I am wondering how do I differentiate between a craving and just hunger?
Since I am new to P2 I am not sure I know the difference.

For example when I added in steel cut oat for breakfast last week I noticed that I was hungry sooner after breakfast than I was in P1. I didn't necessarily crave sweets or anything inparticular, was just hungry. I also noticed if I ate protien with the oats I did better too, and the hunger was more like in P1.

Today I am adding in a fruit because it is P2 W2. I ate an apple for my mid morning snack( roughly 30 min ago). Now I feel hungry again. I don't necessarily have a craving for anything inparticular but am feeling hungry. So are these cravings or signs that I just need to eat more?

Also I have not given into the hunger and ate anything that I am not supposed to, I have been diligent about eating on plan.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Try eating some Protein and/or fat with the snack. I know that an apple with a tsp of peanut butter satisfies me much more than just an apple. And before I was on the beach, I had oatmeal for breakfast, but added a teaspoon of coconut oil. Lasted me until lunch easily!!!

That early hunger/cravings are a signal for me that my food choice didn't work for my body. Sounds like you are already making the adjustments and experimenting to figure out what works for you, exactly what you should be doing right now I also never eat just a grain without protein or fat though I am lucky with fruit. I also couldn't eat grains in the morning for the first year.We are all a little different though, that's why it helps to take it really slow adding things back in.

Definitely not just fruit for a snack. You need some fat (Peanut Butter) or protein (cheese) to counteract the fructose in the fruit which is what is making you feel hungry. I used my milk allowance as my snack if I needed one.

If you think you are hungry within that short time span (30 minutes) then it is probably not physical hunger. Real hunger is in your stomach and not in your head or mouth. As yourself when you are thinking about eating where you are feeling it. Sometimes this helps with knowing the difference. But not always. Another hint is to ask yourself if you would eat veggies. If yes, then eat them. If no, then you are not hungry but craving.

I don't eat any kind of cereal for breakfast anymore; it never keeps me full very long and does seem to trigger cravings for more grains. Sometimes you need to play around to see which foods satisfy you longest and which will set you up for cravings. You might try eating things that often trigger cravings at a different time of day. Like not having fruit until evening or with some protein. It takes trial and error.

I am impressed that you are asking yourself this.

Great job coming here and asking. I am ok with a grain for breakfast, but not fruit (see, we ARE all different!!!). And I do always add some PB in my oatmeal or eat it with a side of scrambled egg. Keep testing and see.

Make sure you are drinking plenty of water too. Sometimes I realize I am thirsty, not really hungry.

Thanks for all the help. I am going to keep expiramenting and see what happens.