Which is worse...

Timing doesn't matter at all - eat for your activity and energy levels.

We're you hungry when you ate it? Apple and peanut butter sound super yummy ! Sometimes when I get hit with a late night craving I will spread some peanut butter on a tortilla with a banana and a small sprinkling of mini chocolate chips! It makes me feel like I'm eating some sweet dessert and fills me up. That and lots of water...

I wondered about this myself. I get so hungry around bedtime, so I try to keep hard boiled eggs or plain yogurt handy. That old wives tale about eating before bed still haunts me.

You need to net at least 1200 a day.

rbratt06 wrote: »

Not eating enough calories in a day or eating (healthy) snacks late at night to make up for it? I ran into that scenario the other night (I was 200 calories down) and wasn't sure what to do, so I just ate an apple and some crackers with peanut butter on it.

Always looking for more friends and support! Add me!
CW: 212 lbs
GW: 145 lbs

Being under now and then isn't a big deal, but making a habit of it can be a bad thing, because losing weight too quickly can lead to loss of lean muscle along with fat.
As far as eating snacks, it doesn't matter what you eat, or what time you eat, as long as your macros or met and you are not exceeding your calorie goals.

rbratt06 wrote: »

I should clarify that I had only eaten 800 calories that day. When I tried to submit my food diary, MFP said that I should at least eat 1,000/day. My typical goal is 1200/day and I try to stay under it.

Why would you only eat 800 calories a day? Not only is that dangerous, but you're missing out on vital nutrients.

Just a question but do you weigh your food on a food scale? If you don't then you could be eating more than you think since eyeballing & measuring cups can be off by a great amount.

You should find a way to eat that will be sustainable for life & not just in a way that will get you to your goal weight. Can you honestly see yourself eating 800 calories for the rest of your life?

I used to weigh around 300 pounds & now I hover around 160-163 & I never ate below 1,200 to lose weight with the exception of the stomach bug.

I recommend you read some of the stickies in the general discussion.

I don't think it matters WHEN but rather WHAT you eat? It's definitely worse to eat a lesser amount of calories than you should per day and you said that you had eaten 800 calories that day? That's a dangerously low amount but I think making up for it by eating more in the next day or so should be fine...

Sometimes I eat way lesser than I should just because I lose my appetite so I make up for it by eating more (100 cals or so) the next day...

Healthy snacks at night are perfectly fine though. I usually eat a banana and a cracker or two at around 2 AM because that's a few hours after my workouts are done :P

rbratt06 wrote: »

kellyjellybellyjelly wrote: »

rbratt06 wrote: »

I should clarify that I had only eaten 800 calories that day. When I tried to submit my food diary, MFP said that I should at least eat 1,000/day. My typical goal is 1200/day and I try to stay under it.

Why would you only eat 800 calories a day? Not only is that dangerous, but you're missing out on vital nutrients.

Just a question but do you weigh your food on a food scale? If you don't then you could be eating more than you think since eyeballing & measuring cups can be off by a great amount.

You should find a way to eat that will be sustainable for life & not just in a way that will get you to your goal weight. Can you honestly see yourself eating 800 calories for the rest of your life?

I used to weigh around 300 pounds & now I hover around 160-163 & I never ate below 1,200 to lose weight with the exception of the stomach bug.

I recommend you read some of the stickies in the general discussion.

No, I never eat that low of calories. I just had a hectic day that day and didn't eat very much because I was so busy running around doing errands. Hopefully, that was a one-time fluke! But, no I don't have a food scale. I really should invest in one, huh?

Yep. Also, read the first post of this thread for more good advice: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here

rbratt06 wrote: »

kellyjellybellyjelly wrote: »

rbratt06 wrote: »

I should clarify that I had only eaten 800 calories that day. When I tried to submit my food diary, MFP said that I should at least eat 1,000/day. My typical goal is 1200/day and I try to stay under it.

Why would you only eat 800 calories a day? Not only is that dangerous, but you're missing out on vital nutrients.

Just a question but do you weigh your food on a food scale? If you don't then you could be eating more than you think since eyeballing & measuring cups can be off by a great amount.

You should find a way to eat that will be sustainable for life & not just in a way that will get you to your goal weight. Can you honestly see yourself eating 800 calories for the rest of your life?

I used to weigh around 300 pounds & now I hover around 160-163 & I never ate below 1,200 to lose weight with the exception of the stomach bug.

I recommend you read some of the stickies in the general discussion.

No, I never eat that low of calories. I just had a hectic day that day and didn't eat very much because I was so busy running around doing errands. Hopefully, that was a one-time fluke! But, no I don't have a food scale. I really should invest in one, huh?

Ah, ok that's understandable.

I definitely would recommend getting a food scale & feel that's one of the best 'diet' related tool I have got since losing weight. I have one that measures in grams, ounces, & pounds & use it everyday. I find it's helpful with things like cereal, peanut butter, ice cream, & other foods that are easy to overeat & go over the correct portion size.

I would also recommend to think of some good snacks to take when you're on the go so you can have something to nibble on when you can't eat a proper meal. Maybe something like beef jerky, nuts, protein bar, cereal, granola, etc.

rbratt06 wrote: »

I should clarify that I had only eaten 800 calories that day. When I tried to submit my food diary, MFP said that I should at least eat 1,000/day. My typical goal is 1200/day and I try to stay under it.

You're not doing it right. The minimum you should be eating is 1200, that is your base and already includes your deficit. Additionally, you earn more through exercise. At 212 pounds, to eat under a 1000 is unhealthy, as your body isn't getting all the nutrients it needs. Eventually, your hair will start thinning or falling out and your nails will break off. It's not a great road to go down. Wouldn't you rather be healthy, still lose weight and have sustainability?