I can't stay full

Hello there.

You'll have to tell us what you're eating during the day ?

Yup, can you give a days typical intake? You might just need to tweak some meals to get a balance of protein and complex carbs. I have a very physical job and get hungry a lot, but upping my protein and changing the snacks I eat has made a huge difference.

Just speculating but sounds like too much sugar/processed flour. If so eat more whole foods with lots of fiber and add a few higher calorie foods such as nuts.

I agree! Whenever I start to get hungry, I eat a handful of almonds, and it takes the edge off. Then, I prepare a meal before I get too hungry again... usually something with beans and/or sweet/white potatoes. Talk about getting you stuffed!

whats the problem here? hungry...eat more. problem solved. =)

This. If you're hungry eat more! You're supposed to eat every 2 hours or so for energy anyway

Fiber helps you feel full, and whole foods take longer for your body to digest, so you feel satisfied for a longer period, plus it doesn't cause your blood sugar to spike and drop the way refined foods do, in that way that leaves you abruptly feeling hungry and drained of energy.

I would add a hearty helping of legumes to your day! You could make a hearty black bean chili with a big chunk of crusty bread for lunch or dinner. Also, for breakfast, sometimes I have a medley of skillet potatoes, onion, bell pepper, and diced tofu in a tortilla with some salsa! Very filling!

Like Werewolf Girl said - if you're hungry, eat more. So, maybe increase your portion sizes, too.

Hi. Sometimes I mistake thirst for hunger. This used to happen when i worked overnights because I didn't drink enough. You feel OK otherwise, and your weight and energy is OK?

You are not supposed to be "stuffing" your stomach.

I have been hearing lately that high fructose corn syrup contains a chemical that will signal to your brain that you are still hungry. Here is an article about a scientific study. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...1016074701.htm

To summerize. It is possible that Fuctose causes leptin resistance. Leptin is a hormone that causes the body to balance its energy use. In a person who has become leptin resistent, the leptin does not turn off the hunger switch in the brain, so no matter how much you eat, you will feel starved.

Another possibility is that your diet may be too low calorie. The Hypothalamus is in charge of regulating hunger and satiety. Low calorie diets cause less leptin to circulate in the blood stream. The low leptin makes you feel hungry. A genetic mutation can make leptin not work. Your hunger never shuts off and you eat until you are very overweight. http://www.annecollins.com/Weight_Lo...ht-control.htm (another leptin link)

Sleep is another potential problem.

In this:
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders...while-sleeping
This statement:
"In fact, have you ever experienced a sleepless night followed by a day when no matter what you ate you never felt full or satisfied? If so, then you have experienced the workings of leptin and ghrelin." From Web MD by Colette Bouchez

According to the article, not getting enough sleep will screw up your leptin signals, and your body will feel like you are always hungry.

So, you have 3 scenarios so far,

High Fructose Corn syrup in sodas or candy effecting leptin levels
Low calorie diet effecting your hypothalamus
Not enough sleep causing your leptin level to lower, causing hunger

Are you over weight? Is it possible you have sleep apnea? That can cause you to lose sleep without knowing it, and that would make the final scenario possible. Another possibility is partying all night long, drinking lots of colas, and not eating enough solid food.

Anyway, there are probably a dozen more "usual suspects."

It seems all these items are reverse-able. Eat more substantial meals (beans, potatoes and other heavy food), don't eat candy or drink cola, and get 8 hours of sleep per night at least.

What was your diet like before you became a vegetarian? How different is it now?

You're eating low GI which should keep you full longer, but there isn't a lot of protein in your current diet. Try adding some mushrooms, quinoa, soy beans, soy products, eggs or cheese to your diet. I use a protein powder to help me feel full, it's great as a between meals snack or before or after dinner to add a bit of protein.

If you're use to meat portion sizes, you might need to up them a bit - vegetarian food in general aren't as dense and have more water, so it takes a bit more to fill you up.

Also, try to mix up your meals a bit, and see what fills you up the most.

Definitely drink as much water as possible, and maybe top up with little snacks to perk you up between larger meals. The water thing is huge, even for non-Veg*ns. The thirst reflex is stronger than the hunger one, but often times we mistake them. Also try drinking a glass with your meal to top you up.

If I don't have a grain like brown rice, quinoa, or barley, or some beans at every meal, I don't feel satisfied at all. Maybe you just need to bulk things up a bit.