Is eating all your calories in one meal a bad thing?

nykismile

Hi there, I've seemingly developing a habit and it's not one I'm fond of.

I have pretty busy mornings and afternoons and I'm the kind of person who likes to sit down and enjoy food fully when I eat rather than grab something quick. And I don't seem to have much of appetite in the earlier part of the day anyway, so it's not like I'm purposely avoiding food; it just sort of happens.

After I get back from the gym, that's when I'm usually at my hungriest. So at around 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, I basically eat all of my calories for the day. Since I eat around 1,200 to 1,600 calories per day (exercise calories now included as well) this is a rather large "meal" over the course of three hours, and I end up feeling sort of overstuffed, which is why I feel this is a bad thing.

But is it? I'm still under my TDEE most of the time, and this "meal" isn't a binge (sometimes it is, but that's rare). It's calculated, I weigh and measure all portions, and it doesn't feel rushed or frantic. The only downside is that I really hate feeling full. However, when I do eat this way, I feel light and empty in the mornings and afternoons (which I do like).

Should I change the timing of my meals or does it really not matter?

Meerataila

Nope. I only eat one meal most days. Some people deliberately make it part of the dietary lifestyle. It's a form of intermittent fasting.

Cerakoala

I think its up to you and your body. I am sure you will get lots of back and forth on this but from what I have read mostly I have seen there is no real evidence that multiple or smaller meals help with weight loss. As long as your at a deficit you will lose weight No way I could personally do one meal a day but like i said whatever works for you!

chrisdavey

I don't believe that one meal a day is optimal for LBM maintenance or gaining muscle. Unless you are looking to maintain every last bit of LBM then the difference between that and a higher meal frequency are like negligible though.

You could add smaller snacks during the day though so you don't have to eat so much that you will "stuffed" after your large meal. That would be my recommendation. Preferably with some protein during the day.

nykismile

I don't believe that one meal a day is optimal for LBM maintenance or gaining muscle. Unless you are looking to maintain every last bit of LBM then the difference between that and a higher meal frequency are like negligible though.

I'm not trying to gain muscle though. I'm trying to cut more.

phoenixx866

If you're just trying to lose weight and not gain any muscle -- then sure.

Although I couldn't imagine stuffing myself with (my) daily intake of 1630 in one meal. I think the most I've ever eaten in one meal is 900. :drinker: