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I swore by this for so long (the 5 small meals a day thing). Better for the metabolism I thought...
But now that my work schedule (last 6 weeks) doesn't allow for those 2 healthy snacks, I'm dropping weight. Thought 123 was my ideal... been there so long. Now I'm 119 and need new jeans... kept having to pull them up on my hike yesterday
Are you eating the same calories? There are a lot of different variations that could have changed in your schedule, workday, energy expenditure etc. that could be causing this. It may not be just the amount of meals. Your weight loss could also be muscle lost, which is not really a good thing.
It's not necessarily "wrong". I eat many meals a day and get the maximum amount of protein in each meal that I can assimilate at a sitting. If I were to skip two meals and combine the calories, I would be eating way too much protein in one sitting. That's just an example.
Having said that, if you're getting to your goals, then that's great. It can keep one motivated when seeing results. That is key. congrats.
Well, I'm eating the same size breakfast and dinner, but my 2 snacks and lunch have been reduced to a very quick lunch (usually yogurt, apple, granola bar, another piece of fruit if I have time... slow eater). So calories are less.
I've been exercising the same. Usually 6 days a week. Giving it my all like I usually do at 5am. 45 - 60 min each workout. I don't think my energy expenditure is too different.
That's a good point about the muscle loss and protein thing though. I don't want to be losing muscle... I was actually thinking the other day, mid-push-up and feeling a little more tired than usual (though I am getting up a 1/2 hour earlier these days...), wondering if maybe I wasn't giving my muscles enough protein.
Whole grain and fruit for breakfast, dinner centered usually around veggies. I have to admit I rarely crave meat/protein (occasionally around that time of the month) and I'm not a big red meat eater. Don't care for steak or hamburger. Tired of chicken. I do like salmon and turkey, eggs and nuts. But since I'm not craving it much, I maybe only eat protein 2-3 times a week. That doesn't sound so great, huh?
What do you do for protein? How much do women need?
I'm not sure if I like the weight loss or not. I don't want to lose too much. I've always thought a size 4 would be too little. That may sound strange, but I liked my size 6. 118 was my graduating from high school weight and I'm not sure if it's healthy to fall below that.
Well, I'm eating the same size breakfast and dinner, but my 2 snacks and lunch have been reduced to a very quick lunch (usually yogurt, apple, granola bar, another piece of fruit if I have time... slow eater). So calories are less.
I've been exercising the same. Usually 6 days a week. Giving it my all like I usually do at 5am. 45 - 60 min each workout. I don't think my energy expenditure is too different.
That's a good point about the muscle loss and protein thing though. I don't want to be losing muscle... I was actually thinking the other day, mid-push-up and feeling a little more tired than usual (though I am getting up a 1/2 hour earlier these days...), wondering if maybe I wasn't giving my muscles enough protein.
Whole grain and fruit for breakfast, dinner centered usually around veggies. I have to admit I rarely crave meat/protein (occasionally around that time of the month) and I'm not a big red meat eater. Don't care for steak or hamburger. Tired of chicken. I do like salmon and turkey, eggs and nuts. But since I'm not craving it much, I maybe only eat protein 2-3 times a week. That doesn't sound so great, huh?
What do you do for protein? How much do women need?
I'm not sure if I like the weight loss or not. I don't want to lose too much. I've always thought a size 4 would be too little. That may sound strange, but I liked my size 6. 118 was my graduating from high school weight and I'm not sure if it's healthy to fall below that.
1 gram of protein per one pound of body weight,spread over 5 meals! your not eating enough of it.
Well, I'm eating the same size breakfast and dinner, but my 2 snacks and lunch have been reduced to a very quick lunch (usually yogurt, apple, granola bar, another piece of fruit if I have time... slow eater). So calories are less.
I've been exercising the same. Usually 6 days a week. Giving it my all like I usually do at 5am. 45 - 60 min each workout. I don't think my energy expenditure is too different.
That's a good point about the muscle loss and protein thing though. I don't want to be losing muscle... I was actually thinking the other day, mid-push-up and feeling a little more tired than usual (though I am getting up a 1/2 hour earlier these days...), wondering if maybe I wasn't giving my muscles enough protein.
Whole grain and fruit for breakfast, dinner centered usually around veggies. I have to admit I rarely crave meat/protein (occasionally around that time of the month) and I'm not a big red meat eater. Don't care for steak or hamburger. Tired of chicken. I do like salmon and turkey, eggs and nuts. But since I'm not craving it much, I maybe only eat protein 2-3 times a week. That doesn't sound so great, huh?
What do you do for protein? How much do women need?
I'm not sure if I like the weight loss or not. I don't want to lose too much. I've always thought a size 4 would be too little. That may sound strange, but I liked my size 6. 118 was my graduating from high school weight and I'm not sure if it's healthy to fall below that.
Hey girl....if your not eating enough calories your body is probably in "starvation" mode and yes, you would loose weight however, your metabolism is working slower so if you do start eating again at a healthy rate (at least 1200 - 1500 calories a day) you will put the weight back on plus some.....I hear ya though, most days I have to really try to get my recomended caloric intake.....Grab a protein bar....some almonds, cheese...grapes.....whatever you can take and eat on the run or even just snack on when you get a sec.....this way you won't have to worry about that metabolism catching up with you
"protein two or three times a week" should be 2 or 3 times a DAY.
I have "all the above" when it comes to protein. lol Chicken, fish (mostly salmon) Eggs, steak, hamburger, turkey, eggs, shakes... When I raise or lower my food intake, it's mostly to carbs as I see fit . I always keep the protein the same amount. I may consume less "snacks" of fats as well when I want to cut down on calories. But everyone is different. Doesn't mean you should follow others' diet. We are headed towards different goals. (Unless you too want to be 275 pounds?) lol jk
Bottom line, I would up the protein and have it in every meal. Be careful how that would affect your caloric level and adjust accordingly. good luck
Thanks guys. I really appreciate your input. I was thinking I might need more protein, but didn't realize how much I needed it... It's nice to get other people's perspective to point out what should have been the obvious to me. It's like I do good in one area, and sometimes totally forget about another area...
Muscle is my friend. I like muscle. And I don't want to ever be anywhere near starvation mode. I don't think I'm there, but haven't had much of an appetite lately I'll admit, though I'm sure it will come back. Anyway, thanks. Bought turkey meat and almonds today and am eating both with green beans at the moment...
I swore by this for so long (the 5 small meals a day thing). Better for the metabolism I thought...
I used to swear by this rule too, adhering to it to the point of obsession. Now I just eat when I'm hungry. They're still small meals, but if it doesn't add up to 5-6 meals per day or if the meals aren't every 3 hours, I don't worry. I've been able to stay trim and not give myself a headache worrying about meal timing, number of meals, calorie counting, gram counting, etc. I'm stronger and trimmer than I have been in a while. 5'8", 158 pounds, and 29 inch waist so I must be doing something right.
If you increase protein, it might get worse (or better, depending on how you look at it) in regards to your hunger. The protein may curb your hunger.
Thanks NJ, good to know.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DennyCrane
I used to swear by this rule too, adhering to it to the point of obsession. Now I just eat when I'm hungry. They're still small meals, but if it doesn't add up to 5-6 meals per day or if the meals aren't every 3 hours, I don't worry. I've been able to stay trim and not give myself a headache worrying about meal timing, number of meals, calorie counting, gram counting, etc. I'm stronger and trimmer than I have been in a while. 5'8", 158 pounds, and 29 inch waist so I must be doing something right.
That's great. I think that's the ideal place to be... just eat when you're hungry, no rigid adherence to things. I do think though, for some people just learning how to take care of themselves or who have fallen off the health wagon and need help getting back on, more organization is necessary sometimes. Thanks for your input.
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