What truly causes hunger?

I've been trying sort of a restart over type diet and I am finding that by around 3pm hunger really kicks in big time and I cant concentrate on my work.  Example of what I am eating:  Protein shake for breakfast at 9am, a protein snack at 11am, protein shake at 1pm, another protein snack around 3pm. I get home and eat a meal protein meat and a veggie and another protein shake or a snack after exercising and maybe a piece of fruit.  This is week 2 of me following this and I thought the afternoon hunger problem would subside as I got use to it but it doesn't.  I have a very sedentary job. Any ideas, comments.  I thought that by spreading out what I am consuming I could stave off the hunger, but no.  I am also drinking plenty of water. I did lose about 5 lbs last week.  Before trying this I was losing 1 or 2 lbs then I'd gain a lb. Rosemary

I usually eat some vegetables about 3:00 in the afternoon, and sometimes dip them in a little Ranch dressing. I get the bags of broc/cauliflower/carrots. I think it amounts to about 100 calories and holds me pretty well until I can eat dinner. I love your little duck.

I know as WLS patients, we're supposed to eat a high-protein diet, but general nutrition information suggests eating a combination of protein, carbs, and good fats at each meal.  It's my understanding that eating that combination of foods will work better to satisfy your hunger for a longer period of time.  I think it has something to do with how our bodies break down each of these energy sources; simple carbs go first, then complex carbs, then proteins (in order of how much time it takes your body to convert each item into energy).  I don't recall where fat fits in the process (not sure if it gets processed after carbs, but before proteins).   Anyway, if you're willing to mix things up a bit, try adding a few carbs and some low-fat items to your meal plan.  I eat things like an apple with 2 pieces of string cheese, cottage cheese w/ SF preserves and/or some fresh fruit, yogurt with All Bran Buds, graham cracker w/ 1 tsp. peanut butter, etc. 

Also, at this point protein shakes just don't fill me up, so I don't use them.  Like other liquids, they pass through our pouch relatively quickly, so don't have much "staying power" in terms of holding off true hunger pangs.  You might have better luck if you replace the 1 p.m. protein shake with a snack that includes protein, carbs, and fats. 

Good luck finding something that works for you, and good luck on your continuing journey!

Kellie

I agree with Kellie.  My NUT stresses protein first, but also adds that it needs to be mixed up a bit with good carbs.  For example, for a snack I eat whole grain couscous mixed with meat, veggies, nuts, fruit...whatever is handy.  Not only is it a good carb, but a half cup has 4g of protein and is very good at keeping the hungries away in the late afternoon.  Spreading out the food every 3-4 hours is a great (keeps your blood sugar more stable and metabolism going), but I would add some carbs at least to the 3pm meal to get that monster off your back!  Kudos on your loss so far!

Did you know that many people with ADD are also obese. It has to do with having to do more than one thing to avoid boredom. I know this is true for me in my sedentary, not so exciting job. i have and answer to what causes my hunger, but no solution.