I dont lift heavy yet but am lifting (not 5lbs). I am using activtrax at the Y. Yesterday was the first day I was just ravenous all afternoon. Its been about a month that I have been lifting. I had my protein shake a little later than normal (after my cardio). I just could not get satisfied. I had a huge salad with Tuna for lunch. Even after dinner I was at my goal (1700/day) and was still hungry. I did end up over my goal but thought I must need this.

Is this normal? Is this my metabolism ramping up? I changed my eating habits 6wks ago. I have not really felt this hungry since I started trying to loose weight. Oh I made the mistake of stepping on the scale this morning and I am up 3lbs. I am going to not count that and check again tomorrow.

Hi Lisha. This part of the forum tends to be kinda quiet. You might try re-posting in weight loss support.

I don't personally find weight training impacts my hunger levels, but I have heard it's pretty common. If you are trying to build muscle, extra calories, especially directly post-workout, are key. Since I am primarily focused on losing weight, I never increase my calories on training days (though, again, it's quite common and often recommended by expeets), but I do shift calories so I am eating the bulk of them directly post-workout.

When I re-start weight training after I break, I get RAVENOUS. So I eat a little more. For me, it wears off though, as my body adjusts to the hard core exercise.

The things that help me are a little snack a couple of hours before workouts and immediate protein. I stagger my calories in the week so that my lifting days are higher calorie and carb days and my non-lifting or active rest days are on the lighter side. When I neglect these things my hunger gets totally out of control for the next day or even two.

I made sure I drank my protein drink while doing my post lifting cardio and not after getting home. I felt better today not as hungry. Not sure what was up last week.

Have you tried eating a bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit on top? It's filling, healthy and delicious!

I'm always my hungriest the day after I do strength. It never fails! But I consider it a very positive sign, so I don't hesitate to eat more...especially protein.

I'm always craving protein the day after a good weight training session. There's been times I'm seriously GOING NUTS for a good salad with tons of protein on it so if I go out with the fiance we have to go to a place that has that.

Usually we find ourselves at chipotle and I get a salad with chicken, beans and guacamole along with some veggies.

When you first begin lifting. It’s normal to feel ravenous just be sure you are equipped to sate your appetite in a healthy manner. Your metabolism is probably increasing physically right now, which is a sign of development.