Expert: Sarah A. Allen, MS, RD - 9/24/2009

Question
Sarah
Laurie
I have been unable to lose any weight for two weeks following a 1500 calorie a day diet.
I have always had a slow metabolism.
I tried exercising each day but I think it just made me hungrier.
Do you think if I ate the same amount of calories but consumed more of them for breakfast and lunch instead of dinner it would be helpfull?
My usual pattern, like most people, is a light breakfast and lunch and a big dinner.
After dinner I hit the couch then go to bed.
Maybe the bog meal isnt getting burned off?
I usually wake up with my belly still full and slightly nauseous.
Someone told me one we should eat breakfast like a king. lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper. Most people do it the other way.
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Sue!  Great question.  In the past, the general nutrition advice was a calorie is a calorie no matter when you eat it.  Then the advice became it didn't matter how late you ate...or how much...as long as it was two hours before going to bed.  However, recent studies in lab animals have shown time of day does make a difference.  The studies have not been repeated in humans, but I believe in time a link will be found because the vagus nerve "recognizes" time of day with an internal clock and hormones are released accordingly.  Plus, studies have been done showing third shift workers are often overweight, even if they consume fewer calories, than their counterparts who work during the day.  If it is a change you can make, I would encourage you to eat more earlier in the day.

Exercising often makes people hungrier because your body tries to maintain the weight it is at.  Having a light snack which contains a protein and a carbohydrate after exercising is a great idea; a glass of milk after exercising is also good because it contains protein, carbohydrates, and electrolytes.  You can also drink extra water; sometimes thirst is recognized as hunger plus water will help fill you up.

Hang in there, don't give up, and I wish you good luck with your weight loss.