I get so hungry when I run!!!

[Anonymous]

I am not fast at all but have always enjoyed running a few miles at a time and it seems to do more for my mental health than any other kind of exercise, although other semi intense cardio is also helpful. But I’m SO hungry- it’s really hard to lose weight. I finally lost some weight this summer switching to only barre workouts (which I enjoy but definitely don’t get the same mental health benefits from), was shocked how *not hungry* I felt and thought that was a good trade off. But I have run a few times in the past week because I’m having a major bout of insomnia and it also helps with that and the intense hunger is back. I’m so frustrated! Why is running 3 miles making me so hungry all day? It’s not that many calories burned. Does anyone else have this issue? I don’t know how to balance the need for mental health/sleep with this.

[Anonymous]

Common sense, you ran 3 miles and depleted your body (likely not having enough protein before hand), now your body needs to recover with protein and healthy carbs.

[Anonymous]

If you’re hungry then eat. If you want to lose weight eat healthy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you’re hungry then eat. If you want to lose weight eat healthy.

+1

[Anonymous]

I always have a protein smoothie after I run. It replenishes me and staves off hunger. I put in spinach, banana, frozen fruit, a scoop of protein powder, oats, and water, and blend in my Vitamix.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you’re hungry then eat. If you want to lose weight eat healthy.

umm...nope. You don't burn that many calories running 3 miles and even healthy foods have calories.

Cardio exercises in known for increasing hunger even when you don't really need the calories.

[Anonymous]

Running makes me hungry, too. I like to run before breakfast, then eat a high-protein breakfast when I get back. That way, I am not adding an extra meal. I also try to have lots of bulky but low calorie snacks on hand for the running munchies--veggies with salsa, grapes, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you’re hungry then eat. If you want to lose weight eat healthy.

umm...nope. You don't burn that many calories running 3 miles and even healthy foods have calories.

Cardio exercises in known for increasing hunger even when you don't really need the calories.

Way to blow through any nuance and offer bad advice. Running 3 miles burns 300 to 400 calories. It's appropriate then to eat in moderation after the run, particularly if you're hungry. It's not excuse to eat excessively.

[Anonymous]

Mental health and insomnia maintenance is more important than losing weight. Keep running and fill up on high bulk foods. Produce, salads. Protein like eggs.

[Anonymous]

I've been experimenting with half a protein shake before and after exercise - it's been helping with hunger

[Anonymous]

My 3 mile run will burn about 350 extra calories. That's an extra 20% than I'm used to. I have to eat when I am done - I have a Koia Protein shake - 200 calories, then a light lunch and medium dinner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you’re hungry then eat. If you want to lose weight eat healthy.

umm...nope. You don't burn that many calories running 3 miles and even healthy foods have calories.

Cardio exercises in known for increasing hunger even when you don't really need the calories.

Way to blow through any nuance and offer bad advice. Running 3 miles burns 300 to 400 calories. It's appropriate then to eat in moderation after the run, particularly if you're hungry. It's not excuse to eat excessively.

+1, just eat op. Try to focus on how you feel and less on the number. You will end up a lot happier and healthier.

[Anonymous]

Listen to your body. Before your run eat a small amount of protein like an egg or piece of chicken, and a piece of toast. Afterwards it's even more important to replenish especially with protein. I'm not saying sit down to a steak, but something small that will nourish you - cottage cheese, greek yogurt, fresh fruit.

[Anonymous]

Running definitely increases appetite. The key is just to avoid the urge to excessively carb load after a run. I learned the hard way when I was training for a half marathon to help lose some weight and ended up gaining weight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mental health and insomnia maintenance is more important than losing weight. Keep running and fill up on high bulk foods. Produce, salads. Protein like eggs.

Agreed. Eat lots of healthy food. Over time, your body will adjust.

Also, it sounds like you have a bit of an all-or-nothing approach. Can you try mixing things up? Maybe run 3 days a week and do one or two barre workouts? Both have benefits.