How should I portion my calories throughout the day?

nope, totally doesn't matter. it is all personal preference. weight loss has nothing to do with the time of day you eat - it is all about the calorie deficit.

Whichever way makes it sustainable and easy for you.

Try not to eat after about 7:30

mrsnattybulking wrote: »

Panda8ach wrote: »

Try not to eat after about 7:30

why

some people might have digestive issues when they eat too close to bedtime, but that would be the only reason not to eat after a certain time of the day.

Panda8ach wrote: »

Try not to eat after about 7:30

whoops I broke that rule last night...approx. 1300 cal at 9pm and down 1lb this morning...

I changed the name of my meals to time periods (6-10am, 10-12, 2-6 and 6-10). I have a specific amount of calories assigned to each 4 hour window. It's better for me to have 4 goal periods each day and try to meet my calorie goal for that time period. It took some trial and error to figure out what time periods and calories totals and what ratios of carbs protein and fats were right for me. It might work for you.

limeysss wrote: »

Muscleflex79 wrote: »

nope, totally doesn't matter. it is all personal preference. weight loss has nothing to do with the time of day you eat - it is all about the calorie deficit.

Currently because of my work schedule, I skip breakfast (I feel sick every morning until about 11 my entire life) eat a small lunch around ~200 calories between 11 and 1, and consume the rest of my calories after 4 and with dinner. Is this ok?

Yes, this is okay.

snickerscharlie wrote: »

limeysss wrote: »

mrsnattybulking wrote: »

True. OP if you have digestive issues preventing you from sleep/being uncomfortable at night because of late eating then definitely eat earlier but if you're asking for any perceived benefit to weight loss; there is absolutely none.

Nope! I was wondering if my metabolism would be less efficient by not eating all day, and then suddenly eating most of my calories. Idk how "starvation mode" works, but I've heard of it and wanted to make sure my body wasn't slowing down fat burning to conserve energy or something. It's something friends of mine mentioned but didn't have any solid advice or explanation to give me about it.

That's because it's hooey.

+1

I normally eat approx 250 for breakfast, 350 lunch and 500 dinner. Absolute approx, no real plan just what tends to happen the rest of my calories come from snacks/milk in a couole coffees. Today, randomly, I skipped breakfast altogether but ate 200-300 snacks/meals every couple of hours from 1100 onwards and feel like I've eaten tons but actually feel more hungry this evening (I don't normally feel hungry at all).

I don't really make any plans, especially being on mat leave there's less structure to my days so less food routine. Find what works best for you but just remember the bottom line is the total calories is what's important. When, what or how they're consumed is of far less value to weigtloss.

One thing i do do though is bunch a couple days together if I know i have a social event.. so one day may look over and one under but I know overall I've stayed within my goals.

deannalfisher wrote: »

Arleigh7 wrote: »

Actually I somewhat disagree. Yes it's all about the calorie deficit but how and what you eat can help or hurt you.
For instance - don't skip breakfast! Make sure you get protein and fats and not just carbs. Eating in the morning will accelerate your metabolism (ie help you burn more calories) AND reduce cravings and give you more energy.

There are studies that say eating smaller meals throughout the day also help keep your metabolism high and at the same time keep your cravings down. Also eating within 30 minutes of working out has shown to help you repair / rebuild your body after a tough workout.

But my best learning has been to eat breakfast even when I'm not hungry. It helps me stay to the plan for the entire day.

Best of luck!

nope science doesn't support this (hint, I can also find a study that says not eating in the morning is good for me) - your metabolism is a continuous burn during the day, you don't need to accelerate it

I find eating in the am actually causes me to having more cravings later in the day and I tend to have an early morning slump - which counters pretty much everything you said

100% agree and avoid eating too early for this very reason. I am in way better control if my first meal comes later than earlier after waking. I too, tend to have less cravings and desire to mindlessly eat if calorie consumption starts later. Ive never quite been sure if its reliable information when it comes to 'speeding up' metabolism, in any way.

Agree with others that timing is utterly irrelevant.

I tend to start my day with black coffee but otherwise skip breakfast entirely. If I know I'm going to struggle to fit my calories in for the day (like on a day I have a big cardio session planned or a class at the gym) I'll eat at break time. Otherwise most of my calories for the day are consumed in one big block at lunch.

I tend to save 1-200 calories for treat things in the evening. Today it was gin.

Whenever you want. Just ensure it is a timeframe that is sustainable for you. If you are happy with your current timing don't change it. Eat within your calorie goal and profit.