How long are you supposed to be hungry?
 

I'm on day 8 of IP. I AM HUNGRY ALL THE TIME! My coach suggested I test my urine to see if I am in ketosis.. I am. Some days I can eat 3 packets, other days I have to have the 4. I've lost 6.8lbs in the first week and would like to lose more. I'm getting very discouraged. I thought I wouldn't be hungry by now and my cravings would go away.

I am day 6 and have been doing 4 packets mostly, tried to cut back to 3.5 the past 2 nights, I am definitely in ketosis, I got the sticks last night. I seem to get hungry right around 3:30-4 pm the worst...

If you have a long break between lunch and dinner, it may help you to move your snack to that time. My other way to deal with the 4:00 munchies is to take a walk, with a big glass of water both before and after.

That's the worst time for me too. I try drinking coffee ( I drink it black) or a cup of beef/chicken broth made with bullion, but it's not cutting it today.

How long can you eat 4 pouches? I kinda feel like my coach isn't listening to what I am saying. I'm not a whiner, but I am really having a hard time.

Hey fellow Texan!

Find what works for you. I cannot go without a snack between lunch at 11 and dinner around 6. I found that having some protein with my lunch helps. Keep boiled eggs around and eat the egg whites (free snack).
Hot tea helps, but I have many hungry days, even weeks into the program. I am not one of those people who feel great, have tons of energy and have to force themselves to eat. I count the hours between each meal, everyday!!!

Not technically on plan, but I often eat extra vegetables if I am starving. 1 cup of cooked spinach or zucchini has around 20 calories. It hasn't derailed me yet!

I've only had the hunger pains a couple times, but I always try to get at least 2cups of romaine lettuce with my lunch. Lettuce is unlimited and I really think that is why I'm not starving all the time. It helps keep you regular plus it's a filler. Just an idea!

Can you share what your usual day looks like? Sometimes it is easier to see what may be causing you to be so hungry if you post what you eat and when.

Unfortunately reduced appetite is a side-effect of ketosis that not everyone experiences.

If the suggestions you have gotten don't help and you stay miserable, there is an alternate IP P1 plan for diabetics that allows a little bit more food. You aren't in ketosis on this plan but if you aren't getting the appetite suppressant side-effect, you might be happier on the alternate plan.

Breakfast: Unrestricted Pancakes 2 Cups black coffee
water, water, water

Lunch: Shakes/ 2 cups raw veggies or a salad

Dinner: 8 oz meat, 2 cups cooked veggies

Snack: Pudding, or shake

I like something sweet at night so I save my snack for then.

The last time I did IP I was hungry every day. Usually between lunch and dinner. I just tried to drink lots of water.

It can't be veggies OR salad at lunch. You always have to have the two cups of veggies. Did you mean a salad with veggies?

I always have 1 cup raw peppers in a salad of about 3-4 cups lettuce and 1 cup of celery. My celery usually happens at about 10:30, salad at 1 followed by my protein pack often after 2. I like to keep my snack for 8 when my husband starts snacking.

ChipNDip's right about the veg/salad thing... Here's an idea - can you use a more 'filling' feeling savoury packet for lunch - maybe your body feels that a shake is just a sweet drink & doesn't really count. Also maybe try a big mug of hot Berry Zinger or Apple Cinnamon herbal tea for your evening as a sweet flavour and move the packet to afternoon if that's the problem time.

ChipnDip: I either have 2 cups raw veggies or a salad with 2 cups added veggies to it..depending on my mood. Sorry!

I'll try the Apple Cinnamon tea. I've been drinking chai with stevia, but maybe a change will help.

Question: Does spinach count as a veggie?