Weight Loss

...I'm trying to change my eating pattern??  I am really conflicted about this.  I'm trying to cycle calories and mealtimes in order to break off of a plateau, and so I've been eating in a different pattern than usual this week.  So I know I'm intentionally trying to confuse my body, but if I ignore hunger pains at the "usual" mealtimes will that cause a slowing of my metabolism or prevent weight loss?  It only feels natural to eat when I'm hungry, but I'm trying to spur change here.  ???

I am looking forward to the advice for this question.  I used to think we should ignore the growling to be able to stay on track, but I have changed my thinking on that.  I don't go without food whenever I can help it.  I eat throughout the day, small meals and snacks.  If I had my allotment of calories for the day I will try hot tea or water to see if that helps, but if I keep growling and have that hunger feeling (and I am not heading off to bed) I will have something small to satisfy myself..... milk or dry cereal or an apple or baby carrots.   I just don't think it is good to ignore the messages our body is sending.  Of course I am here because of a weight issue so maybe I am not the best to think this one out...lol 

Let's see what others think.  :)

I think Halizabeth has it right. Ignoring hunger pains means ignoring your body's signals. Maybe you are just trying to change too much, too fast--use a bit more food as snacks when making the transition, perhaps?

Good luck.

Its good to be changing your eating scedule to keep your body guessing, and for the reason sometime you have to ignore the hunger pains, however I agree with mkculs that maybe you are changing too much to fast.

If your hunger pains are actually painful, not just a little grumbling, grab a piece of fruit or some raw veggies as a snack.  You should be eating snacks anyway because it revs up your metabolism and helps you burn more calories anyway!

If your tummy is growling eat.  Eat a carrot or an apple.  Some fruit is really high on sugar content so no bananas or peaches.. Stick with fruits and veggies that dont affect your blood sugar levels. 

It sounds backwards but to curb my tummy from growling, I've stepped up how frequently I'm eating. I read that by the time your stomach screams it's starving by growling, it's already holding onto unecessary fat cells. I usually eat every 2-3 hours. Something small but nonetheless, eat. Even if I don't feel hungry. Eating so frequently prevents the hunger. It's great that you are trying to change your eating pattern, but like everyone else has said, listen to your body. If you really don't feel that it's hunger attacking, drink water or tea and then give yourself 10 minutes. Sometimes I simply "feel" hungry because I'm dehydrated. Good luck!