I have trouble allowing myself to eat more in the morning and during the day because I feel like I have to save the calories for later, in case my bf and his parents pressure me to eat after I get home from working out. I'm also afraid of getting really hungry later but can't eat or I'll be over my limit. As long as I'm eating the same number of calories, does eating later rather than earlier really make a difference? Does my body store more at night? Everyone keeps telling me to eat a full breakfast but only 70% full lunch and dinner, and not to eat 3 hours before bed. What would you recommend?
That's such a good question, and very hard to answer. There are many studies out there that contradict each other as far as this goes. But, from what I've experienced and learned in my nutrition classes, is that it doesn't really matter (with in reason). Of course, if one were to starve all day and then eat 1200 calories at once for dinner, that may not be so great, but if you eat sensibly throughout the day and eat a bigger dinner, no harm done (at least in theory). The best way to tell if it is true for you, is if you continue to lose weight at your normal rate. And as far as the 3 hours before bed thing, yeah I guess it wouldn't be good to eat RIGHT before bed, but I don't know if 3 hours really has anything to do with it. Your metabolism does slow at night, that's the only reason that 3 hour rule floats around out there. I say, if it works for you, do it.
I've heard conflicting reports on this as well. I think the "don't eat after whatever time" rule was born because most people are more likely to snack later at night. I know that's when my sweet tooth kicks in.
I have also heard alot of different answers as well. I do try and eat three meals and two snacks a day so I don't get that hungry feeling and then want to binge. I have heard though that eating frequently all day does help keep your metabolism going.
Also I workout first thing in the morning and then have a small breakfast afterwards. If I didn't I would be starving for lunch at 10am.
I have found that eating small meals thruout the day works best for me. I am not hungry and do not overeat. Dinner is usually my biggest meal though. For snacks I might have a yogurt or 1 serving of total cereal(no milk)
I do the 3 meals with snacks. If I KNOW I am going out to eat for a special occasion I will eat a smaller lunch generally. But I don't plan for it all the time.
I would suggest you eat a 'normal' breakfast and lunch then if you DO go out to eat pick something healthy and REALLY watch those portions. I generally shove what I'm going to eat to one side of the plate and then as soon as I have eaten that I put my napkin entirely over my plate. Or just ask for a to go container when you get your food.
i eat less when im entertained, usually during the day im busy (not this week clearly, i have a holiday week-which is going to fast) and so my mind is occupied, eg not wanting food, i save800 cals of my 1300 for the early evening dinner and dessert...i suppose i shouldent really do it that way, it just means i feel like i desserve it if i have worked hard and worked out in the day/.....sound crazy/?
i find it easier to lose weight if i stop eating at 6 pm....and i mean STOP completely....the weight just falls off...especially if i do a little 30 min exercise before i go to bed.
my used to be fitness trainer on the other hand....said 'it doesn't matter when u eat...as long as the portions are small and clean'....i followed her advice for a month....the scale didn't move at all!
I don't eat after dinner. I find that I actually feel better when trying to go to sleep when I haven't just eaten recently. Maybe it's something about the feeling in your stomach in the early stages of digestion. I usually eat my last food about 4.5-6 hours before bed. I eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Overall, dinner is probably my largest meal, but I feel satisfied after eating my other meals as well. I think you just have to find what what works for you.
Does the time of day you eat make a difference?
