I lost 38 pounds, regained 16, and I’m nine weeks into attempt number two. The first five weeks were almost suspicious: I could skip the office candy bowl and not think twice. This week my appetite came back like it had something to prove. I ate two eggs and Greek yogurt at 7, then at 10:30 my brain was reading me the lunch menu. Not just physical hunger either — the old mental slideshow, the bargaining at the grocery store, the urge to reward a hard morning with a pastry. I’m tired and under-slept, so I know some of it is that. I’m trying regular meals and protein instead of waiting until I’m feral. Small win: I logged the extra pretzels last night instead of pretending they floated away. For people who’ve had appetite wake back up mid-stretch, what helps you tell real hunger from habit?