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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Why cant I control my appetite?

    Related Topics
    Nutrition Weight Management
    I am trying to lose weight but find it near impossible to control my hunger to the point where I feel dizzy, can't concentrate and get extremely irritated.
    I am reducing my daily caloric intake and a general example of my diet maybe cereal, 2 pieces of fruit, salad for lunch and a small serve of chicken, fish or steak with plenty of vegetables for dinner. I also try to drink plenty of water. I last a few days and I can't take it anymore as all I think about is food until I eventually binge. I am 102kg and my doctor suggested my ideal weight should be 88kg.
    Thanks
    Chris
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  • 1

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    Jeremy Barbouttis

    Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist, Sex Therapist

    Jeremy is an expert in Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy, Relationships & Addictions. Jeremy is a Clinical Supervisor with the Australian Hypnotherapists Association.Specialisations: Stop Smoking Hypnosis, Emotional & … View Profile

    I am not sure if the struggle to control your eating is new for you, or if this is something that has gone on for some time? This might tell us if the hunger is associated with the change in diet or if your struggle has an emotional basis.

    As a Hypnotherapist, I help people control their eating all the time, and I have noticed that people's hunger usually adjusts to a reduced dietary intake within about 10 days. If you find that that is not the case for you, then you might start to wonder what that hunger is all about. It appears you have plenty of protein. A dietitian may have some suggestions there. I am assuming there are no medical concerns, as you are in touch with your doctor, but as a Hypnotherapist that helps people to control eating, it is sometimes the case that those hungery feelings and thoughts around food have an emotional basis, and are emotional reactions or feelings in the body that have been associated with hunger, food and eating. These can be removed/changed with Hypnotherapy, and other associated therapeutic interventions.

    I hope this gives you some ideas as to what might possibly be happening for you. At the very least, Hypnotherapy/therapy/counselling can assist with your abilty to control your eating.

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  • 2

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    Kirsty Woods

    Exercise Physiologist

    Hi I’m Kirsty Woods,I would like to use my experience, expertise and passion to help you reach your weight, energy and health goalsI have been … View Profile

    From the information you have given, it’s likely that you are insulin resistant. This means that your body can’t process sugars and carbohydrates efficiently which can lead to poor appetite control and the requirement for eating and regular intervals. I recommend that you get your GP to check your blood sugar levels with a HbA1c% test.

    Improving insulin sensitivity through resistance based exercise (ie: weights) and reducing sugar/carbohydrate load can help reduce hunger and therefore help with weight loss.

    You may find this article of interest: http://www.poliquingroup.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/1269/25_Simple_Ways_to_Improve_Insulin_Sensitivity_PREV.aspx

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  • 4

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    Elizabeth Newsham-West

    Dietitian

    I'm not surprised at all.

    From what you have outlined you might be not eating enough of some important foods that will help you in your weight loss goal. I suggest you get some guidance on a nutritionally balanced diet that you can follow long term and lose weight.  This will help prevent binge eating behaviour which can be a natural response if you haven't got this right.

    From what you have reported your diet would be classified as a low carb diet.

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  • 5

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    Ashleigh Keep

    Dietitian

    Ashleigh is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD, AN) and registered with the Dietitian's Association of Australia with experience in both clinical and private practice. Ashleigh's … View Profile

    Hi Chris,

    From what you have outlined above, you are following quite a low carbohydrate and moderate protein diet. Quite restricitive in nature, this meal plan limits wholegrains, fats and proteins which may be contributing to your persistent feeling of hunger and raging appetite.

    It is important to include a variety of foods from all the core food groups to assist you in meeting your nutritional requirements as well as aiming for a sustainable, healthy eating plan that will satisfy your appetite. By eating six small, regular meals daily balanced in all core food groups (wholegrains, proteins, dairy, fruits, vegetables and unsaturated fats) you should see an improvement in your appetite and feeling of satiety. By engaging in regular exercise in line with your healthy eating plan, you will also give your metabolism a kick-start back into action.

    For a detailed meal plan, feel free to contact me of get in touch with an Accredited Practising Dietitian to tailor to your needs and assist you in meeting your weight loss goals.

    Ashleigh

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