If I avoid falsly sweetish junk ... grain, salty, fluffy, sugar ... I really appreciate how wonderful some whole natural foods taste. An orange or a peach is a delicious treat!
I agree, without the carbs, I never get the "full" feeling, just get sated. It was a different experience and took a while to get used to. I haven't felt "full" in a while, but when it does happen, I know I have overdone it.
I don't feel hungry after eating, but satisfied.
Last week, for health reasons (slightly high fasting blood glucose and low "good" cholesterol), I eliminated all refined carbohydrates - sugar, white flour, white bread, white pasta, etc. Have been reading labels and making an effort to consume only whole grains and naturally occuring sugars, such as those found in dairy and fruit.
Well, this week I have been constantly hungry. Because I am surrounded at work with sweets and stuff (for example, birthday cake and frosted animal cookies are in the break area today, not to mention the ever-present bowl of candy at the front desk), I am eating fewer carbs than normal. I am trying to compensate by eating more veggies, more good fat such as a little extra peanut butter or a little extra olive oil on my salad, and more lean protein. But carbs make me feel full and have always been my go-to for feeling satisfied and happy.
Does anyone have any experience with this? Will I eventually adapt and stop being hungry all the time? Should I try to eat more carbs, but only whole grain? It is also TOM, so that may have something to do with it, but today I am afraid that I am going to overeat and gain back the little bit of weight that it has taken me so long to get rid of.
I wanted to say "thank you!!" for all the comments and suggestions! Since I posted this nearly a week ago, I am doing so much better. I am not sure if feeling better has to do with food changes, being done with TOM, or adjusting to lower carb; I suspect it's a bit of all three.
I really increased the amount of veggies - my lunch salad is now really big! I added leftover salmon fom dinner one day and today I added a hard-cooked egg and garbanzo beans. Big difference, adding some protein and fat. I also doubled my snacking veggies and brought hummus for dipping. I munch on a few almonds throughout the day. While I don't like to feel hungry, I am learning the difference between feeling satisfied and feeling stuffed.
Despite eating everything I could get my hands on last week and much of the weekend (all good choices, by the way, just a lot), my weight is unchanged and I actually feel smaller. I am not as hungry today and for the first time in a while did not eat all the food I brought to work with me. Hopefully I am adapting to this new way of eating.
Since I posted this nearly a week ago, I am doing so much better. I am not sure if feeling better has to do with food changes, being done with TOM, or adjusting to lower carb; I suspect it's a bit of all three.
I really increased the amount of veggies - my lunch salad is now really big! I added leftover salmon fom dinner one day and today I added a hard-cooked egg and garbanzo beans. Big difference, adding some protein and fat. I also doubled my snacking veggies and brought hummus for dipping. I munch on a few almonds throughout the day. While I don't like to feel hungry, I am learning the difference between feeling satisfied and feeling stuffed.
Despite eating everything I could get my hands on last week and much of the weekend (all good choices, by the way, just a lot), my weight is unchanged and I actually feel smaller. I am not as hungry today and for the first time in a while did not eat all the food I brought to work with me. Hopefully I am adapting to this new way of eating.
Yay!!!!!!
I am so happy to hear this. Keep it up, just keep at it. It's going to get easier and easier and better and better still.
Since I posted this nearly a week ago, I am doing so much better. I am not sure if feeling better has to do with food changes, being done with TOM, or adjusting to lower carb; I suspect it's a bit of all three. 
