Empty calories vs. no calories at all.

kamoira23

According to MFP, my goal calorie intake should be 1720, plus whatever deficit I have from exercise (I try to burn at least 500 calories extra per day). I'm finding it practically impossible to eat all the calories I'm supposed to, and I usually realize fairly late that I'm going to be almost 1000 calories under what I should be! My question is, is it better to eat something with empty calories, or nothing at all?

I mean, I know that it's IDEAL to eat smaller meals and fill up all my calories during the day, but for those days when I'm left with this huge amount at the end of the day, what should I do?

khuber18

My opinion is no calories. Over time I think you'll find you get hungry late in the evening, at night when you wake up or be starving when you get up. Start to plan for that. Drink milk before bed or have some natural peanut butter on whole wheat toast. Lastly, look for a protein bar to help you get a few more calories in before bed. Just my opinion. I have no nutritional training.

barbiecat

:flowerforyou: stay away from empty calories......eat only foods that nourish your body......learn to eat a substantial breakfast to give your body the fuel for the exercise it will be doing.....keep in mind that as you lose weight, your body will need fewer calories to sustain itself so getting along on a bit less than is required will be helpful in the long run.....no matter what you do, be sure to consume at least 1200 calories of nutrition dense food :bigsmile:

mrrodriguez

I agree with the previous poster, no calories. I don't remember for certain, but it seems your recommended calorie goal is based on the rate of weight loss you are setting as your goal. If so, you could set your target calories lower by setting a different goal. I think we learn a lot about how to eat when we monitor our calories. If you are temporarily not hungry, unless you are weak or dizzy. Then maybe you need to eat a minimum number of calories to feel in balance.

I know doctors often recommend Boost or one of the other supplements for elderly people with no appetite. Maybe this will help.