Better to eat late or not enough?

I agree, I think if you don't have a meal that is too heavy you will be okay. As long as it does not become an everyday thing. I also don't think that going under 1200 would be too stifling to your success if its once or twice a week.
I know how you feel though I'm also a student and fitting in when to eat and exercise with classes and studying gets to be a struggle sometimes.

I often have the same problem. If i'm barely below 1200 on my intake, I just ignore it. If I'm over 100 shy of it, I eat a snack, like a small bag of popcorn or an apple. I think eating right before bedtime can hinder wieght loss although I don't know of any scientific research to prove it (not that any doesn't exist).

Sensible eating at night is no issue at all. Do it!

I agree. If you're hungry, then eat. If you're not, then don't. Simples :happy:

i think if you had a banana or apple and some peanut butter or a handful of nuts, that is sensible enough before bed. If you eat like another dinner or something heavy, that might not be a good idea.

I'm always eating at night, sometimes as late as 1-2 am or even 3 am, i'm a night owl. So far I have lost 42 pounds in 12 weeks so I'm pretty sure it doesn't make a difference, just stay within your daily calorie limit. Last night I went out to dinner and only ate 1/2 of my burger, at around 1am I got hungry again and ate the other 1/2 and a yogurt. You should be fine eating at night, if your stomach is growling, then eat. I just add those calories after midnight as my new daily tally.

I prefer not to eat late as it affects my sleep. Conventional wisdom wouild also dictate that eating early in the day kick starts your metbolism.
You could easily increase your calories intake by adding a handfull of nuts to your breakfast. But as people have pointed out already, if you're not hungry in the evening don't worry about it too much.

I have the same issue. I have just been trying to eat a little bit more for breakfast, it takes a little tinkering to figure out how to get your calories in. If I eat later at night I gain...it's just that simple. So, move things around until you figure out how your body works best.

You should not eat 2-3 hours before going to sleep, even if you think you are eating sensibly. Yes, it can affect your weight loss because you do not burn as efficiently in your sleeping hours v. your waking hours. Try to eat a good, big breakfast before school and eat snacks throughout the day between classes. Also, during your lunch hour/break, eat something filling as well. Don't force yourself if you aren't hungry, but if you feel you need to eat something before bed, try some fruit or something very light. Make sure you are eating enough cals too, because 1200 might be too low, which will also hinder your weight loss. It may also cause weight gain if you don't have enough cals during the day.

+1 on eating a larger breakfast with protein, nuts, oats etc. Will keep you fuller longer and will clear out at least 400 cals of your day.

If you must eat before bed, lay-off the cereal, its sits around in you for a while making you feel heavier longer.

Eating late does not affect weight loss whatsoever. If anything eating late actually helps fat loss. Eat what you want, whatever time you want, just keep your calories where they need to be for the day.

Is that a scientific fact? Or are you just giving your opinion? I'm curious because there is some controversy over this issue. Like, I heard it's ok to eat after X o'clock, as longs as it isn't anything heavy. Just curious if anyone has anymore to add to this.