Skipping Breakfast?

I skip breakfast every day because once I start eating I find it hard to stop. I typically eat lunch around 1:00 then try not to eat again until dinner then one light snack before bed. Am I doing more harm then good by doing this?
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Replies

  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    Eat when you're hungry. If you're not hungry, don't eat. It doesn't matter what time of day you eat.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,413 Member
    No. Do what works for you. It won't affect weight loss, as long as you stay within your calorie goal. It's a diet myth that you need breakfast.
  • Nessiechickie
    Nessiechickie Posts: 1,392 Member
    I can't give you any advice or knowledge... but i'm this boat with you as well.
    Been really bad for that this week. Looking to see what others say.
  • spikefoot
    spikefoot Posts: 419
    I don't believe skipping breakfast is evil as long as you are meeting your daily intake requirements.

    Some will say it kick starts your metabolism and stuff and there is truth to that I guess.

    I just try to eat within 12 hours of not eating (ex. after I stop for for the evening and when I was asleep.)

    I would not skip breakfast just because you find it starts the eating machine, eating is good and allowed, just make the correct choices.
  • keeponkickin
    keeponkickin Posts: 1,520 Member
    I typically skip breakfast because I'm not hungry. There is no proof that the timing of meals is important for weight loss. Eat when you are hungry and don't shove in food when you're not. I usually have my first meal as lunch, so my feed window is from about 1 p.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. I've lost 113 pounds in a year and recomping of my body is coming along nicely. So it works.
  • gatorginger
    gatorginger Posts: 947 Member
    If you stop losing weight then I would suggest trying to eat breakfast, but as long as your losing I wouldn't worry about it. I believe skipping breakfast can slow your metabolism down but like I said if your still losing weight don't worry about it if not then eat it
  • drapes73
    drapes73 Posts: 8

    Some will say it kick starts your metabolism and stuff and there is truth to that I guess.

    There isn't any truth to that. Feel free to skip breakfast if you find it works for you.
  • txcaveman
    txcaveman Posts: 167 Member
    I used to never eat breakfast... I got fat.

    Now I'm trying to be healthy, the popular thinking is that "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day".

    Since I'm trying to be healthier and loose weight I eat breakfast, sometimes something very small, sometimes more...

    Now you tell me it's a myth! It sounds like almost every principle of weight loss is a myth.

    Augh!
  • Linda_Darlene
    Linda_Darlene Posts: 453 Member
    I don't believe skipping breakfast is evil as long as you are meeting your daily intake requirements.

    Some will say it kick starts your metabolism and stuff and there is truth to that I guess.

    I just try to eat within 12 hours of not eating (ex. after I stop for for the evening and when I was asleep.)

    I would not skip breakfast just because you find it starts the eating machine, eating is good and allowed, just make the correct choices.

    What he said!
  • sunnyside1213
    sunnyside1213 Posts: 1,205 Member
    There are thousands of studies that say you should eat breakfast, but I agree with the other posters.
  • Dani_wants_to_be_fit
    Dani_wants_to_be_fit Posts: 550 Member
    tumblr_m0d3icpCPg1r6bqgno1_500.png

    On a serious note, I personally found eating breakfast to be very beneficial for me. Sets you up for the day and in my experience leads to eating less.
  • mommyhof3
    mommyhof3 Posts: 551 Member
    I don't eat breakfast unless I want to and I am hungry. Otherwise I wait for my body to wake up and let me know when I should eat. On that note, I do not wait until I am starving. I listen to my body. If I eat before my body is ready then I feel hungry all day long. I find I cannot control it.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,413 Member
    If you stop losing weight then I would suggest trying to eat breakfast, but as long as your losing I wouldn't worry about it. I believe skipping breakfast can slow your metabolism down but like I said if your still losing weight don't worry about it if not then eat it

    Hearing something doesn't necessarily make it true.

    There are no actual studies proving this to be a fact. There are cereal companies who are very, very profitable. So there's that.
  • stonerdude
    stonerdude Posts: 103
    Breakfast or break (the) fast? It is the most important meal of the day and should include plenty of protein. When you eat hardy

    early you are signalling your brain that times are good and food will be plentiful all day so your metabolism kicks into high (love

    that word) gear and has no need to "store" food. You must eat to lose weight!
  • ErinBeth7
    ErinBeth7 Posts: 1,625 Member
    I am the exact opposite. I have to have breakfast or I will be miserable until lunch. This is probably because I stop eating by at least 2-3 hrs before bed. I don't have to have a lot, but I've found that foods with high protein work best FOR ME in the morning.

    There are many studies that recommend eating breakfast, but it is up to you. I personally think, if you're not hungry then don't force it. But at least get your required calories in for the day with healthy foods. Nutrients are what matter here.
  • vvanm
    vvanm Posts: 157
    I just have coffee and a 110 cal biscotti for breakfast. I have wondered why so many people are not hungry in the morning. It may be that insulin levels are low after an overnight fast and as soon as you start eating the levels rise and make you hungry. There was a carb diet that recommended eating carbs at night for weight loss, which would fit this theory. So, a low glycemic breakfast should work including protein instead of carbs to keep your blood sugars level. I did well by small portions and snacks all day, starting at noon however.
  • FitCurves444
    FitCurves444 Posts: 169 Member
    Technically, you're not "skipping" breakfast. The meal that breaks your fast is breakfast!

    OK, I bet that was incredibly fastidious... but the point to make.... sounds like you practice intermittent fasting. I know that there will be a lot of conflicting information on how good/bad this practice is, but I for one think that it is good to let the body feel hungry. When I fast, my thoughts are clearer and my mood is better (after the initial shock of hunger). If this works for you, then do what works for you.
  • blonde71
    blonde71 Posts: 955 Member
    Eat when you're hungry is what I say. I'm really hungry in the morning because it's after my workout so I always eat breakfast but do what feels right for your body.
  • emmaprocopiou
    emmaprocopiou Posts: 246 Member
    I try to eat breakfast, because I am trying to get my daughter into good habits to eat something before school and usually when i wake up I am hungry. However, when I get busy with deliveries at the end of the week I am sometimes up and out early without breakfast , though i do try and squeeze in a coffee :)
    I dont feel hungry and sometimes have been known not to eat until early afternoon but it hasnt hindered my weight loss.
    Do what feels right for you and listen to your body, you can always change things up if you want to
    good luck with your weight loss x
  • sarahharmintx
    sarahharmintx Posts: 868 Member
    I did it once and I was hateful by 11:30am. Dont force yourself to eat.
  • DanaDark
    DanaDark Posts: 2,187 Member
    Skipping breakfast is absolutely fine. The only "evidence" to suggest eating breakfast is that studies done have shown those that skipped breakfast tend to eat more throughout the day than those that do eat breakfast. Basically, those skipping breakfast usually had more calories built up over the 24 hour period.

    There is absolutely NO scientific basis to suggest that the mere act of skipping breakfast leads to weight gain. Correlation IS NOT causation.

    So long as you count your calories and meet your nutrition needs while remaining in a calorie deficit, you will be fine.

    When you are hungry, drink a glass of water and wait a little bit (like 15min), if still hungry, go ahead and go eat.
  • chunkyb
    chunkyb Posts: 20 Member
    Everyone here clearly has their own opinions/beliefs but if you ask me, I'd skip that before-bed snack and move it to breakfast. Its generally accepted that eating right before bed isn't the best for you, and I suspect that if you skip that, maybe replace with a glass of water, you'll be hungry for breakfast in the morning.

    My 2 cents.
  • NikkiGetsFit185
    NikkiGetsFit185 Posts: 93 Member
    I personally eat breakfast because if i dont i will eat like crazy for the rest of the day, but i agree with others do what works for you and just eat when you are hungry, i also eat every couple of hours if i dont i can tell then i start craving all really bad stuff, i guess i have my body on a somewhat schedule when it comes to eating, but again if what you doing works for you and from the pounds lossed it looks like it is keep going with it!!! :smile:
  • desertowman
    desertowman Posts: 33 Member
    I always skipped breakfast because I never had the time, and then I got use to not eating it. I usually eat a late lunch and then dinner. I'm trying to not eat after 5, but since I work till then, this is kinda hard.
  • lovespicyfood
    lovespicyfood Posts: 4 Member
    Until I began this journey, I rarely ate breakfast. But, I was a snacker and ate way too much after dinner and late at night. I have found that eating breakfast now eases my late night snacking cravings. I don't eat a lot for breakfast, usually ~250-300 calories.

    Everyone is different and obviously you are seeing progress so I wouldn't change your routine. However, if you plateau and struggle, I'd re-evaluate skipping breakfast.

    Good luck!
  • p_m_g
    p_m_g Posts: 5
    Actually there have been studies that show that eating breakfast, lunch and dinner show a link to greater weight loss.

    http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/07/13/three-simple-weight-loss-strategies-that-work/
  • Agator82
    Agator82 Posts: 249 Member
    Personally speaking, I eat breakfast everyday. It is a good way to start your metabolism and I feel like I get more from the meal as a result. That being said, if you feel like your current routine is working then stick with it unless you are looking to change things up.
  • DanaDark
    DanaDark Posts: 2,187 Member
    Actually there have been studies that show that eating breakfast, lunch and dinner show a link to greater weight loss.

    http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/07/13/three-simple-weight-loss-strategies-that-work/

    Should read what you link to. The "study" says people skipping meals tend to over compensate their calories later (correlation, not causation).

    Additionally, it suggests REGULAR meals. Meaning eating at the same intervals every day. So if your interval does not include the standard conception of breakfast, then that is fine.

    The study you mention is in regards to skipping regular meals, not specific meals as designated by ideology (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

    Calories in vs Calories out. Not what time you eat them. You body does not magically not absorb calories before 10am or during a blue moon or whatever crazy timing idea pops up next.
  • tequila09
    tequila09 Posts: 764 Member
    i skip breakfast because i'd rather save my calories for later in the day. if i eat breakfast i'm hungry an hour later no matter what i eat. i have found for myself that if i eat something large in the morning i just want to eat allll day long! if i eat something small or skip breakfast entirely i control myself a lot better. i still eat my entire calories just much later in the day. i'm also a late night snacker so i like to be sure to have enough calories for something later.
  • trackercasey76
    trackercasey76 Posts: 781 Member
    i skip breakfast because i'd rather save my calories for later in the day. if i eat breakfast i'm hungry an hour later no matter what i eat. i have found for myself that if i eat something large in the morning i just want to eat allll day long! if i eat something small or skip breakfast entirely i control myself a lot better. i still eat my entire calories just much later in the day. i'm also a late night snacker so i like to be sure to have enough calories for something later.

    I am exactly the same way.