How long does it take to get used to “normal” portions?

[amorey]

I’ve just gotten off a medication that was making me gain weight. I craved sweets and carbs and was super hungry all the time. I was eating as much as 3,000 calories a day, and obviously I gained a lot of weight.

Now I’m determined to lose it, and I’m eating 1,600-1,800 calories a day. I’m trying all the tricks, drinking lots of water and herbal tea, eating low calorie density foods, etc. But I think my body is still on to me cutting my calories practically in half. I know I’m certainly not starving myself, but I’m still hungry.

How long does it take to get used to normal portions? This is how I used to eat, so I know it should be satisfying me, but my stomach is all stretched out.

[Secret_Squirrel]

I cut back my portions this year. I didn't eat bad, I just ate a lot and had been gaining weight. I don't recall exactly, but I don't think it takes more than two weeks. Just hang in there - you will really start to notice a difference. I can't eat my entire entree in a restaurant anymore and I feel stuffed, not deprived. I take less helpings at home, too (and use a small plate).

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. Drink lots of water (half your body weight in ounces is a good guide) and eat often. I don't go more than 2 hours without munching on an apple, orange, cheese stick or yogurt.

[villanelle75]

Also, try seeking out high fiber foods. That will help you feel more full (and for longer) on less.

[amorey]

Secret_Squirrel, I’m glad to hear it only took you a couple of weeks to get back to normal. I should probably keep some low-cal fruits and veggies at my desk for intermittent snacking.

villanelle75, I’ve heard a lot about fiber. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but fiber is, um… not really my friend. :o It gives me a tummy ache and I try to stay away from it for my coworkers’ sake. :eek:

[villanelle75]

Your sort of have to ease into fiber. Star with small amounts at a tiem and add a little more each week. Metimucil makes apple flavored fiber wafers. They taste decent (though dry, of course). Each packet has two "cookies", and they recommended dose is one packet per day. I started with half a cookie, then moved to one cookie, then two two cookies. Even if you never get two two wafers, one will help fill you up a bit.

[starkist]

Every time you start to get hungry and don't want to eat or are close to your calorie limit drink water. I would also like to recommend sparkspeople.com. It is a wonderful website for people who are trying to loose weight. I have to personally say it is the best website out there and it is free. All you have to do is enter in your weight loss goals and it will create a meal plan and workout plan. Even if you don't want to follow the meal plan or workout plan it has wonderful articles on smart substitutions, how to control portions and some really good recipes.

[DiscoDiva]

It took me a few weeks to get used to normal portions after I started WW. But, whenever I'd get hungry, I'd eat a small, healthy snack, and figured it into my points for the day. This, too, shall pass!