Help changing my perspective of weight loss

MFD7576
MFD7576 Posts: 271 Member
edited November 20 in Health and Weight Loss
Hey guys,

So today I have topic that MAY stir up some debate so if I may politely ask to just keep everything productive as I am merely pondering a random thought.

So when I was younger, I was told "Don't miss a meal, it will throw off your entire metabolism" which could very well just be an unproven wives-tale or could be a little true. With that being said, It was a matter of just eating proper portions, and ALWAYS eating breakfast (I never did) lol Other things I would hear are "Don't eat before you go to sleep, you'll gain more weight!" (My pretzel habits)

So progressing the years and getting in the NOW, as I start my weight loss information gathering, I find that it all merely comes calories in and calories out. Nothing about body modes, optimal fat burn stuff, just basic calories in and calories out. This means that if I skip breakfast, I have more calories for later, and if I have the macros for the night, I can eat as much as I want before I go to sleep.

Now, Im sure I was told not to skip breakfast merely because of the energy kick start for the day when I was younger, but hell I have coffee now for that! So what's your perception guys? Help me separate fact from crap

Replies

  • juggernaut1974
    juggernaut1974 Posts: 6,212 Member
    Your older self in this case is wiser.

    As long as you maintain an overall calorie deficit in the long term, you'll lose weight.

    Now, that said, some people find timing of eating helpful in fueling certain exercise or activities. But in terms of 'affecting your metabolism' or weight loss in general, it's immaterial.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
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  • jaga13
    jaga13 Posts: 1,149 Member
    It's really just about calories. However, you have to KNOW THYSELF above all else. If you're the type who can skip a meal and then keep the rest of your meals within your calorie budget, fine. If you know that skipping a meal will cause you to eat everything in sight later in the day, don't do that (that would be me).

    Eating before sleep is fine for weight loss IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH CALORIES LEFT. Evening snacks is where some people blow their budget. Evaluate if that is a problem for you, personally. If you don't have a problem with sticking to your budget while including night time eating, cool, do it.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    It's myths.

    The only thing that might happen if you skip a meal is being too hungry at the next one and overeating.
  • MFD7576
    MFD7576 Posts: 271 Member
    Francl27 wrote: »
    It's myths.

    The only thing that might happen if you skip a meal is being too hungry at the next one and overeating.

    so the whole "don't eat before you go to sleep" is a myth? Curious, Im sure the only other negative impact it COULD have it just making you feel groggy when you wake up, which it has.
  • alliesgettinghealthy
    alliesgettinghealthy Posts: 87 Member
    Lol I usually don't eat until dinner. So I start eating at around 6-7 p.m. and I continue until I started getting ready to go in to sleep. So usually until 9-10 p.m. I eat plenty and I've been loosing weight just fine. I say eat how you like to, whatever helps you meet your goals and maintain your energy levels.
  • MFD7576
    MFD7576 Posts: 271 Member
    alliesgettinghealthy wrote: »
    Lol I usually don't eat until dinner. So I start eating at around 6-7 p.m. and I continue until I started getting ready to go in to sleep. So usually until 9-10 p.m. I eat plenty and I've been loosing weight just fine. I say eat how you like to, whatever helps you meet your goals and maintain your energy levels.

    So wait, you don't eat breakfast or lunch? interesting idea haha Id probably need a small snake between the day
  • jaga13
    jaga13 Posts: 1,149 Member
    MFD7576 wrote: »
    Francl27 wrote: »
    It's myths.

    The only thing that might happen if you skip a meal is being too hungry at the next one and overeating.

    so the whole "don't eat before you go to sleep" is a myth? Curious, Im sure the only other negative impact it COULD have it just making you feel groggy when you wake up, which it has.

    Some people complain about heartburn or digestive issues at night, but otherwise it doesn't affect weight loss.
  • alliesgettinghealthy
    alliesgettinghealthy Posts: 87 Member
    MFD7576 wrote: »
    alliesgettinghealthy wrote: »
    Lol I usually don't eat until dinner. So I start eating at around 6-7 p.m. and I continue until I started getting ready to go in to sleep. So usually until 9-10 p.m. I eat plenty and I've been loosing weight just fine. I say eat how you like to, whatever helps you meet your goals and maintain your energy levels.

    So wait, you don't eat breakfast or lunch? interesting idea haha Id probably need a small snake between the day

    Nope, I just drink water and tea throughout the day. Honestly I just prefer a large dinner and additional snacks. I'll eat lunch if I go out for it, lol I wouldn't go to a restaurant and not eat. Occasionally on the weekends a family member will make lunch and I'll eat it. For the most part I haven't been eating it though. It makes it super easy if you unexpectedly go out for dinner! Lol
  • dubird
    dubird Posts: 1,849 Member
    Time of eating has no impact on weight, unless you eat too much or too little. If you don't like breakfast, don't have it. Some people can't start their day or will overeat at lunch without breakfast, so they have it. I usually have a fiber brownie because my blood sugar will start crashing before lunch if I don't, but it's accounted in my calories so it works.

    The key is to find out when YOU'RE hungry and when YOU feel like you need to eat. You might try some things that people say work for them, but if they don't work for you, that's fine. Everyone's different, and what works for one won't work for others. Try things out and find what eating schedule works for YOU, and go from there.
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    edited July 2015
    As far as weight loss is concerned, yeah grown up you is right. Lots of people do well with intermittent fasting, for example.

    As far as feeling good and fuelled throughout the day, it depends on how you feel. Personally I sometimes do wait to eat but I don't usually feel good when I wait too long. (Get headaches, etc.)

    The timing of food consumption may affect sleep/wake cycles (probably more so for people who already have other problems with sleep).
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