So, I understand my body needs a certain amount of calories a day. But what if I'm not hungry enough to eat 5 small meals a day? I don't want to get into the habit of stuffing my face all day just because I need calories. Knowing me, more often than not those small meals will consist of not so great food choices.

I know there are Slimfast shakes or Boost drinks... Is that a healthy replacement? Any other ideas on getting needed calories without constant eating?

I love Slimfast Low Carb shakes... I have to get up REALLY early for work and eating at that hour just makes me literally sick to my stomach, but i can handle slimfast, plus it's fast, easy and has tons of vitamins. Of course it's not as good as "real food", but it's better than nothing and gets my metabolism going. Yogurt is another good one, they have so many yummy low fat flavors out there now!

If you have a day every now and then where you are (way) under calories it's not a big deal. No doubt you'll have some over days too. If *every* day is well under your goal and/or under 1200 then you need to find healthy things to add in - almonds and avocados are two excellent choices. I usually have yogurt for breakfast and toss in 9 or 10 almonds. Sometimes I add avocado slices to a turkey sandwich. I seldom clear 1000 calories on a Sunday due to my work schedule but I make sure every one of the calories I do get is full of good stuff. Over a week it tends to even out.

Try not to think of it as 5 meals.... think of it as 3 meals w/ healthy snacks in between. And of course they should call be healthy lower calorie meals, not 5 meals of junk. Eating a bunch of food if it's healthy and within your calorie range is ok.

I agree with vladadog- eat some healthy fats! These are really calorie dense but have a lot of nutrition. Nuts, seeds, avocado, salmon, olive oil, peanut butter. All are higher in calories, but are great for you and taste great! I will basically eat avocado with anything, I love it so much.

Thanks ladies!

I think one of my biggest fears is eating fats, even the healthy ones. I love cheese but I'm so afraid to eat it. Dumb, I know, but I really want to succeed in losing weight this time. I will try and work some nuts and cheese in to my snacks.

I love avocado too, but they're soo expensive here Can't wait to move back to the mainland!

Being shorter also gives you a different total number of calorie needs, and also depending on your activity level...

People eat 5 'snack-meaks' per day, for example, because it increases metabolism. I've known some obese friends who only eat 1 meal per day. Albeit a big one, combined with no activity, means they had a very very slow metabolism.

It's also a tactic to get used to smaller portion sizes

I eat 6 times a day, that does not mean 6 meals, but 3 meals and 3 snacks,snacks are usually 100 calories or less.

Yeah, I was going to suggest nuts, cheese, etc. Peanut butter is also a big calorie food that isn't bad for you. I like to have a banana and 2 tbsp of peanut butter (dipping banana in pb)....it's about 280 calories.

Very true... I think because I hear them being called 6 small 'meals' that I feel like I need to be eating A LOT through out the day. I'll start telling myself 'snacks' not meals

Thanks