Tummy Hunger vs Head Hunger

For those people who don't have a weight problem this doesn't make any sense... but for those of us who do... I realized I was saying something profound to a co-worker... People who are overweight don't really know what tummy hunger is... mostly our head tells us its time to eat... we often can go all day without thinking about food but the moment we sit still its the first thing on our minds!! And then we don't really realize how much we are eating. ... so that's the struggle I'm having now.. knowing when I'm really hungry (does that mean my tummy has to growl?) or am I just eating because its time to eat or because I think its time to eat??? any answers or suggestions are accepted... by the way am now down 57lbs am feeling terrific and wearing a 16 shorts!!!!

Katie, It's become pretty obvious for me what head hunger is vs real hunger. Head hunger almost always has me wanting some form of sweets or a huge plate of pasta or something else that not only can I not eat anymore because it makes me sick but if I do get the chance to actually eat it I don't really want to. Real hunger is very different then it used to be. I'll just suddenly be very hungry, no leading up to it, and it happens whether I"m busy or not. Other times I can go all day eating very little, not feeling hunger at all and those days I have to make myself eat something because I know I need to. I think it is important to sometimes make yourself eat. If it's been all day and you've eaten very little that isn't good for us anymore. But I agree that us folks who have severe weight problems like we all did do have issues with understanding true hunger and it's good to question what you're really feeling. I was a major boredom eater before and still occasionally find myself in the kitchen thinking I want to eat something when I don't need to. It sounds like you are on the right track and doing great with the weight loss so keep up the great work!! Corinna Q

I agree with Corrina. Also for me stress is a major reason I turn to food. I would say that I have rarely experienced true hunger--even now. Prior to surgery I ate so often my body never knew hunger. Now, I still don't feel hungry. I know that it is time to eat when I feel weak, shaky, grumpy, etc. I guess it is a drop in my blood sugar. One bad habit that I am trying to break myself of is thinking that I have to eat when the clock says so. I'm trying to wait for real hunger. I'm still working on that one. I have a friend that struggles with food. She is not obese but she said that only minutes seperate her thoughts of food. She constantly thinks of food all day long. That kind of hit home with me and now I'm trying to become more aware of how often I think of food. It's a lot less now, but I still think that food can be a major obsession for me.

I think you have made the major hurdle of recognizing the difference. I know that I have "head hunger" much more than true hunger. It is what made me leave a large meal, and still graze during clean up! That is definetely what got most of us here. I am still struggling with that. I am 4 months post op (today!) and down 71 pounds, but am finding myself thinking about food a lot lately. I am under a bit of stress the last couple of weeks, so find myself looking for "comfort" foods. Anything sweet or crunchy! I nkow this will be a lifelong battle, but it is great we have each other for encouragement and support. It sure helps to know that others are having the same thoughts/feelings. Have a great day! Sandy