Budgeting Daily Calorie Intake

triheart
triheart Posts: 22 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Most days, I eat roughly 200-300 calories every few hours, totaling 1200 per day. This seems to work well for me - I normally make pretty healthy choices, and I never go hungry (or overly full for that matter).

But, some days, I sort of save my calories for one big meal, which means I eat less the rest of the day (and, again, I typically don't go hungry because that one big meal fills me up so much). I don't do that real often, but the choices for the one meal, although within my calorie limits, are typically not as healthy. I find that when I do this, I feel bloated and guilty as if I blew my diet, yet MFP praises me at the end of the day for staying within my calorie goal.

I understand there is more to weight loss than just calories, and the big meals probably are higher in fat, carbs, sodium, etc. My question is though, as far as weight loss goes (or even just maintaining my weight), does it matter if I'm eating a bunch at once or little by little during the day?

Thank you in advance for your feedback!!

Replies

  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    It doesn't matter. Eat whenever you want.
  • kendraleigh88
    kendraleigh88 Posts: 77
    I save my calories for the weekend, too! I always wondered if it mattered that I'd eat a burger and stayed under my daily goal!
  • 2hobbit1
    2hobbit1 Posts: 820 Member
    If it fits your macros go for it. Timing of meals is a personal choice and what ever works for you. Not everyone eats at timed intervals all day long. Some eat larger meals in a shorter time window, some average calories over the week.

    Just find what works for you and that you can continue long term.

    Have you checked out the intermittent fasting group? Its always interesting to see other ways of distributing calories and how they work/or don't for different folks.
  • AllTehBeers
    AllTehBeers Posts: 5,030 Member
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/529002-a-compliation-on-meal-frequency?hl=compliation+meal+frequency

    This is a great read on meal timing. When or how much you eat at one time has little affect on weight loss.
  • vabchloser
    vabchloser Posts: 223 Member
    My doctor said, "A calorie is a calorie." Then went on to say that the nutrient value is what is important. Of course this is obvious. But if you're eating healthy mostly, then every few days want to spend your calories on a big meal, my personal opinion is that is okay.

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