Are diets supposed to be this hard?

100% Normal
13 Comments

Recently I went on my first ever diet. It's not a crazy restrictive diet or anything, all I've done is give up snacking between meals. I'm still having the regular 3 meals per day that I normally have, I haven't even lessened the portion sizes or anything. However I've found it to be incredibly difficult. I'm constantly thinking about when I'm going to be able to eat next like "just 3 more hours until lunch/dinner". Whenever I realise I'm getting close to the end of a meal my heart just drops, since I know then that I won't be able to eat again then for hours after. It's especially bad if it's dinner, since then I know that I won't be able to eat until the next day. Some nights I've actually gone to bed early just to make the next morning arrive sooner. Getting through the day has become a chore, it's like I'm living just for the meals, I'm wishing away the entire day just so that I can eat again. I used to love the weekends, but now I actually prefer the weekdays since working can at least take my mind off of it (and I don't even like my job). My diet ends in a couple weeks for my birthday and I'm just wishing away the time until then too. And whenever I think about my birthday and all the food it just makes me feel so joyful, but then I realise that it's not for weeks yet and I just feel miserable again. Is it normal to go through this when you're on a diet?

Voting Results
100% Normal
Based on 6 votes
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 13 )
  • Emilyx33x
    6 years ago

    I used to be anorexic. Not that I recommend that, but I would suggest chewing gum to stop cravings, paint your nails, have a shower, drink lots of water, clean your teeth. In time, it’ll get easier I promise x

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • [Old Memory]
    6 years ago

    When you are finding it unbearable drink 2 pints of water. This will make your stomach feel bloated and you won't want to eat. I've used this method for years to keep slim and a sensible weight.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • Boojum
    6 years ago

    Since you say you've cut out snacks and this is what's causing you problems, it sounds like your body is used to getting regular hits of sugar, and you're going through a sort of withdrawal.

    Science is gradually shifting its view of fat being the Big Bad in the typical Western diet, and coming to see that the real issue is sugar.

    Everyone but the huge diet industry accepts that the whole concept of diets is wrong, short-sighted, and counter-productive in terms of maintaining a healthy weight. What everyone should do is look at ways they can develop healthier eating habits.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • RoseIsabella
    6 years ago

    Maybe you are addicted to overeating?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • Ellenna
    6 years ago

    Where does this 4 pm theory come from? Please give some references

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • [Old Memory]
      6 years ago

      Google “time-restricted feeding”, aka TRF. 4pm was on a local TV news segment in the USA, but it is based on TRF.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
  • Emokate
    6 years ago

    That sounds miserable and it's one reason why diets fail. What the other poster said makes more sense. Eat more small portions throughout the day. I don't know where they get 4pm. Just stick to your normal schedule.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • [Old Memory]
      6 years ago

      Doctors just came out with a study. Stop eating after 4pm and your body will burn fat while you sleep. Fat is burned when the body goes into an early stage survival mode. You’re tricking your body to turn that on.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
        -
      • Boojum
        6 years ago

        I've never heard of not eating after 4:00 pm, but I've made a point of not eating anything for at least least twelve hours a day for a couple of years now, and I have gradually lost about thirty pounds over that period.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0
          -
        • [Old Memory]
          6 years ago

          This study just came out within the last few weeks. Obviously a variation of it is working for you.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
          0
          0
      • Emokate
        6 years ago

        Interesting but I have a hard time with a specific time being the appropriate thing. It would most likely be tied to whatever your circadian rhythm is. If you stay up late all the time and wake up around noon, 4pm isn't a valid option.

        Are you sure it's not a specific number of hours before bed?

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0
          -
        • [Old Memory]
          6 years ago

          They said 4pm, didn’t mention sleep cycles. It could well be 6 hours or so before bed that you should stop eating, but if you wake up at noon your circadian rhythm is already off kilter. That could be a contributor to weight gain I would think based on the 4pm time.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
          0
          0
  • [Old Memory]
    6 years ago

    Yes, it’s hard the way you’re going about it. Reduce your portions by half and eat 6 times a day or snack on fruits, vegetables, and healthy nuts between meals.
    Most importantly is to try to not eat after 4pm on any given day and your body will burn fat as you sleep. Guaranteed to lose weight.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0