How calories are spread through the day - does it matter?

cindyyap2001
cindyyap2001 Posts: 2 Member
edited November 30 in Health and Weight Loss
Does anyone have any advice on whether how and when calories are consumed makes a difference? For instance, if I consume most of my calories at lunch, is that OK?

Replies

  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    It doesn't matter
  • Wynterbourne
    Wynterbourne Posts: 2,235 Member
    edited March 2016
    When you consume your calories doesn't matter at all.
  • saragflint
    saragflint Posts: 2 Member
    I have a question, I do Zumba in the evenings and feel great when I get home but dont have dinner before I go, I tried once before and I almost got sick and a crappy workout. Would I be better to have a shakeology for dinner instead of a meal? Its usually close to 7:45 before I get to eat.
  • rankinsect
    rankinsect Posts: 2,238 Member
    edited March 2016
    Meal timing doesn't matter, with a few caveats:

    1. If you're a very serious athlete, it can make a difference (particularly on long endurance events like cycling tours).
    2. If you find yourself more/less likely to overeat depending on meal timing, the overeating makes a difference,
    3. If you have some medical conditions, like type 1 diabetes or heartburn, meal timing can play a role in managing the issues.
  • DonaldBlinks
    DonaldBlinks Posts: 55 Member
    edited March 2016
    rankinsect wrote: »
    Meal timing doesn't matter, with a few caveats:

    1. If you're a very serious athlete, it can make a difference (particularly on long endurance events like cycling tours).
    2. If you find yourself more/less likely to overeat depending on meal timing, the overeating makes a difference,
    3. If you have some medical conditions, like type 1 diabetes or heartburn, meal timing can play a role in managing the issues.

    This.

    I think #2 is a big deal for a lot of people. You have to find your own personal sweet spot for meal timing. Like some people swear that "you MUST eat breakfast to lose weight!" and for them, it's totally true because skipping a meal at that time causes them to overeat at lunch. But there's no blanket timing that works for everyone. You need to figure out what works for you.
  • bellabonbons
    bellabonbons Posts: 705 Member
    According to the registered dietician I consult with the body doesn't care what time you eat. I love France. Dinner is often as late as 9 PM.
  • itsthehumidity
    itsthehumidity Posts: 351 Member
    For most intents and most purposes, it doesn't matter. If you're into lifting weights seriously, and you have your calories, macros, and micros well in order, then you can start to consider nutrient timing (mostly pre/post workout nutrition).

    We're not talking a lot of people here. I lift much heavier weights than most and don't bother with that very much.
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    saragflint wrote: »
    I have a question, I do Zumba in the evenings and feel great when I get home but dont have dinner before I go, I tried once before and I almost got sick and a crappy workout. Would I be better to have a shakeology for dinner instead of a meal? Its usually close to 7:45 before I get to eat.
    Eat whenever is most comfortable for you.

  • saragflint
    saragflint Posts: 2 Member
    Thanks RodaRose.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    It doesn't matter...logically, why would it?
  • BoomstickChik
    BoomstickChik Posts: 149 Member
    I'd say no. I have small breakfast and lunch, larger dinner, and generally my only snack before bed.

    As long as you stick to daily/weekly goals, it shouldn't matter for weight loss.
  • cindyyap2001
    cindyyap2001 Posts: 2 Member
    Thanks team :)
This discussion has been closed.

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