Hi guys,

I am trying to limit my meals to around 1500 calories a day. I don't know if my blood sugar is dropping too low or if it is all in my mind, but it seems like I am in a constant state of feeling sort of down/tired/hungry. When I eat something, I feel a million times better.

Why is my body doing this to me? How am I supposed to lose weight if every time I go hungry my stomach feels like it has a burning hole in it or I feel depressed and exhausted.

So frusterated.

A few weeks ago, I decided to cut back to about 1500 calories... and I personally don't feel like it is a whole heck of a lot! I find myself hungry frequently... but I am trying my best to eat lots of veggies, whole grains, etc. I plan snack with some protein (like Low Fat Cottage Cheese or 100 cal. packs of Cocoa Roasted Almonds).

Maybe you should try a higher amount of calories to start - say 2,000? Then when you are used to that, then go a bit lower. Sort of work your way down gradually?

What do you get for your 1500?

I'm eating 1400 and never hungry. Not suggesting you should go to 1400 btw, and not suggesting I'm some sort of weightloss angel, just the balance of foods seems to stop me being hungry.

I aim for 3 meals and 2 snacks.

I have a breakfast that always involves a starchy carb, usually oats.

I have a lunch that involves a starchy carb, usually brown rice or potatoes.

I have 2 snacks that tend to be oatcakes and cheese or berries and yogurt.

I have a dinner that involves protein and veggies - I don't eat a starch with the evening meal.

I don't eat anything processed or pre-prepared (not because I'm a saint but because I'm a total devil with anything like that, one is Never enough!), so I find that eating 'natural' foods keeps me full. I drink water enough to cause a drought, too.

It is possible, though utterly miserable, to lose weight while feeling hungry - but you shouldn't have to. So: what would a day's food look like for you?

I moved this here hoping you'll get more responses

Leenie

Post a meal plan!

I'd say, most likely, you're not getting enough lean protein. It made a huge difference for me.

Also, I realised I should not be a "2 snacks, 3 meals" kind of person. It makes me obsessed about the next time I eat, and always hungry. I prefer three larger meals, or 2 meals, small bfast, 1 snack.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. It turns out I came down with a cold later in the day I posted this, so that was perhaps to blame for my recent down and low energy feelings.

I don't have an official meal plan, I am just trying to count calories for my regular foods.

breakfast is usually 1 slice whole wheat double fiber bread (5 grams of protien/fiber per slice) with 1 Ts natural peanut butter, coffee with soymilk and a banana. I am usually hungry a few hours later and have a snack (fruit and lowfat string cheese or a greek yogurt). If I don't have this, I have a Luna bar.

Lunch varies from leftovers to sandwhiches brought from home with veggies, hummus and tofurky (I am vegetarian).

Dinner varies too, from soup to take out to homemade meals like veggies and pasta/rice or veggie tacos.