When to eat or not

I need some advice. Since I've cut back my eating my appetite had drastically been reduced. I understand the rationale behind eating lots of little bits throughout the day; however, I am not always hungry. My meals tend to be small, for example-sometimes I'll have an apple for breakfast, no lunch or snack, and a small salad for dinner. Should I be eating more just to lose, or should I listen to my body telling me it doesn't want food?

Tue. Nov 13, 10:26pm

I don't know what to tell you. Maybe you should try eating just a little something; handful of baby carrots, some crackers, etc. at those meal times when you aren't hungry.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007, 11:35 PM

I have times wehre I struggle with this too. But I think it is pretty important to have as regular a meal scedule as possible. Even small meals. Like if you are not hungry have a piece of fruit, a slim fast bar or shake, something to feed your body. Make sure you get protien... You have to feed your body to be healthy.
It isn't just a matter of diet and losing weight. It is health and not eating or eating very little will quickly take away your health.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 2:35 AM

Wait a minute OP! You only eat an apple for breakfast and then a small salad for dinner? Then you skip lunch?

You have no appetite because your metabolism has slowed down to a crawl and is holding onto everything you eat for dear life as fat. Your body is not using the foods you eat as energy because it thinks you are going through a famine.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 8:07 AM

I agree 8:07. Better to eat smaller meals thruout than none at all. EAT!!!!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 11:49 AM

OP, even if you have to break your apple in two and eat the second half for lunch, it would be better than going all those hours without food. Your body does think you are starving.

You should be eating every 3-4 hours for an optimum metabolism. You can still eat small meals...try nuts, fruit, half of a sandwich, a sweet potato...you get the idea.

By eating the way you are, you are slowing your metabolism down 40-60%....

Be good to yourself, OP.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 11:56 AM

Hard to say, but it would probably be a good idea to keep almonds or carrots on hand. It would probably be a good idea to have some almonds through out the day even if you aren't hungry just to make sure you are getting enough protein if you are working out. :+)

Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 12:09 PM

You should eat a minimum of 1200 calories per day. As all the other posters noted, your metabolism is slowing down to save itself. I did a similar thing in my 20's (now in my 40's). I would eat a toast & coffee for breakfast, baked potato & diet coke for lunch, and just coffee for dinner. I would then go and work out for 2 hours. I think I was borderline anorexic at that point. I did come out of it thankfully, but I think I really messed up my metabolism back then. It took a while for my body to get back to normal.
Just plan your meals, including snacks, and eat even if you're not hungry. You may gain some weight initially, but in the long run, you'll be healthier.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 1:54 PM

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