How to space out calories?

Question

I am on a healthy diet now, I only eat fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein and non fat dairy. I currently am eating about 1500 calories a day. I have lost about 10 lbs so far after 2 months. However, I tend to eat half my calories throughout the day (breakfast, lunch, snacks) and then the other half in the evening (dinner and snack). This is mostly because I tend to graze and eat simple foods before lunch that don't have many calories, while I usually eat a prepared meal for dinner. I don't eat after 8:30 pm. Also I work out (walking and strength training) at around 4:30 pm every day.

My question is, would it be better for me to eat more calories at the beginning of the day (like 2/3 of the daily intake) then workout, and then have a smaller evening meal. Will I burn off more this way, or does it not really matter. I have had results the way I am doing now, but I am just wondering.

Answer 1

I would add some fats into the earlier part of the day (i.e. a little peanut butter on your whole grain toast in the morning.) This will help you feel less hungry throughout the day and especially in the evening. Fats also improve your mood so having them in the morning is a great way to boost mood and energy for the day. And, amazingly, research shows that having more fat in your blood reduces impulsiveness.

Now you obviously eat a very healthy diet already, but to re-arrange it, I'd add the fats (and carbs) to the a.m. and back off on the fats and eat more proteins in the p.m.

Finally, you can eat a little tiny bit of carbs everytime you feel hungry (and aren't ready to have a full meal.) 50 calories is enough. The little bit of carbs will help your body burn fat instead of burning muscle.

Answer 2

Actually, according to a couple of diet books I've read, you should eat every 3 hours while you're awake to keep your metabolism stoked.