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Meal timing

missiontofitness
missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
edited November 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Legit question.
So I see a back and forth on here occasionally about how meal timing does/does not matter.

I would really like to get some information on people's perspective on this, and any studies/information that you've found along the way. Since I see this argument/debate happen so sporadically, I'd really like to see everything in one place.

For people who think it does: when does one's body "turn back on", and what information supports the timing of eating for weight loss success?

For people who think it doesn't: why doesn't it matter, and what information supports the theory that the timing of eating does not influence weight loss success?

I will be waiting.
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Replies

  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    edited December 2014
    auntrhon66 wrote: »
    The body never shuts off or on...really...why would you think that?

    Did you not read my original post? I never said I believed that.
    I've seen arguments saying that you don't burn calories overnight ("shut off"), while others say it doesn't matter.

    I also asked for studies as well. I want people to voice their opinions on the matter with the information and studies that helped guide them to that opinion.

    (Edit: Looks like they deactivated.)
  • paperpudding
    paperpudding Posts: 9,394 Member
    I am in the it doesn't matter team.

    I have no studies but I cannot see how CICO could be affected by meal timing.

    If you consume x amount of calories you will lose/maintain/gain weight regardless of when in the day or night you consume them.
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    paperpudding wrote: »
    I am in the it doesn't matter team.

    I have no studies but I cannot see how CICO could be affected by meal timing.

    If you consume x amount of calories you will lose/maintain/gain weight regardless of when in the day or night you consume them.

    Here we go.
    I'm also personally in this boat as well. I generally go by a weekly deficit, rather than worrying about my daily deficit and when I time my meals. Otherwise, I don't know what I would do about that 2AM guacamole I ate tonight.

  • SativaMad
    SativaMad Posts: 171 Member
    Personal preference is just getting in your daily macro needs.. I have days where i eat every 2-3 hours and i have days where i eat as im hungry, as long as all my meals are consumed before the end of the day i am happy and my body seems to be happy too.

    Experimenting with ones body is the best way to find out what really works..
  • sheldonklein
    sheldonklein Posts: 854 Member
    I've only been on these boards a month or so, and there have been at least a half dozen threads on it. And it may be the one topic that I don't recall being debated. Everyone agrees it doesn't matter, apart from individual hunger patterns.
  • Lourdesong
    Lourdesong Posts: 1,492 Member
    edited December 2014
    I think it all comes out in the wash. Not eating after 6:00pm (or whatever) just creates a greater fasting period before a morning weigh-in, whatever greater weightloss achieved from doing that is likely illusory. I'd need a parallel universe to know for sure, though.
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    auntrhon66 wrote: »
    missiontofitness wrote: »
    auntrhon66 wrote: »
    The body never shuts off or on...really...why would you think that?

    Did you not read my original post? I never said I believed that.
    I've seen arguments saying that you don't burn calories overnight ("shut off"), while others say it doesn't matter.

    I also asked for studies as well. I want people to voice their opinions on the matter with the information and studies that helped guide them to that opinion.

    (Edit: Looks like they deactivated.)

    I'm still here...YOUR BODY DOESNT EVER SHUT DOWN UNLESS YOUR DEAD.

    Can you please reread my previous post?
    I'm not saying I believe that. There's no need to continue focusing on the wording I chose.
  • empireman85
    empireman85 Posts: 114 Member
    The main concept of consume less than you burn would also figure timing of food intake doesn't matter. Eat all your calories at noon or midnight and be done as long as you are in a deficit you will lose weight.

    For myself spacing my food out over the day makes a big difference in hunger levels. My problem is in the evening. I eat every three to four hours since that is what works best for me. Breakfast lunch and dinner are bigger than morning afternoon and evening snacks. Generally. Life doesn't always fit that timeframe but it's what works best for me.
  • abatonfan
    abatonfan Posts: 1,120 Member
    It doesn't matter in terms of energy metabolism, but I found that having my meals at specific times based on my activities for the day (What classes do I have? Do I have a late night lab?) helps me more effectively control my blood sugars and prevent hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
  • kweaverjr
    kweaverjr Posts: 2
    The only timing I worry about is making sure I don't get hungry. Once I do my impulse control goes out the window and I'll eat everything in sight. I make a point to eat every two or three hours, but I'll do it sooner if I feel an impulse coming on. Better to eat the turkey sandwich an hour early than to lose it completely and hit the drive through.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    edited December 2014
    I think the idea that you shouldn't eat after a certain point came about because the metabolism does slow down when you sleep. All of your body functions do. This doesn't mean that food not metabolized when you sleep gets put on as fat, it just is part of the cycle of fast and slow metabolism that is daily living. You may slow down when sleeping, but you speed up as soon as you wake. Your body sends out hormones to wake you up and get you ready for the day so your metabolism starts speeding up before you are even awake and eating again. Sometimes they are a little overproductive and actually cause a spike in blood glucose first thing in the morning with no food eaten (the "dawn syndrome" that some diabetics get).

    It is all about averages. Pick any 24 hour period (or 72 hours, or a week) and you will have highs and lows but the averages turn out to be pretty similar no matter when or how often you eat. The only thing that makes a difference is how much you eat and how it balances with how much energy you spend.
This discussion has been closed.

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