Health & Fitness
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When does the insatiable appetite calm down?!
I've recently started running more (every day now and for longer distances than before) and I am SO.DAMN.HUNGRY. I could literally eat three times the amount of calories I've burned if left to my own devices. It's awful!
Does this even out after a certain amount of time? Will my body get used to the additional activity?


Married 10.11.08
Baby LJ 05.21.10
TheRookieChef.com
Re: When does the insatiable appetite calm down?!
Thanks JW, great advice. I'm definitely not eating back the calories I burned. Do you normally eat something high protein/low carb after your run?
I'm sure those are rookie mistakes, but I'm trying to do my first half and I don't know if I know how to properly train beyond increased distance. Thanks!
Married 10.11.08
Baby LJ 05.21.10
TheRookieChef.com
It doesn't have to be low carb, in fact some carbs are necessary for a quick recovery, but I would try to eat a moderate amount of protein. I've done various kinds of exercise (long/slow and short/intense) and I usually find that protein helps recovery and also helps me feel full so that I don't go crazy eating too much. Eating at least of chunk of those calories back right after working out means that your body starts using those nutrients right away to replenish the energy in your muscles. Waiting until later means those muscles don't get the energy directly, and often excess food eaten later gets stored as fat. Unfortunately this means that a nice long run in the morning doesn't necessarily mean you get to eat a big ice cream sundae in the evening (though you could have it right away).
Anyway, good recovery foods include chocolate milk (so delicious and actually perfect for recovery - protein and carbs, maybe a little fat), eggs (I've been eating omelets lately), peanut butter on a banana (if your stomach will take it), etc. Trail mix can be good if you're in a rush, because it's calorie-dense, but be careful not too eat too much. It pairs well with beef/turkey jerky too (or so my FI tells me, I don't eat meat). Cereal isn't bad as a recovery food, since you get some protein from the milk, though unless I went for a long run or bike ride I stay away from it because it's easy for me to eat several bowls (too much). Sometimes I drink milk with protein powder added (Trader Joe's Whey Protein - so good), but usually after weights workouts when I emphasize protein more for recovery.
Married 10.11.08
Baby LJ 05.21.10
TheRookieChef.com
I had the same issue when I started training for my first half as well. One thing that I found worked well for me was to drink 2 cups of chocolate milk shortly after my run. For me, snacks that are a good mix of carbs and protein seem to work the best at curbing hunger, or "runger"
Are you tracking your calories and activity? You could be eating too few calories for your activity level.
GO! St. Louis Half Marathon-2:32:13
Omaha Half Marathon 9.23.12
Thanks! Yes, I'm tracking my calories and activity. I am certain I'm not eating enough calories considering my runs but I'm having a hard time eating those back without issue. I know that's a separate issue but I'm trying to balance. I do apprecaite the help and information, thank you.
Married 10.11.08
Baby LJ 05.21.10
TheRookieChef.com
2011-2012 Races
10/29/11 LA RockNRoll Min Half (5K) 42:58
12/4/11 Vegas RockNRoll Half 3:14:53
1/7/12 WDW Half 3:13:42
1/15/12 RnR AZ 2:55:27 (PR!!)
1/29/12 Tinkerbell 1/2 3:22:37 (To many picture stops!lol)
Me:32 DH:33
IFV w/ DE Only Option (On Hold For Now)
There was some awesome advice on the eating that is going to be very helpful for me, as well!
Just curious - do you ever take a rest day? I see you post that you are running 7 days a week - but from what I hear and read, rest days are just as important as running days. The last thing you need is injury from over-doing it! Do a quick google search and most any training plan you find out there will have rest days or at least cross-training days (probably both).
My current HM training plan generally has 4 running days (one long followed by an easy the next day, and 2 shorter runs of 3-5 miles during the week), 2 cross training days (resting optional on some of those), and Monday is always a rest day. It seems to be working out well so far....And I tell you what, my best runs are always the ones right after my rest day.
It is a tough balance, you will get the hang of it!
GO! St. Louis Half Marathon-2:32:13
Omaha Half Marathon 9.23.12