One big meal a day.
Replies
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My only concern is that it isn't a sustainable lifestyle for many (maybe it is for you). I could never do it because I would have a hard time eating all my calories at once without feeling bloated and overly full and then not being hungry for another 24 hours.
Also, I can't see your diary but I have a feeling that if you are eating all 1500 calories in one sitting of "foods you like", they probably aren't the most nutritious foods. I could easily eat 1500 calories of junk at once (a few slices of pizza and some cookies and pop) but that isn't healthy or nutritious.
If you are eating all 1500 calories at once with healthy and nutritious foods and its working for you and you like it then I say keep it up! It's all about what works for you and keeps you motivated, healthy, and happy.0 -
edited. wrong topic haha0
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I agree with some of the others. Eating one meal a day is not heatlhy - it slows your metabolism down and stores fat. Plus you are starving your body throughout the day. I find that eating three meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner with two small snacks in between works best for me. I am eating pretty much all day, without getting hungry. I stay under my 1200 calorie intake and all is good!!! I'm going on six months of this way of life and it is just that now - a way of life!!!! I don't worry about eating too much because when my 1200 calories have been eaten ... I am finished!! If there is for some reason that I need to have more calories - I exercise and try not to eat them all back, but am able to use them if I need them.
For me - it works perfect and I am a happier person in mind, body and soul!!!!0 -
Eating one meal a day is not heatlhy - it slows your metabolism down and stores fat
Myth.0 -
I would think so.Be careful your pancreas and liver is going to under a lot of pressure.0 -
I would think so.Be careful your pancreas and liver is going to under a lot of pressure.
What you imagine and what is actually happening are two entirely different things. There's no evidence that meal frequency has any effect on the liver and pancreas whatsoever.0 -
I don't know why.... but I'm quite convinced the worst pressure we put on comes rather from lack of sleep, overtraining and so on.
If we were that weak, Darwin and Owen would be intercoursing in their graves0 -
I've done both, and have lost weight doing both.
My issue tends to be my blood sugar levels, more so than my metabolism. My body is extremely sensitive to going long periods without eating, and I experience the following side effects if I don't eat every few hours : my concentration wanes, I get shaky, I become short tempered, and sometimes I even get lightheaded.
If you don't experience the same side effects and you are losing weight - AND this is an eating model that you enjoy and can sustain - then it seems that it would make sense to keep it up.
One note about nutrition vs. calories. I know it's certainly possible to eat all your CALORIES in a single sitting (hello Italian beef sandwich with french fries!), so the challenge becomes making sure that what you are eating also supplies you with the proper NUTRIENTS to sustain you throughout the day. It could be as simple as adding a small spinach & blueberry salad as a side to the above mentioned beef sandwich & fries, and leaving a bite of the sandwich and 2 or 3 fries on the plate.
Good luck in your weight loss and lifelong maintenance journey!0 -
If you don't like it, change it.
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Eating one big meal a day falls into the category of Intermittent Fasting. Theoretically, it's a much more natural way to eat. Caveman probably didn't snack every 2 hours. He ate big when the food was there. Also, theoretically, it's better for you body physiologically b/c diabetes (which is one of the major problems caused by obesity) is caused by insulin resistance. Regular fasting would likely prevent your insulin receptors from becoming resistant, whereas continued eating throughout the day may contribute to insulin resistance.
Notice that all this is theoretical. There have been some smaller studies looking at IF and the results are promising. We don't know whether there are any big differences compared to regular eating in the long run. Basically the jury is still out. The most important thing is definitely to find a diet that works for you. So if IF works, thats great. It's most likely not bad for you. But whether it's optimal is unknown.0 -
In one of my courses they mentioned that you have a hunger stimulating peptide in your stomach that increases right before each meal. I don't know if this CONTROLS your cycle of food intake or if it is influenced BY it, mind you.
But normally, it increases around 3 times a day, before breakfast, lunch and dinner. I suppose you could train yourself to only eat one meal a day and the level of grehlin might follow suite and increase only once a day, as well.
Honestly, as long as you are eating enough calories and receiving adequate nutrition, I don't see a problem. Personally, I can't eat only once a day, just doesn't satisfy me or last all day.
But are you eating one meal a day as a means to follow this diet? Do you think you'll always be able to last with only the one meal? I think you need to find what works for you, and can be done healthily in the long term
good luck 0 -
I suppose you could train yourself to only eat one meal a day and the level of grehlin might follow suite and increase only once a day, as well.
This is exactly what happens when people adopt an IF pattern of eating and it's one of the big reasons why it works. It makes the fasting portion easy.0 -
Eating one big meal a day falls into the category of Intermittent Fasting. Theoretically, it's a much more natural way to eat. Caveman probably didn't snack every 2 hours. He ate big when the food was there. Also, theoretically, it's better for you body physiologically b/c diabetes (which is one of the major problems caused by obesity) is caused by insulin resistance. Regular fasting would likely prevent your insulin receptors from becoming resistant, whereas continued eating throughout the day may contribute to insulin resistance.
Notice that all this is theoretical. There have been some smaller studies looking at IF and the results are promising. We don't know whether there are any big differences compared to regular eating in the long run. Basically the jury is still out. The most important thing is definitely to find a diet that works for you. So if IF works, thats great. It's most likely not bad for you. But whether it's optimal is unknown.
Yup +1
What needs to be taken into consideration for the IF is not the meal partitionning, but the fasted window. Eating 6 or 2 meals within the feeding window is roughly the same.
I always being sceptic when it comes to evolution and what "our ancestors did" - because
#1 - Genes expression has evolved through time - their modulation directly influenced the whole body functioning. Did they need to eat 1g per lbm of proteins minimum as we do ?
#2- What is the point in going back to what our ancestors did ? The only real benefit so far seems to be the fasting, but I could be wrong0 -
Eating one big meal a day falls into the category of Intermittent Fasting. Theoretically, it's a much more natural way to eat. Caveman probably didn't snack every 2 hours. He ate big when the food was there. Also, theoretically, it's better for you body physiologically b/c diabetes (which is one of the major problems caused by obesity) is caused by insulin resistance. Regular fasting would likely prevent your insulin receptors from becoming resistant, whereas continued eating throughout the day may contribute to insulin resistance.
Notice that all this is theoretical. There have been some smaller studies looking at IF and the results are promising. We don't know whether there are any big differences compared to regular eating in the long run. Basically the jury is still out. The most important thing is definitely to find a diet that works for you. So if IF works, thats great. It's most likely not bad for you. But whether it's optimal is unknown.
Yup +1
What needs to be taken into consideration for the IF is not the meal partitionning, but the fasted window. Eating 6 or 2 meals within the feeding window is roughly the same.
I always being sceptic when it comes to evolution and what "our ancestors did" - because
#1 - Genes expression has evolved through time - their modulation directly influenced the whole body functioning. Did they need to eat 1g per lbm of proteins minimum as we do ?
#2- What is the point in going back to what our ancestors did ? The only real benefit so far seems to be the fasting, but I could be wrong
I often wonder why our ancestors are always used as the benchmark as to how we should eat. Is this our Neolithic ancestors who had a life expectancy of 20?0 -
I know I'm bumping an old thread, but I just had to ask:
The idea of only eating once a day just sounds miserable to me. So I've been trying to stick to a 3 meal diet, considering i like to eat.
But after speaking to my doctor, this is what he advised: (ie) if eating an entire sandwich makes you gain weight, then eat half the sandwich. if eating a grape gains, eat half the grape. I understand what he means, but I'm a small person and I can only have 1200 calories a day. So with that said, it's so easy to eat over that 1200 if I decide I want to have a 600 calorie burger with 400 calorie fries at my local burger place. Or a rack of ribs that I hadn't had in forever. Just for ONE meal. That leaves you feeling guilty, or restricting your other meals for the day, down to a cracker.
So just because a meal like that is so high, there ARE times where I prepare for it and only eat that one meal a day since I know what I'll be eating later.
Point is, (and I'm sure this goes for a lot of other people too), I feel deprived if I have three 300cal meals a day, since I obviously can't have the foods I love, in fear of going over the daily limit. So how can someone with limited caloric intake, continue to eat the foods they like, without depriving themselves for the rest of their life from foods we love?
The only way i see it, is by having that one yummy meal a day, just as long as you're within/under your calorie requirement. So I hope the one-a-day meal plan still works for people, since I tend to do it a lot. But of course, still retain a healthy pattern on the days where I DO have three meals a day.0 -
The idea of only eating once a day just sounds miserable to me.
So how can someone with limited caloric intake, continue to eat the foods they like, without depriving themselves for the rest of their life from foods we love?
The only way i see it, is by having that one yummy meal a day,
There IS an answer. In fact several...
1) Presumbably your 1200 limit is whilst you are on a diet - that's low but OK for a diet but once you have got down to your target weight then you need to increase your calories = extra food!
2) Increase your exercise (loads of other benefits in that too) Go for an hours run, go to a Zumba class, get on your bike or go for a swim. Increased calorie burn = extra food!
3) You only have 1200 calories (at the moment) because you're small - but you don't need to be. Start lifting heavy down the gym. You won't look bigger (VERY hard for a woman to look bulky, NO chance for someone petite) but your muscles will be bigger and heavier = extra food!0 -
Whats the point of it though? Is it the way you are going to eat forever? Do you spend all your time thinking about food, because I know thats what I would do, it would drive me nuts. If you are wanting to lose weight and make this a whole healthy lifestyle then I would suggest that one huge meal a day isnt sustainable and then the inevitable guilt if you happened to eat something else over the day.....0
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Yeah, he's also the same guy who commended HCG and other diet aids that are worthless. You need a better guidance person if he's your reference.As I said you will find people that say it doesn't matter and people that say it does. One person off the top of my head that says it does matter is Dr Oz. he says that if you are deprived of food for longer than 12 hours, your metabolic rate can lower by 40%.
So perhaps he's wrong? He's only a dr after all but who knows!
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
If you are also eating throughout the day, a big meal will not make a huge difference. Eat a small breakfast, a big lunch, and a small dinner. I wouldn't recommend just eating one meal a day because your body will think it's starving and hang onto calories and fat. Be sure to eat within 45mins to 1 hour of waking up so your metabolism will start up.0
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I practice intermittent fasting so I regularly have one large meal (or 5 small meals all between about 4-9pm, depending on the day). I have been losing plenty of weight (keeping calories constant on average) and certainly haven't had any metabolic issues. (I've been losing 2 lbs/ week for several months).
It works better in my lifestyle and I like the freedom of occasionally have a very calorie dense meal.0 -
Nope. Nor did I say I was. Just relating what I read. Is there scientific evidence that eating one meal a day is a good thing?I don't know. I'm not a doctor or a nutritionist.
Here's what I do remember reading:
they did a study where they gave rats the rat equivalent of a big mac value meal. Some rats got that fat/carbs/protein etc spread over a whole day, some rats got it in one meal.
The rats who got the fat/carbs/protein spread over a day were okay, the ones who got a rat equivalent of a big mac value meal in one MEAL had higher cholesterol and gained weight.
dunno
But it doesn't seem healthy, or sustainable to me.
You are not a rat.
I have that article, and a very very very fat friend who eats one very large meal a day. I don't know of any research or anecdotal evidence that suggests it's healthy for 2012 humans.
and I have one VERY underweight friend that eats just one meal a day and has for the last 40 years and had no medical problems, takes no medications. Anyone can cite anecdotal evidence.0 -
If you are also eating throughout the day, a big meal will not make a huge difference. Eat a small breakfast, a big lunch, and a small dinner. I wouldn't recommend just eating one meal a day because your body will think it's starving and hang onto calories and fat. Be sure to eat within 45mins to 1 hour of waking up so your metabolism will start up.
Your metabolism actually starts up before you wake up. Your liver will produce an increase in glucose so you have the energy to get up and moving in the morning.0 -
There are several studies, as well as historical record. Humans ate one meal a day (or less) for the entire history of the human race, up until about the mid 1700's.
Nope. Nor did I say I was. Just relating what I read. Is there scientific evidence that eating one meal a day is a good thing?I don't know. I'm not a doctor or a nutritionist.
Here's what I do remember reading:
they did a study where they gave rats the rat equivalent of a big mac value meal. Some rats got that fat/carbs/protein etc spread over a whole day, some rats got it in one meal.
The rats who got the fat/carbs/protein spread over a day were okay, the ones who got a rat equivalent of a big mac value meal in one MEAL had higher cholesterol and gained weight.
dunno
But it doesn't seem healthy, or sustainable to me.
You are not a rat.
I have that article, and a very very very fat friend who eats one very large meal a day. I don't know of any research or anecdotal evidence that suggests it's healthy for 2012 humans.0 -
I've always heard by eating only one meal a day, your metabolism isn't working as hard, slows down and thus your weight loss slows.
I'm sure you can find some people that say it doesn't matter and some that say it does. You said it didn't work last week, so if it doesn't work this week, I'd probably change it up.
And how the heck can you eat that much food in one sitting? I mean if it's healthy food, that's a whole lot of food to eat at one sitting.
Your metabolism does not change because you are eating like that. I mean when I sleep I rip through 1k calories, 8+ hours of no food and I am killing calories when not awake.
As I said you will find people that say it doesn't matter and people that say it does. One person off the top of my head that says it does matter is Dr Oz. he says that if you are deprived of food for longer than 12 hours, your metabolic rate can lower by 40%.
So perhaps he's wrong? He's only a dr after all but who knows!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
You ARE trolling, right?
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:0 -
IF (intermittent fasting) works really well for some people, and for others it doesn't. Not because of this notion that you need to eat 10 small meals a day or anything like that. Just that we're all different. Some women can have a hard time with IF:
http://www.paleoforwomen.com/shattering-the-myth-of-fasting-for-women-a-review-of-female-specific-responses-to-fasting-in-the-literature/
http://breakingmuscle.com/nutrition/train-man-eat-woman
http://civilizedcavemancooking.com/reviews/how-intermittent-fasting-saved-mewhile-slowly-killing-me/
And for other women, it works great:
http://www.benbruno.com/2012/02/intermittent-fasting-for-women/
I think Martin Berkhan from Leangains recommends women do a 14hr fast, (eating window is 10 hrs) which if you think about it, isn't that long. Finish eating dinner at 7pm, don't eat anything until 9am the next morning? That's not crazy or "bad" as far as I'm concerned.0 -
A long time ago, I did this for about a year and a half. It seemed to run its course for effectiveness and near the end I felt like I was eating the same as my dog. I did lose weight on it though; however, I question the sustainability for me personally and in addition my lifestyle changed. I enjoy having something with company.0
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Which is weird because we feed pets usually one time a day. And they do just fine.A long time ago, I did this for about a year and a half. It seemed to run its course for effectiveness and near the end I felt like I was eating the same as my dog. I did lose weight on it though; however, I question the sustainability for me personally and in addition my lifestyle changed. I enjoy having something with company.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Is eating 6 times a day actually more sustainable than eating once? Maybe if you didn't have a busy schedule you could plan 6 meals a day but that doesn't seem practical for some as you'd spend every 2 hours thinking about your next meal.0
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Is eating 6 times a day actually more sustainable than eating once? Maybe if you didn't have a busy schedule you could plan 6 meals a day but that doesn't seem practical for some as you'd spend every 2 hours thinking about your next meal.
Would you? I don't just comes completely natural.
Wake up, have breakfast - 300 calories
10oc or 11oc, teabreak, have a mid morning snack - 300 calories
Lunch 400 calories
Mid afternoon snack - 300 calories
Dinner - 500 calories
Supper - 300 calories
6 meals - 2000 ish calories
I'm eating when most people are eating, completely practical. Just need to ensure your snacks and meals are healthy0 -
I've always heard by eating only one meal a day, your metabolism isn't working as hard, slows down and thus your weight loss slows.
There are absolutely no studies to show that metabolism slows down because of this at all. Meal timing and frequency make no difference in overall average daily metabolism. The eat frequently to stoke your metabolism stuff is a myth that never had any research based evidence, but was solely based on a misrepresentation of how the thermic effect of food works.
Eat in the way that works for you and helps you stay at your calorie goal. For some that is small frequent meals. For others it is few large meals.0
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