul) - they are 0 calorie/ 0 carb / 0 fat / 0 sugar noodles that are 'legal' on our diet. I use them in a number of Asian stirfrys using the WF Sesame Ginger, WF Apricot, Soy, Fresh Ginger, & Cilantro. Those can be used to add 'bulk' - I julienne cucumber noodles with some chicken breast for a great dinner.

Thanks everyone for the advice! I think I'll experiment today with a few suggestions. I'm not a huge salad person, but I might add lettuce to my spinach shake in the mornings. I haven't tried the Miracle Noodles, but I'll consider it. Sounds like a huge hit and miss, so it's a tad scary to think about, haha. Thank you all!

I am having the same issue lately ... it does seem to come and go. Some weeks I feel so full I can't get all the food in - others I am constantly thinking about food all day long. I am pretty much eating the same all the time so I just have learned to live with it (those hungry weeks are tough though).

Tried the miracle noodles for the first time last week and loved them. I think the key is rinsing them. I rinsed them FOREVER because they really did stink a bit when I opened the package. By the time I ate them there was no stink at all ... added my chicken and veggies and was very pleasently surprised.