One big meal a day?

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  • RonSwanson66
    RonSwanson66 Posts: 1,150 Member
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    It is FINE to go longer than 3 hours between meals. Promise.

    But what is ideal?
    6 meals spread out works best over one huge feeding a day. Promise...lol

    I love how you make stuff up and never support your claims;

    Title
    Bellisle F et. al. Meal frequency and energy balance. Br J Nutr. (1997) 77 (Suppl 1):S57-70.

    Abstract
    Several epidemiological studies have observed an inverse relationship between people’s habitual frequency of eating and body weight, leading to the suggestion that a ‘nibbling’ meal pattern may help in the avoidance of obesity. A review of all pertinent studies shows that, although many fail to find any significant relationship, the relationship is consistently inverse in those that do observe a relationship.

    However, this finding is highly vulnerable to the probable confounding effects of post hoc changes in dietary patterns as a consequence of weight gain and to dietary under-reporting which undoubtedly invalidates some of the studies

    We conclude that the epidemiological evidence is at best very weak, and almost certainly represents an artefact. A detailed review of the possible mechanistic explanations for a metabolic advantage of nibbling meal patterns failed to reveal significant benefits in respect of energy expenditure.

    Although some short-term studies suggest that the thermic effect of feeding is higher when an isoenergetic test load is divided into multiple small meals, other studies refute this, and most are neutral. More importantly, studies using whole-body calorimetry and doubly-labelled water to assess total 24 h energy expenditure find no difference between nibbling and gorging. Finally, with the exception of a single study, there is no evidence that weight loss on hypoenergetic regimens is altered by meal frequency. We conclude that any effects of meal pattern on the regulation of body weight are likely to be mediated through effects on the food intake side of the energy balance equation.
  • Missjulesdid
    Missjulesdid Posts: 1,444 Member
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    It is FINE to go longer than 3 hours between meals. Promise.

    But what is ideal?
    6 meals spread out works best over one huge feeding a day. Promise...lol

    I love how you make stuff up and never support your claims;

    Title
    Bellisle F et. al. Meal frequency and energy balance. Br J Nutr. (1997) 77 (Suppl 1):S57-70.

    Abstract
    Several epidemiological studies have observed an inverse relationship between people’s habitual frequency of eating and body weight, leading to the suggestion that a ‘nibbling’ meal pattern may help in the avoidance of obesity. A review of all pertinent studies shows that, although many fail to find any significant relationship, the relationship is consistently inverse in those that do observe a relationship.

    However, this finding is highly vulnerable to the probable confounding effects of post hoc changes in dietary patterns as a consequence of weight gain and to dietary under-reporting which undoubtedly invalidates some of the studies

    We conclude that the epidemiological evidence is at best very weak, and almost certainly represents an artefact. A detailed review of the possible mechanistic explanations for a metabolic advantage of nibbling meal patterns failed to reveal significant benefits in respect of energy expenditure.

    Although some short-term studies suggest that the thermic effect of feeding is higher when an isoenergetic test load is divided into multiple small meals, other studies refute this, and most are neutral. More importantly, studies using whole-body calorimetry and doubly-labelled water to assess total 24 h energy expenditure find no difference between nibbling and gorging. Finally, with the exception of a single study, there is no evidence that weight loss on hypoenergetic regimens is altered by meal frequency. We conclude that any effects of meal pattern on the regulation of body weight are likely to be mediated through effects on the food intake side of the energy balance equation.

    I haven't read this entire thread, but I'd bet money that I can correctly identify the individual you quoted here. Believe it.
  • tnvolsfan74
    tnvolsfan74 Posts: 83 Member
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    Given the debate on the first page of comments....here is what I know from MY experience (no medical evidence or web-magic, just what I know from personal experience). I have battled my weight my entire life. In my very early 20s I had an eating discorder. Fast forward a few years...and I am back to battling my weight. I have lived on the "one big meal a day" plan on most days for a long time - except, there was no plan, that's just how I ate. Obviously, the weight remained and I gained even more over the years. When I first decided to tackle my weight issue, I started doing the 6 Week Body Makeover. This plan consists of 5-6 small meals a day. I dropped 30 pounds in no time and never went hungry - just the opposite actually, not being used to eating, I would have to force myself to eat on this plan.

    So, just from my experience, when I was eating 5-6 small meals a day is when I had the most success and the fastest results.

    How many calories were you logging with your previous failed attempt at "one meal per day"?

    Well, since it wasn't an "attempt" (again, no plan - just how I ate), I was not logging calories and this was over the course of years. And again, no scientific, medical, or web evidence involved...just noting MY experience. Currently I am not doing the 5-6 meals due to time constraints (eating that often and on plan 6WBMO, requires lots of preparation), but I can say that I did have more energy when I was eating more often and again, I saw results faster during that time. To each his own though - not trying to convert, just sharing.
  • maryd523
    maryd523 Posts: 661 Member
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    [/quote]
    Doing IF, it is ridiculously easy to maintain weight & actually hard to gain weight (which is something I would never have thought would happen to me a few years ago). So I like it :smile:
    [/quote]



    This strikes a chord with me, because for my entire adult life I have always just eaten when I get hungry, which happens to always be way late in the day. Lo and behold, never any weight problems whatsoever. I ate whatever I wanted and didn't think twice about it, and I always maintained a normal, healthy weight that looked good on me.

    Enter last fall. For some reason, I started getting up much earlier and eating breakfast. After a little while, I was hungry for breakfast, which was new. I didn't even notice the pounds creeping on, but creep on they did. I had never had to weigh myself and didn't even own a scale, so I was horrified as I realized I was gaining weight for the first time in my adult life.

    I'm not BLAMING breakfast, really. But for me, it really didn't work. Not only did I not feel any more energetic, but I would eat even more throughout the day. Currently, I don't think about or want food at all during the day.

    I didn't know what I have been doing is IF, but I do now. And now that I know it's perfectly healthy, I can let go of any nagging doubt or guilt and just be glad I have an eating pattern that works really well for me!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,670 Member
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    This is not a good idea, it wll drastically slow your metabolism, which will initially cause you to gain weight, and will causeyu to lose weight at a drastically slower rate. Plus once you start eating normally again, youill gaineight back, bcuz ur of ur slow metabolism, and your body storing fat. also your body needs fuel to run the day. think of your body like a car, you couldn't rip and run all day on an empty tank, with the intention to fill up at the end of the day. you wouldn't make it
    Will have to disagree here. There isn't scientific evidence to show this to be true.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,670 Member
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    I totally agree with you. I can' t see how anyone would lose weight by eating their total calories at dinner then 4 hrs later going to bed. In the night, yes your body is still burning calories, but at much slower rate primarily because you're at rest and no exercise is involved, and as such, it would precipitate weight gain.

    As for eating smaller meals spaced out during the day. I have always had the most success with doing this for weight training and weight management. Just ask any body builder how many meals they eat a day...most of them eat 6-8 meals a day and most personal trainers recommend this to keep the body's metabolism revved up.
    I ain't one of them! This is a myth. Studies have been done and debunked it. As for bodybuilders (I used to compete) the reason they eat so much is TO NOT LOSE WEIGHT. The muscle they have is very active and many bodybuilder keep trying to put on mass. To do that they eat calorie surplus. Most people here aren't trying to achieve that.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • poisongirl6485
    poisongirl6485 Posts: 1,487 Member
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    So much broscience!

    vqYuG.gif
  • songbyrdsweet
    songbyrdsweet Posts: 5,691 Member
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    It is FINE to go longer than 3 hours between meals. Promise.

    But what is ideal?
    6 meals spread out works best over one huge feeding a day. Promise...lol

    Um...you can't say 'promise' unless you're actually going to support it with something. I'm pretty sure I just illustrated exactly how that DOESN'T work best,
  • timingsands
    timingsands Posts: 83
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    My first day of trying the 24-hour IF. I ate dinner at 7 PM last night so won't be eating until 7 PM tonight. So far I'm fine, a little hungry but I'm sipping warm water to compensate.

    Seems I could mix this with spike/zig zag dieting. Anyone have any advice on this?
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
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    Seems I could mix this with spike/zig zag dieting. Anyone have any advice on this?

    My advice would be to not complicate things unless it will make a substantial difference. Unless you are already lean (haven't checked your stats so I have no idea) then it's very likely that you can just set up a steady intake and go with it. As long as you have an appropriate intake and "reasonable" macros you'll do just fine.


    I'd also consider 16/8 fasting since you're just starting this idea (give it a shot at some point).
  • timingsands
    timingsands Posts: 83
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    Seems I could mix this with spike/zig zag dieting. Anyone have any advice on this?

    My advice would be to not complicate things unless it will make a substantial difference. Unless you are already lean (haven't checked your stats so I have no idea) then it's very likely that you can just set up a steady intake and go with it. As long as you have an appropriate intake and "reasonable" macros you'll do just fine.


    I'd also consider 16/8 fasting since you're just starting this idea (give it a shot at some point).

    What's 16/8? noted about the zig zagging. If my weight still stalls while fasting twice a week (I'll try this for a month) I will consider doing Spike at the same time.

    Although if you think about it, if you fast three times a week that's already zigzagging calories anyway. I don't plan on consuming my MFP set value of 1380 in one sitting...
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
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    What's 16/8? noted about the zig zagging. If my weight still stalls while fasting twice a week (I'll try this for a month) I will consider doing Spike at the same time.

    Although if you think about it, if you fast three times a week that's already zigzagging calories anyway. I don't plan on consuming my MFP set value of 1380 in one sitting...

    16/8 is 16h fast 8h feed window. And yes, if you're doing 24h fasts a couple of times per week you're already zig-zagging.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
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    Nobody can tell me when to eat. I eat when I'm hungry and that's it. I don't follow any eating schedule.

    I agree completely. My life it scheduled enough. I'm not going to further complicate it by saying I must eat, or I can't eat, at any certain time.
  • fit4life1010
    fit4life1010 Posts: 12
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    It's a personal choice really. Do what is best for your body. The human body is far too complex for anyone to fully understand it honestly. I personally prefer to eat 5-6 meals throughout the day instead of all in one sitting because like others have said I feel the hunger pangs if I don't. I start getting lightheaded and lack the energy. I end up thinking about food the entire day instead of focusing on other things going on.

    But everyone is different and if you're eating enough calories for your body, then it should be fine. Your body goes into starvation mode when you don't eat enough (I've been there and done that).

    Some people like eating all their calories in one meal and some don't because it messes with their blood sugar level and the ability to focus and be energized. I don't even have set times I eat. I eat when I'm hungry (which happens to be every 3-4 hours in my case on most days). I listen to my body and that is the most important thing to do. Your body knows what it needs.
  • Gee45
    Gee45 Posts: 171
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    I'd rather eat several small meals a day and not get used to eating so much in one sitting. My digestive system does not like big meals at all. Plus I think I can eat more nutritiously eating small meals because I would be having a wider variety of foods.
    Sumo wrestlers usually eat once a day.
  • killagb
    killagb Posts: 3,280 Member
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    I'd rather eat several small meals a day and not get used to eating so much in one sitting. My digestive system does not like big meals at all. Plus I think I can eat more nutritiously eating small meals because I would be having a wider variety of foods.
    Sumo wrestlers usually eat once a day.
    Either way, it is only preference. As long as you're at or within your calorie goals, weight loss will continue to happen...one meal a day or eating one tiny meal per hour. Just because you eat more in one sitting doesn't mean it has to be one type of food and does not make it more nutritious by default. Preference...nothing more than that....zero effect on weight loss(unless one method causes you to eat too much, but that is still calories, not meal timing).
  • SoulNeedsBeauty
    SoulNeedsBeauty Posts: 154 Member
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    If you want to do it because you can not stop eating, I say it's a bad idea. You need to learn to let the food go. Do you live to eat? Or do you eat to live? Its up to you
  • killagb
    killagb Posts: 3,280 Member
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    If you want to do it because you can not stop eating, I say it's a bad idea. You need to learn to let the food go. Do you live to eat? Or do you eat to live? Its up to you
    Did you even read this post? Hmm. :huh:
  • Russellb97
    Russellb97 Posts: 1,057 Member
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    IMO the most important part of these studies on meal frequency is it allows us to eat the way we want.

    It's doesn't matter if we have 6 meals, 3 meals, or one meal. You can skip breakfast, you can eat right before bed.
    This is flippin liberating!

    Find your 24 hour calorie goal, and choose the way you want your meals structured.

    I too eat around 75& of my daily calories after 6pm, because I prefer to have a large dinner and I'm not hungry in the morning.
  • Russellb97
    Russellb97 Posts: 1,057 Member
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    I totally agree with you. I can' t see how anyone would lose weight by eating their total calories at dinner then 4 hrs later going to bed. In the night, yes your body is still burning calories, but at much slower rate primarily because you're at rest and no exercise is involved, and as such, it would precipitate weight gain.

    As for eating smaller meals spaced out during the day. I have always had the most success with doing this for weight training and weight management. Just ask any body builder how many meals they eat a day...most of them eat 6-8 meals a day and most personal trainers recommend this to keep the body's metabolism revved up.
    I ain't one of them! This is a myth. Studies have been done and debunked it. As for bodybuilders (I used to compete) the reason they eat so much is TO NOT LOSE WEIGHT. The muscle they have is very active and many bodybuilder keep trying to put on mass. To do that they eat calorie surplus. Most people here aren't trying to achieve that.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    They promote 6 meals a day because it's what we've been told for years. There are many thing most PT promote that are flat out wrong because the medical community is wrong. The textbooks are all out of date and full of bad information.

    I was just going to say this, bodybuilders eat all day to build muscle, when they cut it's usually some form of no carb daily + carb refeed weekly approach. When they do this they are not all eating several times daily.

    Each calorie we eat has to be metabolized, whether is 2,000 calories over 6 meals or one huge one, our metabolism is boosted either way.

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