Another newbie to HIIT

Hi, I just started HIIT a week ago and I have some questions.

First of all, some background info. I'm a 27 year old female, 4'11", 95 lbs. In the last 8 months or so, I got "serious" about eating better and working out, and I have gone from about 125 lbs to my current 95.

My workout for the last 6 months has been moderate-intensity cardio (elliptical) for 45-55 mins 3x a week, alternating with 20 mins cardio + freeweights 3x a week.

I guess my question is, will HIIT as my only cardio 3x a week allow me to maintain my current weight as easily as with the "moderate" cardio I have been doing? As I said, I just started it a week ago so I've only done 3 sessions so far. I use the elliptical and my session goes like this:

5 min warmup (low resistance)
30s (high)
45s (low, practically walking)
30s (h)
45s (l)
30s (h)
45s (l)
30s (h)
45s (l)
30s (h)
10 minute cooldown (low, walking)

The first time I did it, I felt sick afterwards but didn't throw up. The other two times I didn't feel quite as bad but I do feel a little lightheaded/high almost during my cooldown at the end. I'm hoping this is normal and that it means I'm doing it right?

I would like to continue this mostly because of the shorter time it takes...its great not being at the gym an hour every day.

One more question: does HIIT cause an increased appetite? I've noticed in the last week that I have been hungry all the time and I was wondering if it had anything to do with my metabolism being sped up?
 
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