Eating Times?

Lesliecs

My question is this... does it really matter what time you eat your meals or how often? Generally I eat my breakfast, lunch and dinner at "normal" times, which some snacks, usually in the evenings. But on weekends, I am a sleeper and not an eater! For instance, yesterday, I slept late and once I'm got up I began my errands and running around, etc. I didn't eat anything until late in the day.... a biscotti (for breakfast) at around 3:00 pm....... a meal about 5:00 pm (that I considered lunch).... and then I finally ate most of the rest of my calories late in the evening between 9 and 10 pm (dinner/snacks). I recorded them in my diary as regular meals, but the timing of them is way off!

I figure as long as I get my calories in, does it really matter what time? If you think about people who work night shifts, there meal hours would be much different.

Just wondering if anyone has some insight on how this might affect weight loss. Thanks and have a great day!

cee134

No, unless you are diabetic. I've read alot of articles and eating alot of small meals does not increase the metabolism to benefit the body in any way. The only important thing is to watch what your eating.

bcampbell54

As a Type II diabetic, regularity is very important. But I agree, the weekends are extremely difficult times to maintain a strict schedule. If you're not a diabetic, I don't believe it should make that much difference.

Suziq2you

I don't think the time of your meals matter much. My husband is an over the road truck driver. He has lost 47 pounds on
MFP and there are times when his days start st 9:00 PM. A couple of days later his day could start at noon.

Uerzer

I figure as long as I get my calories in, does it really matter what time?

Nope, nothing you should really worry about.

abyssfully

Even if eating smaller meals more often doesn't boost the metabolism (however, I believe it does) - even for non diabetics - it will still keep your blood sugar steady which helps eliminate cravings and boosts your energy levels.

Roni_M

The only rule that sticks in my mind is my doctor telling me not to eat later than two hours before going to bed. So if you eat at 9pm you shouldn't go to bed until 11pm or later. Not sure why though and that conversation was in reference to when to take meds with food. I have heard that before though so maybe there is some truth to it!

HMonsterX

The only rule that sticks in my mind is my doctor telling me not to eat later than two hours before going to bed. So if you eat at 9pm you shouldn't go to bed until 11pm or later. Not sure why though and that conversation was in reference to when to take meds with food. I have heard that before though so maybe there is some truth to it!

Nope. That is completely untrue. As long as you meet your daily calorie goal, create that deficit, WHEN you eat is completely irrelevant. At least from a basic calorie intake level. Meds-wise, i don't know if that will affect anything.

TheBraveryLover

No it doesn't matter.