Huge dinner you can't avoid. Should you skip lunch?

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Replies

  • 8Sam12
    8Sam12 Posts: 61
    I'd probably eat less/low cal but not nothing. For example, I'd have a salad and a small portion of protein for lunch and an apple as a snack later, that'd be maybe 200-300 cal, leaving you plenty of calories for dinner but won't leave you starving.
  • If it's a rare occasion then I might eat LIGHTER during the day but I would definitely not skip meals to fit something in. I'd be cranky, miserable, and wind up eating waaay too much.
  • JJordon
    JJordon Posts: 857 Member
    Eat healthy before you go. Box up what you don't eat, toss or eat if you feel like later.
  • russellma
    russellma Posts: 284 Member
    You have 3 choices: 1. Eat lunch and an afternoon snack, that way you won't be as hungry at dinner; 2. Do a massive workout so you have the extra calories or 3. (my favorite) ENJOY YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!! It comes around once a year, one day won't completely throw you off course.

    BTW: Happy Birthday.

    Yes! This!

    The whole point of losing is to become healthy and not be a slave to food so that you can enjoy LIFE. It takes 3500 calories to equal a lb., so I don't think you're going to blow anything with one meal. If you're not able to work it into your day's allowance, you can make up for the extra calories over the next day or two by eating a little less or working out a little more. The only way there would be a problem is if you don't get back on track after you enjoy it! Happy birthday! :)
  • julianpoutram
    julianpoutram Posts: 331 Member
    By starving yourself all day, you are setting yourself up to gorge at dinner. One calorie dense meal won't make you fat, the same as how one very healthy meal won't make you thin. You should eat how you normally would, and then at dinner make a healthy dinner choice. Get a salad, or some grilled protein or something. Make it clear to your parents that you are working towards a healthy lifestyle. Oh, and enjoy the damn cake. It's your birthday.

    They pitch a fit if I get a salad when I go out, and I know I'll hear the "but it's your birthday!" excuse. Considering they're paying for the meal, I'd feel bad about insisting on it. I usually get around this by checking out the menu's nutritional information beforehand, and getting something that's healthy that doesn't sound like "rabbit food".

    Thank you for the grilled chicken suggestion! It's what I usually go for. And yeah....as much as I'll regret it later, I'm looking forward to that cake. If I remember correctly, it's to die for. XD

    People are bit annoying like that. They don't seem to understand that some of us have to work hard to control our calorie intake. It doesn't come natural to everyone! Don't let them bully you! Do what you want and tell them to shut it! Even if they are your friends! :)
  • meredith1123
    meredith1123 Posts: 843 Member
    I tend to over eat at lunch time so its very often i skip dinner. It works for me, but i always make sure to get a snack in at dinner so that i am not 'starving my body' so to speak.

    anyway - if it works for you - it works for you. I think some nay'rs will go against it but whatever....
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    Happy Birthday! Enjoy yourself with the people you love, whatever you decide to do.
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    Just eat and enjoy. It's one meal that you really want. Write it off and start fresh the next day.

    Happy birthday! =)
  • carolyn000000
    carolyn000000 Posts: 179 Member
    Fitnessblender.com 1000 calorie epic workout
  • Contrarian
    Contrarian Posts: 8,138 Member
    I think you're overthinking this. It's just one day. You are allowed to enjoy yourself. Happy birthday!
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I don't have many food rules, and this is my most important rule: Don't count calories on your birthday.

    It's one day. You (most likely) can't consume enough calories in one day to undo the rest of the week. And even if you do, so what? You'll have one week you might not lose weight. Enjoy the cake, enjoy the food, enjoy the food coma you get from eating so much, and have a happy happy birthday.
  • xampx
    xampx Posts: 323 Member
    Happy Birthday! Its my birthday next week too.

    I will be eating out Tuesday (healthy choice main, but followed by a huge piece of cake) and again Saturday (unhealthy main, various sides, probably no dessert but maybe some chocolate). The other days I will eat well, balanced, and within my goal. And I will do an hour of cardio Mon through Thursday too.

    I am confident that I will still lose a lb or 2.

    Enjoy the day, these things are going to come up and they will not wreck months of hard work and healthy eating.
  • Freidon
    Freidon Posts: 169 Member
    I guess the main reason I was so nervous was because I've hit a plateau this last month. And ever since I upped my intake a little and started doing weights, I've been craving like a madwoman.

    I'll go ahead and have some tuna and coffee, to tide me over. Once again, thanks everyone! I used to be able to skip meals no problem, but now binging is definitely a possibility...
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    Just enjoy your birthday and thank your parents. Don't trip! You will be fine! One day of eating large will NOT set you back.
  • michelle7673
    michelle7673 Posts: 370 Member
    In fact, the splurge might bust the plateau....wouldn't that be great?
    Happy birthday!
    PS -- Lorina, I LOVE that rule.
  • metaphoria
    metaphoria Posts: 1,432 Member
    This kind of thing will happen at least once a year for the rest of your life. Eat a slice of cake, enjoy your dinner but don't eat until you feel sick.
  • kluvit
    kluvit Posts: 435 Member
    Happy Birthday!

    Order what you want. Eat half, and take the other half home. Enjoy the cake, and work out tomorrow!
  • avababy05
    avababy05 Posts: 930 Member
    You'll eat way more if you skip meals altogether.Eat something light.

    You can make better choices if you not starving.

    But have some birthday cake.
  • ottermotorcycle
    ottermotorcycle Posts: 654 Member
    ... Wait a second... you guys didn't know?

    Calories don't count on your BIRTHDAY.
    They really don't! Pig out and tell me they count. Tell me you didn't deserve the chance to celebrate.
    Just get back on it tomorrow and TADAA - it's like it never even happened! Birthday magic!
  • Cyclingbonnie
    Cyclingbonnie Posts: 413 Member
    First ... enjoy your slice of cake ... Your birthday is the very definition of special occasion and don't worry about it. I would log it however. Now as to what you would like to eat for dinner. It is you birthday eat what you want to eat, not what your parents want you to eat. If you want to eat healthy on your birthday eat healthy. I know your parents love you and want you to have a wonderful time on your birthday. Oooo and aahh over your grilled chicken ... next year they will give you grilled chicken because you liked it this year :wink:
  • hutchy100
    hutchy100 Posts: 103 Member
    One day wont hurt you, enjoy yourself if you are worried say burn a extra bit off each day at the gym
  • ThisGirl2013
    ThisGirl2013 Posts: 220 Member
    I just have salad without the dressing. It tides you over and is like no cal almost! :)
  • never124get
    never124get Posts: 163
    Oh, and enjoy the damn cake. It's your birthday.


    ^^Yepp yepp.
  • FitBlackChick
    FitBlackChick Posts: 215 Member
    How many times a year does a birthday happen? Enjoy yourself, just be reasonable of course. Limit yourself to one slice of cake, and take half of your dinner home in a bag.
  • Natihilator
    Natihilator Posts: 1,778 Member
    I had fruit and yogurt for breakfast, had a great workout, a protein smoothie for lunch, and a big-*kitten* delicious Italian meal (and dessert!) for dinner.

    Worked out great for me, and my birthday isn't for another 2 weeks.