I don't normally have problems with satiety, in fact I sometimes forget to eat my snacks because I'm not really hungry.  All of a sudden however, I am experiencing SERIOUS hunger and cravings (think Avery's 'crazy hormone swing' in the opening scene of '30 Rock' last week- if you don't watch 30 Rock, it's worth looking up this scene- unless you're my poor sister, in which case you better not since you've already seen me do the real life version a few times this week..) Anyway, so I have been reading all the posts that I can find about this and have been adding an extra carb block to meals as is directed for those experiencing hunger and cravings just prior to or during their menstrual cycle- but it's not helping. Yesterday I ended up just eating a bunch more blocks in total (maybe an additional 6?- for a total of 17? it was bizarre, I was RAVENOUS.  Today, I've tried again to just add extra carb but have ended up eating maybe 2 blocks extra (13?) and have added extra fat and take FO.  I'm really confused by this whole episode.  And hungry. Insight anyone? And any tips anyone has would be so so welcome..

If adding carb doesn't help, I would recommend going the other direction and dropping a block of carb, while increasing fat.  Words like "ravenous", "serious hunger" and "cravings" tend to suggest to me that you may be more sensitive to carbs at this time of the month.  Try 2 blocks of carb, 3 blocks protein, and 5-6 blocks of fat. 

Thank you, thank you Cat for the direction! I've already eaten my lunch (early), so I will implement the carb reduction at the next meal...I'll let you know how it goes. In the mean time, I'm going to resolve to say as little as possible in the office..I feel a crazy look in my eyes...

Hi Claire,

Sometimes using unfavorable carbohydrate and/or additional balanced blocks can help too.  Be careful not to go overboard with the additions.  Good luck.


(30 Rock...one of my favorite shows!)
____________________________________________

sue
Consultant of Zone Labs
Certified Zone Affiliate

Lost 100 lbs 15 yrs ago, off BP meds, thanks to the Zone diet and Zone fish oil.   ZoneFast 1-2-3 is the best!

View my Zone Fast 1-2-3 meal photos here:
http://s531.photobucket.com/albums/...3%20Meals/

View my classic Zone meal photos here:
http://s531.photobucket.com/albums/...4/?start=0

Hi Claire,

I have very similar problems and sometimes my appetite is overwhelming. I have found the Omega RX liquid has helped reduce my appetite. Also, eating on schedule is really important. I am sure you do so but sometimes these simple things get overlooked such as making your meals with very fresh items. I keep a book in the kitchen with zone receipes that I enjoy. For example, last year John came up with a zoned turkey receipe with left over turkey which I copied into my book and when I know I am failing I look in it and make these dishes. I have a lot of Sue's of course especially her Brownie Smoothie so that when I am overeating on sweets I make up until I can stop this chocolate craving. A food journal might help you see some patterns too. Stopping yourself from overeating is not easy you really have to work at it.

Sue- thanks so much for that insight. That's actually what I ended up doing- it was the only way I could get rid of my hunger. I'm usually fairly decent about getting a variety of foods in for my meals but I pretty much lived on hummus, black bean, and cheese wraps this past weekend. Oh, and I love that you love 30 Rock too!

Margaret- I hear you on having a backup recipe ready for sweet cravings (mine's non-fat cottage cheese in the blender with stevia and 1 tbsp cocoa powder or the zoned chocolate zucchini muffins in my freezer). Thanks for the plug for the Omega Rx too- I had tried some other brands because I couldn't afford the Omega Rx but stopped taking them because they made my body really achy and gave me a headache (which, according to the bottle, are the "side effects" that indicate that you "should immediately stop taking it and contact a health care professional immediately") which is absolutely nuts...soo that was the end of that. I hope to be able to get some Omega Rx soon.

You're welcome Claire.  I'm glad  it helped.  Another plus, it gives you a game plan for next time.  Some time ago I had seen Barry Sears recommmend extra carbohydrate to someone with similar concerns.

____________________________________________

sue
Consultant of Zone Labs
Certified Zone Affiliate

Lost 100 lbs 15 yrs ago, off BP meds, thanks to the Zone diet and Zone fish oil.   ZoneFast 1-2-3 is the best!

View my Zone Fast 1-2-3 meal photos here:
http://s531.photobucket.com/albums/...3%20Meals/

View my classic Zone meal photos here:
http://s531.photobucket.com/albums/...4/?start=0