High carb- Low protein and HUNGRY all the time???

Hello people ,

So happy to post in here! I want to share my problem with you guys and wondering if any of you have the same problem. I've been a strict vegan for almost 6 years, and it's been more than two years that most of the time I'm hungry, I have a restricted diet too, other than avoiding all animal's products. I do not consume sugar, salt, oil (except for olive oil twice a week 2 tsps), bread (just barley bread, 3 times a week) and rice. I drink lots of water everyday, and I have a normal life, neither very active nor sedentary. I do Pilates and I go swimming. My diet includes high carb, fat and low protein. I really do not know what to do, I sometimes crave for something that's really ridiculous! Like tomato sauce, pepper, condiments! Is it normal? You vegan people, have you experienced the same problem? What can I do to help my body function better, I'm just so tired of it.
For your information I'm neither skinny, nor overweight. Totally at the normal range, slightly under weight and I'm 28. I'd appreciate any help or advice. Thanks in advance.

Best,
Hannah

Hi Hannah,

I'm not a vegan, but I read your post and was wondering. Do you take a multivitamin? You mentioned weird cravings. Sometimes our bodies, when we're lacking something, will present itself as a crazy craving because that has what we're lacking. Just a thought. Hope it helps!

Hi Hannah -

I've heard too that it can be a potassium deficiency, also a calcium/magnesium imbalance. If it's potassium, avocados and cantaloupe are two high sources.

Calcium can be gotten from sesame seeds in high amounts if you want plant sources. Try a health store that has them in bulk. For the magnesium part of the equation, I'm not sure. Google "foods high in magnesium." Hope this helps!

Hope this helps

U shud add protein sources 2ur diet like beans, soy etc. High carb diet doesnt work 4u cos carbs gives u mostly energy but protein is the one that gives u satisfaction and u not hungry anymore. U didnt say what kind of vegan u r, but if u can eat eggs and milk thats great! Add that 2ur diet, or fish (some vegans eat fish). Also u shud eat 1tbsp of olive oil a day and take fish oil daily as well. Hope this helps. If u have any questions let me know.

You should eat beans, nuts, whole grain breads. Anything with a low glycemic index, low gi foods make you feel full for longer.

I think you are right, that must be lack of something. No, to be honest I do not believe in multivitamins and chemical drugs, I'd rather use natural food to feed my body. I don't take drugs of any kind. Thank you so much lollipop for sharing your ideas ! Much appreciated. H.

I guess it is going to be whole lots of deficiencies it's possible too, because I remember a week ago I ate sesame seeds and the level of my energy rose till night. It is weird because I used to be VERY energetic that my friends used to call me 'hyper' and now if I don't do exercises and not want to go to work, just want to spend time in bed! I must give it a try too, I really don't trust these dietitians, they just don't care what you really love to eat and restrict you even more! Thank you so much Mary for your help ! H.

Hello Kate,

OK this is going to be difficult, I do not consume ANY products of animals including milk, eggs, meat, chicken, fish, yogurt, cheese, cream,... and even honey. I didn't realize that my protein consumption is too low until I watched my diet through this site, I do want to increase the protein in my diet, but how much protein resources would be enough daily, I can't handle lots of beans or vegetables, my stomach is adapted to raw, light amount of food. As you mentioned it gives me the satisfaction of being full, what about the energy, I hate being lethargic, protein doesn't give me the energy, I remember I read somewhere blood type A+ are to use vegetables and fruits more than any other products as they're more compatible to their blood's protein. What do you think Kate , any suggestions? Thank you so much for your response. H.

Thank you so much for your comment. I must read more and pay more attention to the gi of the foods. I haven't paid attention really. Thank you so much for the link too, I'll put the ideas of you awesome people together and change my diet a little bit. Thanks

I didn't suggest eating just protein Add protein to ur carbs and u'll get energy and satisfaction. Protein sources u sud add: quinoa, lentils, beans, tofu, nuts, vegie burgers, protein powder, oats, soy milk, pb, spinach, broccoli.. Amount of protein for u per day shud be 20% of ur daily intake, 30% should be fat and the rest is carbs. If u still feeling hungry add more protein. Not sure about blood type question..

Thank you spool much Kate, very useful indeed thanks! H.

no problem

I was just wondering if you have had your iron level checked. I too am a vegan and my doctor insisted that I have it checked on a regular bases, along with my sugar levels which if too low will cause you to be lethargic too.
As for the protein, I do not know how much energy it will give you but for me it does not give much, however the other side of the coin is that I do feel a satisfied full when I have added an adequate amount to my meals.
Good luck with your journey, I am sure you will find the balance you need.

Thank you Pam for your advice, yes I had my iron checked a couple of months ago and it was balanced, and again yes protein doesn't give me the energy but as Kate mentioned I can get the energy from carb and add more protein to my diet to feel full longer! I just hope what you said is true about finding the proper balance! I am really getting tired of people telling me YOU NEED FOOD! I'm like, what are you talking about!?! Thanks Pam it feels good to know some other people have the same experiences.
Best,
Hanieh

I am not vegan but I do know that what I finally found out that it was not the amount of certain foods I was eating that had me tired, bloated and lethargic it was the combinations. Maybe look at that? make sure you aren't eating a carb only meal. Although you say protein doesn't give you energy it does help you feel full. I know that balance it key with me. Too much carb and I'll blow through it fast leaving me tired. Combining your foods differently may help. It certainly did me, vegan or not. Good luck to you !

Oh yes that might be one reason too. Thank you so much for the tips, I'm been trying to change my diet after these wonderful ideas and the great help , you people are equally terribly awesome!! Thanks x! H.

Hi !! Sorry I have read only your first post and i had the same problem ... The word you search /missed is PROTEIN !!!
If you don't want to be hungry all the time , with out energy or power you
Should try to get some protein !!
Don't get to much carbs ,its not necessary!

Each meal should have protein (!) ex. Chicken breast boiled (100-200 gr )
carbs ex rice (200gr+) , vegetables ,and some healthy fats ex 1 tbsp olive oil .
You really dont need a multivit. Eat normally at first ( 5-6 meals a day )and then if you have still the problem go and get multi . But first EAT!!!

Hello Kandy,
Thanks for your suggestion, we almost agreed on lack of protein in the diet. Thank you so much for your post, much appreciated ! Thanks.

Yep, the "high carb" part of your description was the tell-tale sign for me: you're probably sugar (natural via carbs, but still) crashing.

I'm not vegan, but once I started paying attention I noticed that protein does wonders to keep me feeling full and should help even out the highs and lows of your (as I suspect) blood sugar levels - sounds like you've already got that nailed down, so I think you'll be well on your way!

Thank you so much Lisa ! Sometimes I feel dizzy though, if I have my stomach empty for a long time, since I do sports, it rarely happens . Thanks for your advice, will keep in mind . Thanks.