Are you still breastfeeding? If so, talk to your doctor about your calorie needs. Breastfeeding burns a HUGE amount of calories, several hundred a day, and cutting too many can negatively impact your health and your milk production. Your body might even begin to hoard calories (i.e. body fat) because it thinks you are in crisis and still have a baby to feed.
When I was breastfeeding, I ate constantly and still lost more than 25 lbs in a year. Probably didn’t really start to visibly notice until about 6 months in. No visits to the gym, just frequently walking with the stroller. I’ve never been able to drop weight like that before or since.
Calories are not king. Hormones are. The trick to weight loss is managing hormones. The reason intermittent fasting is so powerful is not (mainly) because of the calorie deficit. It’s because every time we eat, we secrete insulin, the hormone that promotes fat storage. Keeping circulating insulin very low is what allows the body to tap its fat stores for energy, and the fat is released.
If you are used to a steady supply of glucose, then you have to go through a period of adjustment when the body shifts into fat-burning mode. After that happens, the body is perfectly happy using fat stores for energy, and hunger is almost nonexistent. You just have to push through moments in the first few weeks when there may be some hunger. if it’s not worth pushing through a bit of hunger, then perhaps you simply don’t yet want to lose weight. Think through your reasons, and when hunger strikes, simply tell yourself it’s temporary and that you can eat when your eating window is open. You’re not denying yourself, simply delaying.
If you’re eating when you’re not hungry, well, none of us can help you with that. You have to decide for yourself that you’re going to change your behaviors. Then do it. To say you “tend to stress eat” sounds like it’s a personality trait or something that’s out of your control. No. Its a choice you’re making. You’re an adult. Make better choices.
I say that not to lecture, but to encourage. Consider it tough love from a stranger. :\^)
Is’s very stressful time for you. If you are miserable and hungry, maybe instead of trying to lose weight, you would try to maintain it. I understand this is not your ultimate goal, but for now, it could be the best option. Adjust your calories accordingly and focus on what you’re eating. More protein and good fat and complex carbs and fibre. Try not to stress about eating window and eat two meals in the space of time that feels right for you. Eat one meal to satiety, and when you are hungry, eat the second one to satiety too. Look in to volume eating for inspiration. During your fasting hours, drink a lot of water, tea, or coffee. Take electrolytes. Good luck!
It’s really difficult to break habits like that. Boredom = wanting to eat for me, even if I’ve just had a meal! Food is a sensory stimulus. It’s enjoyable.
You may want to try occupying yourself another way. I like crochet to occupy my hands, but obviously that’s not happening at work! My advice is to seek out a new hobby or focus. Maybe take up drinking tea, there’s a lot of fruity and herbal flavours out there.
Hormones ARE king, and the week before your period starts can be a real struggle for many women. Your hormones are TELLING you you’re hungry and it’s hard to ignore.
Hormones have evened with time on IF for me. But I’m 25 and never been pregnant, so your body could be telling a totally different story.
Alternatively, you can buy vapes and the like without nicotine. I’m unsure if they still have unhealthy ingredients or the like though.