Weight-Loss Breakfast.

[61scout80]

Is the most important meal, and I know it. But when?

I'm not hungry as soon as I wake up. But, in my quest to be healthier and raise my metabolism I have been eating within an hour of waking up, generally between 6:30-7a. But it doesn't help my hunger.

No matter what I eat that early by about 9'oclock I'm feeling very hungry. Would it be bad to hold off until the hunger starts for my breakfast, should I bump up my next meal or is this simply a habit that needs adjustment?

I would love to hear some advice, especially from those that have successfully dropped weight with the same situation.

 

[Steve]

Is the most important meal, and I know it. But when?

Not necessarily.

I'm not hungry as soon as I wake up. But, in my quest to be healthier and raise my metabolism I have been eating within an hour of waking up, generally between 6:30-7a. But it doesn't help my hunger.

No matter what I eat that early by about 9'oclock I'm feeling very hungry. Would it be bad to hold off until the hunger starts for my breakfast, should I bump up my next meal or is this simply a habit that needs adjustment?

Timing and frequency of meals aren't nearly as important as net calories and nutrients consumed in a 24 hour period. Focus on the latter and don't sweat the former. It's causing you unnecessary nervousness.

If you're dead set on eating something as soon as you wake... make sure it has a healthy dose of protein and fiber. An veggie omelet, a protein smoothie, oats with fruit and eggs or a protein shake, etc... these would all be great.

 

[Toddless]

Timing and frequency of meals aren't nearly as important as net calories and nutrients consumed in a 24 hour period.

Why is it a 24 hour period? Wouldn't it be a lifetime period? It's not like your body resets every 24 hours and you start over at 0... but anyway...

As for being hungry in the morning, it depends on what you're eating, but I don't think it's too unusual to eat and then be hungry a couple hours later. I always start my day with a glass of whole milk - it's quick, it holds me for a couple of hours, and it has protein, carbs, and fat. Once I get to work I can take a little more time with breakfast and have an omelette or some oatmeal.

That said, I don't think it would be so bad if you held off until 9. "Keeping your fire stoked" is more myth than truth and could cause you to overeat if you're not careful.

 

[Steve]

Why is it a 24 hour period? Wouldn't it be a lifetime period? It's not like your body resets every 24 hours and you start over at 0... but anyway...

You are correct, to a point. It's not the net calories over 24 hours. It's the week, the month, the year, the life.

However, you run into nutrient utilization issues if you focus on much more than a day. For instance, if you didn't eat protein 4 days out of the week, and loaded up on it for the next 3 to meet your "weekly needs" all things would not be equal.

 

[Toddless]

You are correct, to a point. It's not the net calories over 24 hours. It's the week, the month, the year, the life.

However, you run into nutrient utilization issues if you focus on much more than a day. For instance, if you didn't eat protein 4 days out of the week, and loaded up on it for the next 3 to meet your "weekly needs" all things would not be equal.

Agreed. I just like playing Devil's Advocate

 

[Steve]

That's a good way to be!