Big Dinners

docdrd
docdrd Posts: 174 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
HI.

Anyone else having this issue? I am being good throughout the day, eating carefully and exercising, and then I have a lot of calories left for dinner. My issue is that I am using almost all the calories with that meal, and I think it is hindering my progress. So essentially, even though I have stayed under my goal for the day, I think I am eating the calories at the wrong time. My problem is that I see dinner as a reward for the good behavior prior to that time. Thoughts? Comments?

Replies

  • ZugTheMegasaurus
    ZugTheMegasaurus Posts: 801 Member
    The time doesn't matter; your body doesn't know what time it is. Unless you're binging on junk food, I don't see a problem. I usually eat very little throughout the day and then have the majority of my calories around 8PM. That's just when I'm hungry. When I try forcing it into a popular eating schedule (6 times a day, within an hour of getting up, etc.) I feel awful. Don't fix what isn't broken!
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    So essentially, even though I have stayed under my goal for the day, I think I am eating the calories at the wrong time.

    This is essentially incorrect. You can literally eat all of your calories at once and have great progress. If you're hitting your daily intake goals and you're satisfied, you're fine.
  • SueGremlin
    SueGremlin Posts: 1,066 Member
    I've always eaten most of my calories at dinner because that's when I get hungriest. Works for me.
  • magerum
    magerum Posts: 12,589 Member
    Eat when you want! I prefer to each most of my calories at night. Typically between dinner and what I call "after dinner" I consume 2/3 of my calories. I love it.

    -M
  • afshape
    afshape Posts: 11 Member
    I have the exact same issue. I am usually under my calorie goal but I have to eat 6 meals a day. If I pack everything into 2 or 3 with one large meal, I gain or don't lose. I have discoved that doing the 6 meals works for me. I feel like I am constantly eating, but it works.
  • C_June
    C_June Posts: 48
    That whole don't eat after a certain time thing is a myth! Eat whenever you want. :)
  • dg09
    dg09 Posts: 754
    Eat when you want! I prefer to each most of my calories at night. Typically between dinner and what I call "after dinner" I consume 2/3 of my calories. I love it.

    -M

    Same, but I do this during lunch.

    Hasn't seem to hindered our progress, haha.
  • Kristy_Elizabeth
    Kristy_Elizabeth Posts: 435
    I feel sick and stuffed if I do that, but we do the eat six times a day thing. It keeps my energy and mood stable throughout the day. If you're okay with what you're doing I think it's fine. If you wanted to change it up it's not hard to take a couple of healthy snacks with you to work. I send my guy off with some fruit every day. Trail mix, nuts, yogurt would also be convenient.
  • ElizabethRoad
    ElizabethRoad Posts: 5,138 Member
    I lost 17 pounds (my entire goal) doing exactly what you're describing.
  • Jezebel_Barbie
    Jezebel_Barbie Posts: 198 Member
    I eat the majority of my calories for dinner and snacks after dinner. I'm still losing a solid 1lb per week. Eat when you're hungry and don't worry about the time, it's irrelevant.
  • tchrmom04
    tchrmom04 Posts: 84 Member
    That is what I am doing also. I am a teacher and a busy Mom and student. I eat a small breakfast (usually a protein bar in the car) and a small lunch that I eat while working. I get a snack when I get home since I workout around 5 to 6:00 usually. Then when I get home we eat dinner and depending on the workout I get the dominant part of my calories for dinner. It works for us - and I eat what the family is eating. No problems - and I'm losing! :)
  • docdrd
    docdrd Posts: 174 Member
    Thank you all!! Good to know I am not doing something to hinder myself by accident. I have been here for 25 days and have seen the scale move (a little) and have been able to tighten my belt by a notch, so I know it is working. I just wanted to make sure I am being smart about it. Thanks again! Cheers!
  • Gwoman2012
    Gwoman2012 Posts: 163 Member
    I do the same thing. My breakfasts are about 250-350 cals, my lunches are around 400, then my dinners are like 700!

    Oh well, dinner is my favorite what can I say?
  • Femmekid
    Femmekid Posts: 424 Member
    I recently started eating my bigger meals earlier in the day. So I have a large breakfast, medium lunch, and small dinner. It's been helping me eat less throughout the day and I feel good. :)
  • LondonEliza
    LondonEliza Posts: 456 Member
    I love my big dinners especially as I have mine after my workout for the day.
    Yesterday I had steamed fish, baby roast potatoes, sweetcorn and broccoli in homemade cheese sauce. it was yummy and super filling.

    If I thought that I had to give this up, I doubt I would have the motivation to exercise in the first place. So it is a healthy circle as far as I am concerned.
  • bridgie101
    bridgie101 Posts: 817 Member
    HI.

    Anyone else having this issue? I am being good throughout the day, eating carefully and exercising, and then I have a lot of calories left for dinner. My issue is that I am using almost all the calories with that meal, and I think it is hindering my progress. So essentially, even though I have stayed under my goal for the day, I think I am eating the calories at the wrong time. My problem is that I see dinner as a reward for the good behavior prior to that time. Thoughts? Comments?

    you'll get everything from 'eat what you like' to 'you must have breakfast' and as to me: I have changed from 'do what you like' to

    you must have breakfast!

    :D Sorry, but it changes everything. From a non breakfast eater for thirty odd years, I have shifted to breakfast and the difference in energy levels but most importantly self control in the evening, is huge. Absolutely huge. i would never go back to the no-breakfast era, it's just not worth it.

    :)
  • bridgie101
    bridgie101 Posts: 817 Member
    PS: the danger is this:

    Me on diet. Me stop eating breakfast adn lunch because easy.

    Me keep eating huge dinners.

    Me not on diet. Me chuck back breakfast and lunch into mix.

    Me have not changed habits in any way.

    Me still expect large meals.

    me get fat. real fast. me get fat again after all me hard work.

    Me have to change habits if me want to succeed.

    Ug.

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