I didn't set out to do this today, but for some reason I was hungry ALL day, but just a "little" hungry. Like, I was never hungry enough to eat a WHOLE meal, but I was constantly having 100 to 200 calorie mini meals all day, it seemed. For example, a bowl of oatmeal, half a sandwich with no cheese and just two thin slices of sandwich meat (we only had 4 slices left and my toddler wanted a sandwich too!! LOL) ummm, a bowl of healthy choice soup, broccoli and cheese, Special K with strawberries, raisins, etc etc..... It was real food, not junk food, but just little bits at a time. It actually feels good at the end of the day, because I feel like I've eaten less "junk food" than I usually do when I try to eat full, balanced meals with just a snack or two in between. My question is: Is it ok to eat like that? Am I doing any harm to my metabolism by eating this way? I've kept track of my calories, and I'm still under my 1400 limit, which is good because I'm thinking of having some mandarin oranges here in a little bit! LOL So I'm not over eating or anything, and I think I've included all my food groups. Just wondering if this is going to have any effect on my metabolism, or if now I've destined myself to eat all day every day :)
Shaina,
Some people do prefer to eat lots of mini-meals during the day instead of the usual 3 main meals plus snacks. As long as you are getting in all your calories and food groups, that is fine. Just remember, the key is not just to get under your recommended calorie amount, but to eat close to your recommended calorie amount. Eating too little can also hinder weight loss.
Sincerely,
Ali Auerbach, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian