seem to want food constantly

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5/16/11 4:01 P

I actually tried the 6 small meals a day thing and it actually got worse. I was eating very small portions but my desire to eat got worse, so I had to limit the amount of times I ate during the day (without seeing it as a restriction) and I feel much better.
The biggest problem is that I spend 8 hours a day at my desk at work, I despise the gym, so I only go once or twice a week and then when I'm home, I want to eat. Such a bad cycle.

Posts: 144
5/16/11 2:43 P

I have this problem too. My nutrition is definitely keeping me from losing pounds.

Posts: 107
5/16/11 9:45 A

I too think about food a lot, and I'm usually not actually hungry.

I drink a LOT of tea during the day, which helps me get in my water and takes my mind off of cravings. I have lots of different kinds of teas and they're yummy and fun to switch up!

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5/15/11 10:30 P

I like having a cup of hot tea in the evening. It's my way of telling my body, it's time to stop eating and start relaxing. If you want something a little sweet in the evening after dinner, try a banana with Nutella!

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5/15/11 2:21 P

Take a walk or do your favorite exercise for 15 minutes whenever you find yourself fixated on food.

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5/15/11 5:12 A

I agree with the idea of smaller meals. It stops you getting hungry so you won't think of food as much and there's less time till your next meal so it will be easier to wait until your planned snacktime to get something to eat rather than thinking ahhh I've got hours to wait I better eat something now..

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5/14/11 6:29 P

I agree with the gum thing, but also I feel your pain. I know that (because I'm a food addict), I dream of food even when I'm not hungry. I just have to stay very aware and conscious of my decisions and ask myself if I'm REALLY hungry or am I just bored, tired, mad, etc etc Keep up the good work!

Posts: 838
5/14/11 5:05 P

Your body may be adjusting to the change. You should try to find some alternatives such as water with lemon in it. I love green tea and other herbal teas throughout the day - mostly caffeine free. I also love sugar-free gum too. I think it's a lot like smokers that have quit, they say they need something to do with their hands. I think this is for over-eaters too - they need something to do with their hands.

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5/14/11 2:33 P

If you find yourself dreaming about food, then perhaps you're not eating enough. One thing you could do is try eating smaller meals spaced out through the day. Instead of three big meals, try six smaller ones at shorter intervals. You may find eating more frequently during the day keeps you from thinking about food.

Also, you aren't depriving yourself ? Spark People isn't about deprivation. It's all about moderation and portion control. Even a piece of pizza, brownie, beer, candy, etc... can all be part of a healthy lifestyle. It's all about being mindful of the portion.

How long have you been trying to become healthier ? If you're still new, you need to be patient. People don't become healthier eaters overnight. Change really does take time. So, don't feel something is wrong because you can't see to control your eating habits. This is something you learn with time.

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5/14/11 2:10 P

looking for answers to prevent dreaming of food trying water then i just feel bloated but still desire something to say the meal is over
. any suggestions will be appreciated----julie