I am down to my last 20lbs and have been STARVING for the last 10days. My coach attributed my hunger last week to TOM. This week I am still hungry though and I can't figure out why. Thankfully no headaches or other symptoms.

I have been eating the same packets for months and changed things up this week (having my first restricted item since starting IP). Maybe that's why?

If you figure it out please let me know! ;)

Related thought on the packets -- mix up the protein sources if you aren't already--some soy, some whey, etc--whether all non-restricted or a combo.

A thought on vegetables--change those up as well if you have been relying on your favorites. This could be making sure you have the restricted vegetables or picking some different ones. Jicama has a lot of fiber and requires a lot of satisfying chewing so I used that a lot.

(Emphasis mine) Seriously?? You've gone all this time with no restricted? Now I wonder if you go to my old clinic... The first thing my new coach did was put me on a restricted daily, she said I probably needed more carbs, especially since I'm more active. I wonder if you need the same? I even got off of the extra protein in the afternoons unless I really feel like I need it, or walk/exercise. You shouldn't be starving...

I've been eyeballing your macros the last few days (envy of that steady loss at this stage! LOL) and I thought you were light on real vegetables with lunch, heavy on a lot of the freebie salad items. Just a thought. :)

I think the restricted would be good for you - if nothing else it'll increase the fat as well as calories and that should help with satiety!

Thank you ladies for the suggestions. JJTx, I think I checked with you and you were going to a clinic in RR? I am off Duval. My coach never said no restricteds. She just said I would probably lose faster without them so I made the decision to avoid them.

Honestly, I have become such a rut water on this diet. Previously, I could never have the same lunch day in, day out. Briael, thanks for the suggestion on my lunch veggies. I need to cut back on the lettuce and get more actual veggies. :) I would agree with you 100%.

The interesting thing is I've been eating these meals for months without being hungry. Maybe it is because I' picked up my number of steps in the last few weeks?

All I know is I have a huge bunch of bok choy calling my name for dinner. May very well exceed my 2 cup limit today. :)

When I was 10 pounds from goal, I started getting dizzy and needed to eat more frequently. I was checked out by a doctor and was fine but I was worried enough at how I was feeling. I stalled for a month and had a trip coming up so I phased off early and like others have said I lost in P2 and P3. As others have said, I would try the restricted, and even add in some protein or fats.

It's interesting to see that you're having the same hunger issue on lighter foods, CenTX. I don't doubt that it's related to increased activity. And yay for you going over your veggie allowance if you're hungry and you've earned it. One day of another cup of veggies won't kill you.

I hear you on that, Shasta. I've recently started swimming again (one of my all time favourite activities) but oh em geee does it make me a hunger machine. Today I've done nothing but eat - and so many of them NOT healthy options. The only reason I didn't rein it in was because I was getting dizzy blackouts when I was standing and that normally means my calories and carbs are too low. Tomorrow, back to plan! and with the understanding that maybe 3/4's of a mile swimming is a little too much for a 50 year old gal. :)

CTC - like you, I never had a restricted item to get to my goal. In my mini-reboot because I am doing more activity, I have added a Quest bar on the days I golf, and boy does the bar really curb hunger for a long time. I think there is something to all the fiber in the bar and feeling so satiated (even though there is an ongoing lawsuit about whether they are overstating the amount).

Shasta,
It is good to hear all checked out well and you continued to lose. I didn't know what happened with your situation - I really appreciated your efforts in trying to help me when I was at the height of my issues.

Hi Shasta:)

Same thing happened for me.