Raised vegetarian and fear it’s put my body in starvation mode.

I was raised in a vegetarian family and didn’t start eating meat until age 18 when I moved out of the house.

I remember being hungry A LOT as a kid, in between meals and when I was away from home for school or whatnot. The vegetarian diet I was eating, while abundant in vegetables, fruits, and legumes, clearly wasn’t giving me enough nutrients.

I began eating meat out at age 18 but still primarily cooked vegetarian. I often struggled with feeling satiated after eating at home and had become so used to being hungry that I’d often go hours without eating (often to save money, ie I was waiting to get home to eat etc.).

Now at 27yo, I’ve incorporated more meat into my diet but still supplement with lots of greens. I rarely eat carbs. Despite this, in the past 1.5 years, I’ve gained close to 15 pounds. This might not sound like a lot but I’m 5’ 4” so the weight shows.

I’ve begun strength training every other day but if anything, I’ve gained weight (possibly muscle).

I’m hungry all the time, struggle to get full even when I eat a protein heavy balanced meal, and am gaining weight.

Any ideas? Is this normal?

(I had my thyroid and blood sugar tested so no dice.)