PSA: Not Eating to “Save Calories For Later” is a Disordered Eating Behavior & is Sabotaging Your Health Goals
I hear many people (both clients & just in a normal day to day interactions) mention the thought of “oh I am just going to skip that meal because I want to save my calories for later” if they plan to go to a food based event or have dessert, etc…Or “if I wait as long as possible before I eat, then I will eat less calories and lose weight.”
These mindsets are disordered and unhealthfully restrictive around food, they lead to guilt cycles, and also tend to results in binge/restrict cycles.
These cycles can lead to consistent over eating or binging later in the day due to being too hungry by the time you begin to eat and limit the ability to make appropriate choices are the volume of food we eat.
In addition, when we overeat, many times we try to “make up for the overeating” by restricting again the next day, leading to a vicious cycle.
In addition, without appropriately spread out meals/snacks (approximate 3-5 hours apart depending on the person), this can lead to the body storing more of what you are eating rather than using it efficiently, essentially negatively impacting your metabolism.
This can also lead to inconsistent energy throughout the day and can actually lead to undesired weight gain, GI symptoms, and can even negatively impact sleep.
Next time, rather than “saving your calories,” maintain balanced meals and timing, then if you would like to participate in a range of food options later, rather enjoy the food & just adapt portions to not feel overfull…. & if you do overeat, remember, it happens sometimes & just get back on routine at your next meal for the best response from your body.
If you need support don’t hesitate to reach out!
-Ricci-Lee Hotz, MS, RDN, LD
A Taste of Health, LLC
“The Dancesport Dietitian”
www.dancesportdietitian.com