Need Help

Okay, since I've been hitting the gym at least 3 to 4 times a week, I am noticing that I eat less and less.  In other words, I am not getting in enough of anything.  I'm never hungry and when I do eat it is a few bites.  I try to force myself to eat but I feel full and I start to feel sick.  I know it is probably a mental thing because I know I'm not hungry so I don't feel I need to eat. 

Is it common to not want food after you start exercising a lot?  And, what ways can I adjust this routine in order to get in my calories? 

Thanks!
Deb

I have the exact opposite as you. I workout 5 days a week and seem to want to eat more for some reason. Maybe try some protein powder in your water as you workout. That  will give you some extra calories.

Candice

Thanks!  I will definitely try the protein in my water.  My friends all tell me I'm backwards, most people eat more when they exercise not less. 

Deb

I started a food routine and I stick to it... I eat set meals and snacks each and every day and 'trained' my body to get food at certain time (almost like animals at the zoo haha!). If you are feeling/full sick perhaps try doing smaller meals/snacks more often - if you are feeling full/sick after just a few bites you may want to address with the doc to rule out anything phsyical... if its all mental then you need to work on that as well - remember food is now fuel for your body, it needs it to run properly so make sure you are getting what you need.. especially w/ working out/

You are so right with the planned meals.  I've had a set routine for eating up until I started hitting the gym at the beginning of the month.  Here's what I "used" to do:

I'd have a protein shake during my commute to work
Drink big cup of decaf coffee once I got to work
@ 10:00 eat a wedge of low fat cheese
Lunch meat & veggies
2:00 eat a healthy snack (cheese or a small apple)
Dinner meat & veggies

This is what I had yesterday:

Breakfast (nada) wasn't hungry, tried to drink my shake only got down about 2 ozs
decaf coffee
no snack (tried to eat cheese took 1 bite and felt full)
lunch maybe 2 chicken nuggets & fork full of lettuc
no afternoon snack (still not hungry)
Dinner 2 chicken nuggets

Sipped on water all day so ended up with close to 64 ozs of water.

I know I have to do better!  So I am going to have to force myself to get it down one way or another.

Thanks!
Deb

I thinks it's very common from the folks I have talked too.  Can you drink those protien waters?

Kelly

Thanks!  I can drink the protein waters, I typically drink at least one Propel fitness water daily.  I know there are some other types out there that are better but I can get this down with no problem.  I tend to have a problem with after taste issues!

Deb

That's good.  I was going to stock up on the protein waters but then I realized I may not be able to tolorate some and I would hate to spend the money on something I will not be able to use.

Kelly

You really, especially with the heavy exercise need to hit the minimum protein numbers in your diet.....because if your body will get it no matter WHERE it steals it from...and it will from muscle...and the main easy to get it from is the heart. Don't "replace" your workouts building muscle in one area, to rob it from another!

So, think of eating as having to take medicine. It is a necessary evil, just do it!
Just a recap:
Daily Minimums
Protein 65 g
Fluids: 65 oz
Carbs (complex) 90-120g  - yup you heard that right, CARBS do a mind good!

I need to get the exercise deal going better...... ugh! LOL 

Thanks for the information.  I know it is a must and I have got to get focused and do what I need to do.  It was so easy to follow a routine in the beginning now I am not doing what I need to do.

Thanks again for recapping the number for me too!

Deb