Eating once per day

r1ghtpath

ah ok! so, it's meeting your goals just in a shorter amount of time basically. so, instead of eating every 2-3 hr for a total of 12, you might eat pretty consistently for like 6-8 hours. gotcha!

if you start later in the day, what about breakfast? is it not true that you need to eat breakfast?

Generally it's a 'window' of eating. a common one is 16off/8on I think. like for me I'll start about 2-3pm and stop around 6-7pm but some days I'll start around 12-1pm or finish later depending on my needs.

So yesterday (Thursday if you look at my diary it is Friday here now) I had a yoghurt and a fruit & nut bar and a cup of tea about noon. Then I had a curry meal about 2. (I had something on in the afternoon so I started a bit earlier, normally I'll just wait til I get home from work about 2.30. ) Then at 5pm I had dinner which was 2 sausages, some peas and corn and half a potato with some cheese. And a glass of orange juice. Then about 6 I had another cup of tea and a small dessert. Just under 1800 calories.

But yes, they key is to meet your macros and meet your calorie goal.
(My calorie goal is set to maintenence I just try to come in a little under when I can, if you're wondering)

The best thing, I can eat normal food, rather than trying to fill myself up on fruit and vegetables because the calories are spread so thin

Kymmu

I do eat. stop. eat.
Most cals in one meal.
there's heaps of info on the internet, or you could join the intermittent fasting group here on MFP.

wwww1199

So what do you eat for that one meal?

laughingnome

My husband has always been this way but he comes home from work starving and snacks until dinner is ready then is hungry 20 minutes later and eats more crap. His plate is full at dinner then goes for seconds. He is a non stop eating machine every night.

Bella3119

My ex-husband would go all day with out eating and then eat a large (and I mean LARGE) meal at night. After 3 months he started to notice his vision was blurred, he was urinating frequently and once, he passed out. After being rushed to the hospital he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The doctor explained to us that what he was doing caused extreme shifts in his insulin levels and his body just couldn't take it.

From first hand experience, I would never reccommend eating once a day.

In regards to fasting for religious purposes, I do the Daniel Fast.

LA723

Since eating, for me, is about much more than caloric intake and taking care of hunger, I would not like this type of diet.

pinkminy

yeah i think its good ....I really think half the time people eat out of habit rather than need, I would rather NOT eat a big night time meal because I would go to bed feeling uncomfortable . a decent meal early in the day then just a very very light evening meal is better for digestion i think, Oh and I DONT believe in the starvation mode thing, Nor do I belive in eating back calories that you have burnt off. I do belive in Quality not Quantity.

escloflowneCHANGED

Can I ask what the point of fasting is? I eat a lot of food(low calorie clean food) and I am losing weight and my diet is something I can stick to for the rest of my life. Why would you do this type of technique unless you were training for something and you have to weigh in at a certain weight at a given time? Like a mma fighter for example. This type of diet is not long term and I am willing to bet most people who lose a lot of weight this way will end up putting it back on at some point.

Not trying to be a ****...just would like the logic behind it and learn from why you think it's the way to go!

TigersFanHoosierMama

I don't only because I eat based on hunger and I'm usually hungry BUT I also don't buy into the whole thing of having to eat at a certain time, certain amount blah blah blah blah - if I stay under my calorie allotment I lose weight. If I go over I gain weight. So, I just focus on that bottom line. Somedays I'm barely hungry all day so I just sip on a protein shake at some point for a little energy and then eat most of my calories at dinner. Other days I wake up hungry and I eat. I've found when I chill out and just listen to my body I feel better.

If we are going somewhere for dinner and I know I'm not going to be happy getting a side salad or grilled chicken I eat very little all day and enjoy my dinner.

I don't know much about the science...I just know that when I lost weight successfully in the past it was because I didn't freak out over macros and timing and all that jazz. I just ate less and moved more and i tell ya I ate a LOT of my calories late at night!

Saxmis

I tend to just eat when I'm hungry, when my body actually REQUIRES food. So, this usually means that I just eat once a day. It's difficult at first and requires willpower so as to not lead to binge eating, but I find that it's quite beneficial to my weight loss.

714rah714

On the weekdays I eat once a day at the end of the day.

onegoal2

Not Monday -Friday, I tried and it does not work. To much going on, you need energy to feel good. The weekends work well as its more of a relaxed pace for me. I eat at about 2PM and am done the rest of the day.

Sidesteal

Can I ask what the point of fasting is? I eat a lot of food(low calorie clean food) and I am losing weight and my diet is something I can stick to for the rest of my life. Why would you do this type of technique unless you were training for something and you have to weigh in at a certain weight at a given time? Like a mma fighter for example. This type of diet is not long term and I am willing to bet most people who lose a lot of weight this way will end up putting it back on at some point.

Not trying to be a ****...just would like the logic behind it and learn from why you think it's the way to go!

First of all if you are having success with your current plan then I wouldn't change it regardless of what I or anyone else says about IF.

In my opinion, the biggest reason to do IF is satiety. Eating 2000 calories in 1 or 2 meals doesn't feel like dieting AT ALL. It feels like eating really big-*kitten* meals, and it's amazing for some people.

Most people get used to the fasting portion because ghrelin (hunger signaling hormone) is somewhat adaptive to behavior.

FITnFIRM4LIFE

Curious-bump

christina0089

Not Monday -Friday, I tried and it does not work. To much going on, you need energy to feel good. The weekends work well as its more of a relaxed pace for me. I eat at about 2PM and am done the rest of the day.

I really like this Idea and was contiplating it when I came across your post. Seems its not just me who thinks that way. Good to know! lol But my question is how has it affected your weight loss?!?

I have never been a structured meal person. And I would never do more than coffee at best for breakfast. I might or might not grab a snack mid day but then in the evening I would eat a big meal. But I think it was the combination of working from home and not eating well that really put the weight on me! I am doing the 6 mini meal thing but I am still just not happy with how my weight loss is going because while I am losing weight and eating more in the day it seems like I am hungry more as well so its more inconvient... But I know that I do loose weight this way so we will see what I decided in the long run. I might add the big meal concept to my weekend regimine since that is when I am most busy and don't have the time to eat anyway!

escloflowneCHANGED

Can I ask what the point of fasting is? I eat a lot of food(low calorie clean food) and I am losing weight and my diet is something I can stick to for the rest of my life. Why would you do this type of technique unless you were training for something and you have to weigh in at a certain weight at a given time? Like a mma fighter for example. This type of diet is not long term and I am willing to bet most people who lose a lot of weight this way will end up putting it back on at some point.

Not trying to be a ****...just would like the logic behind it and learn from why you think it's the way to go!

First of all if you are having success with your current plan then I wouldn't change it regardless of what I or anyone else says about IF.

In my opinion, the biggest reason to do IF is satiety. Eating 2000 calories in 1 or 2 meals doesn't feel like dieting AT ALL. It feels like eating really big-*kitten* meals, and it's amazing for some people.

Most people get used to the fasting portion because ghrelin (hunger signaling hormone) is somewhat adaptive to behavior.

Oh yeah I found something I like, I used to eat once a day because I was un healthy and eating MCD's all the time and then I switched to my current lifestyle and it is amazing.

I just seem to think this fasting thing would be better suited to people in shape or maintaining instead of over weight people like myself. The way I see it is this, I got over weight by unhealthy eating habbits and now I am eating the way I intend to eat for the rest of my life. Fasting and eating big portions seems to be a short term thing. Especcially for big people because they will lose weight but once they reach their goal, they will probably start eating more during the day and put it back on.

BTW not saying my way is right and you guys are wrong...just curious

dargytaylor

I personally can not do this....I get very jittery and actually feel 'sick' if I don't eat.

My husband though, he can go till the afternoon before he eats.

To each their own, whatever works for you go for it!!

Phrak

I eat once a day just before bed. I like putting away 5-6lbs of food in a sitting. Feel much more energetic without food in my stomach. Getting stronger in the gym, getting leaner while stuffing my face is awesome.

PaleoPath4Lyfe

All in moderation. Balance is key right?
I think that's a good plan when you know you're going to have a high calorie meal (dinner party, etc)
What i'll do is munch on really light snacks like grapes or salad (without dressing) so i dont go into starvation and get delirious.

Starvation mode is a myth. You know that right?

but the side effects of being hungry are real.

Hunger is not starvation or starvation mode and should not be treated as such.

kekl

bump! lots of interesting info here.

PaleoPath4Lyfe

Fasting is very bad. It's dangerous. It serves no purpose. It does not help your health, weight loss or anything else. As to eating once a day = that's just stupid. The human body is designed to eat a number of times throughout the day. Small, healthy meals. This keeps the blood sugar and the metabolism is good working order. Eating once a day will screw up your system and do a good deal of damage.

Wow, some people have no clue.

If it is so dangerous to do then it is mighty funny that I have been able to reverse my Type 2 Diabetes back to insulin resistance and I am on the borderline of being back to normal now.

I partake in Intermitent Fasting along with a controlled carb eating plan. My blood sugar has never been more stable than eating a high fat, moderate protein and low to moderate carb meal.

I am a recovered bulimic and this gives me freedom from food where I am not obessing.


To the OP, most people that do intermittent fasting and eat once or twice a day are eating very nutrient dense foods when they do eat.

HauteP1nk

I think if I were to eat lik this I would eat one big meal in the early afternoon then...I think that would be better than eating late at night.

Also, by doing this you'd really have to focus on drinking a lot more water throughout the day. Ensure you are hydrated for energy.

Crystal_R84

I drink protein shakes for breakfast and lunch and maybe an apple or nuts and then big bowl of roasted veggies with tofu for dinner when I am cleansing. I also workout hard on top of that like my usual. Drink tons of water. Feels good.

PaleoPath4Lyfe

All in moderation. Balance is key right?
I think that's a good plan when you know you're going to have a high calorie meal (dinner party, etc)
What i'll do is munch on really light snacks like grapes or salad (without dressing) so i dont go into starvation and get delirious.

Starvation mode is a myth. You know that right?

but the side effects of being hungry are real.

^^ for me. I couldn't do IF...I get lightheaded, shaky and dizzy if I don't eat every 2 to three hours (except when sleeping). It works great for some, not for others!!

You are getting the lightheaded, shaky and dizzy feelings if you don't eat every couple of hours due to the high carb (processed grains).

OSC_ESD

I've been doing this for a while now and I enjoy it. I wake up at 6 - get my coffee with minimal additions (10-20 cals) and may have a few pieces of gum throughout the day along with whatever water I end up drinking. I enjoy dinner with my family and usually continue eating until my calories / macros have been satisfied. Sometimes just before I hop in bed.

Eating for most of us is a learned behavior, so when we start trying to change the way we've been brought up, there's some psychological resistance.

There has been no effect on muscle mass, nor will there be. I eat a normal, variety of foods, usually of which I've planned ahead for.

Eat in the fashion that allows you to best adhere to your diet.

I am impressed by your " matter of fact " presence and I concur that it is not for everyone. Although most in the medical profession would strongly disagree with you ... I find that " whatever " works for you is what is best for you. And from what I can see in your picture ... it definitely works for you ! Just sayin'

Phrak

Fasting is very bad. It's dangerous. It serves no purpose. It does not help your health, weight loss or anything else. As to eating once a day = that's just stupid. The human body is designed to eat a number of times throughout the day. Small, healthy meals. This keeps the blood sugar and the metabolism is good working order. Eating once a day will screw up your system and do a good deal of damage.

Wow, some people have no clue.

If it is so dangerous to do then it is mighty funny that I have been able to reverse my Type 2 Diabetes back to insulin resistance and I am on the borderline of being back to normal now.

I partake in Intermitent Fasting along with a controlled carb eating plan. My blood sugar has never been more stable than eating a high fat, moderate protein and low to moderate carb meal.

I am a recovered bulimic and this gives me freedom from food where I am not obessing.


To the OP, most people that do intermittent fasting and eat once or twice a day are eating very nutrient dense foods when they do eat.

It is kinda funny, if human's were not able to function at 100% in a fasted state we would have died out long ago. It really wasnt until this last century the 3 square meals a day was the norm.

lorierin22

All in moderation. Balance is key right?
I think that's a good plan when you know you're going to have a high calorie meal (dinner party, etc)
What i'll do is munch on really light snacks like grapes or salad (without dressing) so i dont go into starvation and get delirious.

Starvation mode is a myth. You know that right?

I'm thinking she meant starvation as in "i'm starving and I'm going to eat everything in sight" starvation. Not stavation mode. It's just an expression. Not everything has to be so literal

zelzega

All in moderation. Balance is key right?
I think that's a good plan when you know you're going to have a high calorie meal (dinner party, etc)
What i'll do is munch on really light snacks like grapes or salad (without dressing) so i dont go into starvation and get delirious.

Starvation mode is a myth. You know that right?

but the side effects of being hungry are real.

exactly! Being dizzy due to not eating is a very real feeling (I try to eat every 4-5 hours or else the room spins on me). Not to mention the painful cramps from my stomach saying "feed me"

Miss_dannii

I tried this once for a few weeks and ended up getting really sick, so just be careful! There's no reason to do this

Articeluvsmemphis

I have people on my friends list who do this, I think it's stupid personally because I read their updates of hunger, and they're in awesome shape, but the problem I see and someone has pointed out. it may have good physical benefits but it's making them a bit screwy, your body gets hungry for a reason, it needs fuel, it's hungry. so yep it works, but so does eating 500calories and taking pregnant lady pee.