Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Still Snacking Too Much

rain

Recommended Posts

rain Contributor
rain
Posted

I'm trying to figure out what needs to change in my diet so that I stop constantly snacking. My diet is healthy but I can't seem to last in between meals and I snack on nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, chips.. it's driving me crazy. I've been gluten free for 2 years and have done a lot of different things with my diet as my body has changed.

My thoughts are that I need to hydrate more. But beyond that.. why am I snacking? Prior to diagnosis I was incessantly hungry or weak and I ate constantly. I also couldnt' digest full sized meals. Now I am able to eat 500 - 600 calories at a sitting but still I snack!

It's frustrating too because I can't figure out if its a nutrition deficiency, just bad habits or a symptom of a food intolerance.

I'd appreciate any ideas. Thanks.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

Are you losing/gaining weight?

How do you feel?

rain Contributor
rain
Posted
  • Author

My weight is fine and has been consistent for a long time.

The eating feels a bit anxiety filled, but I think its frustration from not feeling satiated if that makes sense. Compared to before when I eat I do feel like I'm absorbing my food, so I have come a long way... I guess I just have a very long way more to go?

pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

Perhaps...or you need to ensure you eat a balanced snack:no fruit by itself, always with protein or fiber, etc.?

As long as you don't feel gastro issues, or other distress, perhaps just try changing your food combinations?

Have you had your vitamin/mineral levels checked? If you're low on something that could make you hungry.

rain Contributor
rain
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for your thoughts.. I am not low on vitamins, I've had that checked. And though I still struggle with constipation, I know for sure if I don't snack that tends to subside. I'm trying to change food combinations. My newest strategy is to cut back on sugar even more than I had. But it's hard because I feel so up and down and my stomach feels so hollow.

pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

Well, if everything seems to be in order you may also consider hypoglycemia or diabetes. Both are known ro make you want to snack like crazy.

If I trigger a hypo episode (by eating too much sugar) I will eat all day and always be hungry unless I eat a bit if glucose (a few chocolate chips, half a granola bar). I also get hypo symptoms without having glucose below 60 - so while tracking your blood glucose is key, don't think you can't have symptoms without low glucose.

You may try buying a glucose monitor and tracking for a while.

Cara in Boston Enthusiast
Cara in Boston
Posted

Look up the Paleo diet and give it a try. It is grain free and very low in carbs but high in fat.

I have been sort of following it (but I include dairy and sometimes beans) for a few weeks now and I have found that switching from high carb/low fat diet to higher fat/low carb has solved the problem for me. I am no longer hungry between meals, I eat less calories over all during the day and my cravings for sugar and sweets are almost gone.

I don't go crazy low-carb and eat bacon and pork rinds all day . . . I try to keep my meats lean and get more fats from nuts, avocado, olive oil, nut butters, and coconut. I replaced the starch at dinner (rice or potatoes) with another serving of green vegetables and it seems to have made a difference.

If you are eating a lot of gluten free processed foods (breads, flour mixes, snacks, etc.) they are high in carbs and almost void of nutrition. A combination that will make you very hungry in between meals.

Cara

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


rain Contributor
rain
Posted
  • Author

I have actually tried the paleo diet - it didn't help. (I really am working on this!)

Pricklypear I will follow up on your suggestion about hypoglycemia/diabetes. My sugar tests normal but I have the sense that there is something about sugar that I dont' know how to manage. I'll look into a glucose monitor.

pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

I have actually tried the paleo diet - it didn't help. (I really am working on this!)

Pricklypear I will follow up on your suggestion about hypoglycemia/diabetes. My sugar tests normal but I have the sense that there is something about sugar that I dont' know how to manage. I'll look into a glucose monitor.

My sugar tests extremely normal. But not if I monitor it after every meal during one of those hypo episodes :).

I've found I don't do well with swings more than 15 points. Which means sticking to a low sugar diet - lots of fiver and protein but tons of veggies. Less fruits. Few grains.

Almond flour baking is my friend, as well as fatty stuff (ssssh). When I analyzed my favorite sweets they were low sugar/high fat. Fat was mediating the sugar. Then it clicked.

frieze Community Regular
frieze
Posted

I have actually tried the paleo diet - it didn't help. (I really am working on this!)

Pricklypear I will follow up on your suggestion about hypoglycemia/diabetes. My sugar tests normal but I have the sense that there is something about sugar that I dont' know how to manage. I'll look into a glucose monitor.

Having never tried the Paleo diet, don't know if this applies, did you give it long enough?

I did try low carb, took 3-4 days to get to the "hmm I am not hungry" stage.

you might try getting a fasting insulin drawn.

rain Contributor
rain
Posted
  • Author

Having never tried the Paleo diet, don't know if this applies, did you give it long enough?

I did try low carb, took 3-4 days to get to the "hmm I am not hungry" stage.

you might try getting a fasting insulin drawn.

I tried the low carb / paleo /etc for a number of months. I learned that I can't eat light weight carbs (white rice, potatos) on a regular basis and that I feel better if I moderate my carbs. But it never solved the snacking :(

rain Contributor
rain
Posted
  • Author

My sugar tests extremely normal. But not if I monitor it after every meal during one of those hypo episodes :).

I've found I don't do well with swings more than 15 points. Which means sticking to a low sugar diet - lots of fiver and protein but tons of veggies. Less fruits. Few grains.

Almond flour baking is my friend, as well as fatty stuff (ssssh). When I analyzed my favorite sweets they were low sugar/high fat. Fat was mediating the sugar. Then it clicked.

Ahh.. So THATs why I can pour on the olive oil! It sounds like you eat like I do -- lots of veggies. Thanks for the tips.

pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

Ahh.. So THATs why I can pour on the olive oil! It sounds like you eat like I do -- lots of veggies. Thanks for the tips.

I am in what is apparently an evil cycle: Celiac, Hashimotos, adrenals, and hormones. The more I read about the sugar and cortisol and hormone issues the more I find my symptoms. And sugar is a big deal - meaning its estrogenic to the body, messes with cortisol, the digestive system doesn't like it...it goes on and on.

So, you may be in a cycle like that where it's more than Celiac. My testing shows low progesterone, low cortisol, and sub-ideal estrogen. That all loops back with vitamins/minerals and Celiac involvement. And then sugar is bad for all of it.

So anyway - its something to think about. But generally I'm better without sugar or high fiber/fat sugar. And lots of veggies. Veggies out my ears. Beans are good too but I forget about them...maybe because they take prep?

lovegrov Collaborator
lovegrov
Posted

If your weight is OK and most else seems all right, why are you so concerned about snacking? Some people need to eat multiple small "meals" daily.

richard

  • 3 weeks later...
GFinminneapolis Newbie
GFinminneapolis
Posted

You need to eat more protein, this helps you to feel full. Also incorporating healthy fats into your diet will help to satisfy you and make you crave less.

Mateto Enthusiast
Mateto
Posted

I know how you feel <_< I am just getting over this myself!

What I noticed was one: that eating sugar with my breakfast made me hungrier, and I used to just go mad eating and that would set the tone for the day....which would be constantly eating small snacks. I was spiking my bloodsugar, it was my own fault. I've stopped this and for the last month or so, I haven't done it!

Two: It really seems to be that it all comes down to fibre, protein, and fat. Those three things are what makes me feel full, so I eat a fibrous breakfast with good fats, found in eggs and whole grain bread. I eat more protein during the day, but not in excess....sometimes not enough. I'm not big on foods with protein :( But that's just me.

I also noticed that whenever I was craving something sweet, if I just had maybe one or two dark-chocolate covered almonds or peanuts, I was satisfied. I read one time that dark chocolate is good for you in the right amount and can ward off your cravings. Do you drink tea? Strong tea wards off hunger, as do strong coffee!

ORRRRR, maybe you're one of those lucky people whose metabolism is SO fast that you NEED the food! You're not gaining weight, there are no health effects...so why NOT snack?

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. xxnonamexx
      - xxnonamexx replied to xxnonamexx's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      4

      My journey is it gluten or fiber?

      I read that as well but I saw the Certified Gluten free symbol that is the reason I ourchased it.
    2. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to sha1091a's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      2

      Issues before diagnosis

      I agree, it so often overlooked! I live in the UK and I have often wondered why doctors are so reluctant to at least exclude it - my thoughts are perhaps the particular tests are expensive for the NHS, so therefore saved for people with 'obvious' symptoms. I was diagnosed in 2013 and was told immediately that my parents, sibling and children should...
    3. chrisinpa
      - chrisinpa commented on Scott Adams's article in Skin Problems and Celiac Disease
      2

      Celiac Disease and Skin Disorders: Exploring a Genetic Connection

      Maybe they can attribute certain skin conditions to either being susceptible to getting Celiac......or the other way around....but I have to ask if certain people are prone to Celiac because of genetics and some people aren't. It's kind of the same thing as what came first.....the chicken or the egg.?
    4. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to xxnonamexx's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      4

      My journey is it gluten or fiber?

      @xxnonamexx, There's labeling on those Trubar gluten free high fiber protein bars that say: "Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, milk, soy, fish, WHEAT, sesame, and other tree nuts." You may want to avoid products made in shared facilities. If you are trying to add more fiber to your diet to ease constipation, considering...
    5. trents
      - trents replied to sha1091a's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      2

      Issues before diagnosis

      Welcome to celiac.com @sha1091a! Your experience is a very common one. Celiac disease is one the most underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed medical conditions out there. The reasons are numerous. One key one is that its symptoms mimic so many other diseases. Another is ignorance on the part of the medical community with regard to the range of symptoms that celiac...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,695
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Aanhmcbride
    Newest Member
    Aanhmcbride
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • xxnonamexx
      My journey is it gluten or fiber?

      By xxnonamexx · Posted

      I read that as well but I saw the Certified Gluten free symbol that is the reason I ourchased it.
    • cristiana
      Issues before diagnosis

      By cristiana · Posted

      I agree, it so often overlooked! I live in the UK and I have often wondered why doctors are so reluctant to at least exclude it - my thoughts are perhaps the particular tests are expensive for the NHS, so therefore saved for people with 'obvious' symptoms.  I was diagnosed in 2013 and was told immediately that my parents, sibling and children should be checked.  My parents' GP to this day has not put forward my father for testing, and my mother was never tested in her lifetime, despite the fact that they both have some interesting symptoms/family history that reflect they might have coeliac disease (Dad - extreme bloating, and his Mum clearly had autoimmune issues, albeit undiagnosed as such; Mum - osteoporosis, anxiety).  I am now my father' legal guardian and suspecting my parents may have forgotten to ask their GP for a test (which is entirely possible!) I put it to his last GP that he ought to be tested.  He looked at Dad's blood results and purely because he was not anemic said he wasn't a coeliac.  Hopefully as the awareness of Coeliac Disease spreads among the general public, people will be able to advocate for themselves.  It is hard because in the UK the NHS is very stretched, but the fallout from not being diagnosed in a timely fashion will only cost the NHS more money. Interestingly, a complete aside, I met someone recently whose son was diagnosed (I think she said he was 8).  At a recent birthday party with 8 guests, 4 boys out of the 8 had received diagnosis of Coeliac Disease, which is an astounding statistic  As far as I know, though, they had all had obvious gastric symptoms leading to their NHS diagnosis.  In my own case I had  acute onset anxiety, hypnopompic hallucinations (vivid hallucinations upon waking),  odd liver function, anxiety, headaches, ulcers and low iron but it wasn't until the gastric symptoms hit me that a GP thought to do coeliac testing, and my numbers were through the roof.  As @trents says, by the grace of God I was diagnosed, and the diet has pretty much dealt with most of those symptoms.  I have much to be grateful for. Cristiana
    • knitty kitty
      My journey is it gluten or fiber?

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @xxnonamexx, There's labeling on those Trubar gluten free high fiber protein bars that say: "Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, milk, soy, fish, WHEAT, sesame, and other tree nuts." You may want to avoid products made in shared facilities.   If you are trying to add more fiber to your diet to ease constipation, considering eating more leafy green vegetables and cruciferous vegetables.  Not only are these high in fiber, they also are good sources of magnesium.  Many newly diagnosed are low in magnesium and B vitamins and suffer with constipation.  Thiamine Vitamin B1 and magnesium work together.  Thiamine in the form Benfotiamine has been shown to improve intestinal health.  Thiamine and magnesium are important to gastrointestinal health and function.  
    • trents
      Issues before diagnosis

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to celiac.com @sha1091a! Your experience is a very common one. Celiac disease is one the most underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed medical conditions out there. The reasons are numerous. One key one is that its symptoms mimic so many other diseases. Another is ignorance on the part of the medical community with regard to the range of symptoms that celiac disease can produce. Clinicians often are only looking for classic GI symptoms and are unaware of the many other subsystems in the body that can be damaged before classic GI symptoms manifest, if ever they do. Many celiacs are of the "silent" variety and have few if any GI symptoms while all along, damage is being done to their bodies. In my case, the original symptoms were elevated liver enzymes which I endured for 13 years before I was diagnosed with celiac disease. By the grace of God my liver was not destroyed. It is common for the onset of the disease to happen 10 years before you ever get a diagnosis. Thankfully, that is slowly changing as there has developed more awareness on the part of both the medical community and the public in the past 20 years or so. Blessings!
    • knitty kitty
      Dizziness after eating green beans?

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @EndlessSummer, You said you had an allergy to trees.  People with Birch Allergy can react to green beans (in the legume family) and other vegetables, as well as some fruits.  Look into Oral Allergy Syndrome which can occur at a higher rate in Celiac Disease.   Switching to a low histamine diet for a while can give your body time to rid itself of the extra histamine the body makes with Celiac disease and histamine consumed in the diet.   Vitamin C and the eight B vitamins are needed to help the body clear histamine.   Have you been checked for nutritional deficiencies?
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.