empty feeling

rachlouvier

rachlouvier

New member
I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but here it goes...

How do I explain this? I don't know if it's emotional or physical or both... but over the last two weeks since cutting calories and starting to exercise, there is a void. It feels physical. Like a huge emptiness lurking in my chest or abdomen or something. Does anyone else know what I mean? I've never thought I ate for emotional reasons... was I kidding myself? I'm not cutting too many calories. I made sure to look up what was the right amount for me. Is this the feeling of my body starting to transform, and it's just uncomfortable because I'm not used to it? It feels so strange, and I just want to go and eat until I feel that "full" feeling. I know that whatever it is, I'll have to get used to it, as it is the only way I will accomplish my weight goals... I was just wondering if anyone else understands what I've so poorly tried to describe. Sorry for the rambling. LOL
 
Hi,

I know that feeling well. For me sometimes I feel bad about myself and things I have done and feel very non-confident. Other times, I have it when I don't feel supported.....

For me the antidote to that feeling includes food, exercise, liquor, some things that are not the best 4 me. Sometimes a bath, lighting a candle, making a call to someone who loves me. Sometimes time.

You are not alone.
 
I have that feeling, it for me is a hunger for what I am missing in my life. Food is a great friend for the emotionally deprived. Someitimes I miss my friend. I try to think of the future and what I am trying to make happen in my life, what I want... sometimes it works and I feel semi-full again, sometimes I just try to hang in there hoping the next day will be better.
 
That's a good way to put it. It is a "hunger" for something... isn't it? Not necessarily food. Which is what I've filled it with the last couple of years. At least to some extent. I don't know that it is emotial, or habit for me at this point though. All I really do know, is that it needs to be explored.
 
Great post you made

First of all - it's always the right place to post :) just post away :)))

I know that feeling well and you are not alone. Everyone is right about that the void representing something else that needs to be explored.
We also use these feelings to stop us from pursuing our "dream" of losing weight. If we lose weight, then what would we consume out lives worring about ? In addition to that, if we don't have our weight as a barrier or wall and or excuse to block people or situations or thoughts out, what will we do? hehehehe

All this is a good thing. We lose weight and slowly our "real" issues start to surface. WE are given the opportunity to face stuff head on, scary, but we can do it!!!

Long story short - Lost 149 lbs...and guess what? yep, gained it back. NOt all, but a lot. I used my weight to keep emotional equalibrium. Had no idea I did that, but now I do.
so I am back, losing weight again. That's okay though. This time, I know a little more about myself.

Sorry to go on and on, but thought I would that out there, but I am with you and understand fully the feeling.
 
I get that too. It sucks because it make me want to eat a whole cake or something. For me it is usually there because I'm bored. I used to eat a lot when I was bored. Whenever I feel that way I just try and either ignore it and fill my time with something else or give in and eat an apple or banana instead of the cake. :D
 
What does your typical day look like in terms of food intake? That could answer your question.

Also, what is your age/height/weight/activity level?
 
For quite some time now (about a year) I have been trying to "slowly" change my eating habits. Just making different choices, smaller portions, etc. I had almost no physical activity. And no weight loss.
For the last two weeks, I made a solid choice to quit toying around with this, and just do it. I started walking. A half a mile the first week, then up to a mile and a half. I'm now doing two miles. And slowly increasing my pace as well. I'm also going to the gym again, and working out on the eliptical machine. I plan on including some weight training soon too.
In terms of food, I'm eating more fruits and vegetables. For instance, for breakfast, I'll have a bowl of whole grain cereal with fruit. For lunch, fish with a veggie. For dinner, another low fat meat and veggies. I'm not starving myself.
The "empty" feeling is a combination of things I think, and varies with each individual. I've really given a lot of thought to all the replies on this topic.
For me... I believe it is both the discomfort of change, as well as missing that "full" feeling in my belly. I only eat until satisfied now, instead of full. I also think I don't quite know what to do with myself since I am not choosing to turn to food "for something to do". Not just when I'm bored, but for enjoyment... know what I mean? I "like" to eat. It's enjoyable to me. Being healthy and fit again is more important, but in those moments of the day, the thought of the "grand picture" is sometimes hard to see, and it's easy to forget, that EVERY choice made does make a difference. It's just such a slow process. I didn't become over weight over night, and I know it won't change over night... repeat. LOL
 
rachlovier said:
It's just such a slow process. I didn't become over weight over night, and I know it won't change over night... repeat. LOL
Click to expand...

Oh man, that is so hard to remember!! I get so disappointed when I "only" lose a pound or two a week even though I know that is a healthy amount to lose. Just have to keep that goal in mind whenever I start thinking that way.
 
rachlouvier said:
In terms of food, I'm eating more fruits and vegetables. For instance, for breakfast, I'll have a bowl of whole grain cereal with fruit. For lunch, fish with a veggie. For dinner, another low fat meat and veggies.
Click to expand...

cereal/milk/fruit
fish/veggie
meat/veggies

First of all, congratulations on making the decision to commit to losing weight. It's a long hard road and isn't always very fun (except of course, the shopping for smaller clothes part!)

While you are not starving yourself, that's not too far from it. People in a coma are given 1200 calories a day, and I'm fairly certain you move around a bit more than they do.;) and have a higher caloric need than they do. What you listed above is probably somewhere in the 1000 calorie range (depending on choice of meat and serving size, etc)

You seem determined to do what it takes to lose the weight, so here are a few facts and tips that I hope will help....
1. eating at least 4 times a day helps to keep blood sugar levels normalized and increases metabolism
2. each meal should include a good quality protein
3. protein helps you to feel more full
4. eating below what your body needs will cause initial weight loss, but ultimately hinder weight loss efforts as your metabolism slows down in an effort to protect the body

To accurately determine caloric needs, here is the most commonly used equation among nutritionists...

(women) = 655 + (9.6 x weight in kg) + (1.8 x height in cm) - (4.7 x age)

To convert -- wt(lbs) x .4535924 = kg, and ht(inches) x 2.54 = cm

Work the equation, then take your answer and multiply it by the appropriate activity level....

1.2 sedentary
1.375 lightly active (exercise 1-3 days a week)
1.550 moderately active (moderate exercise 3-5 days/week)
1.725 very active (hard exercise 6-7 days/week)
1.9 extra active (very hard exercise/physical job)

From there, subtract 500 or 20% to get the amount of calories you should consume in a day to lose weight.

Hope this helps and good luck!
 
For your veggies you could always do a stirfry with lots of veggies and add a favorite sauce. Terryaki and Sweet and Sour sauce are usually fat free if you're into that kind of food. Add some brown rice in there and you've yourself a meal.
 
Hang in there...I didn't get that feeling when I started eating less...but i get that feeling now since I quit smoking...thankfully, to get a rush of dopamine, I have been running. You probably associated eating with reward and as a drug. Try to exercise a bit to get the body to release that precious drug....

Or of course, you could always just go grab a beer...I've been known to do that every now and then too :)
 
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