Irregular eating

[ctxinfl]

You eat according to how much energy your body needs to get you through the day. You don't want to over eat as that excess energy (calories) will be stored as fat. You don't want to under eat as you'll be fatigued, at the very least.

 

How much you eat is primarily determined by your body weight, your level of physical activity, and whether you are trying to gain, drop, or maintain weight. I don't know what qualify as a petite woman, though I'd say 1500 calories is more than reasonable. Assuming 120 pounds, that's 1200 calories to maintain weight and another 200 - 400 for basic daily burn. If she's into intensive daily exercise then she can add another 400 - 500 per day.

[pink_sugar]

I eat when I'm hungry, and don't when I'm not.

This leads to what many may call "irregular eating".

To me, it's absolutely natural, and better than following a regimented schedule.

 

I also find that occasionally, what I consider to be 'hunger pangs' are actually thirst pangs.

 

The two are extremely similar, but I distinguish this way:

If I drink, and no longer feel hungry after about 15 minutes, it's a thirst pang.

If I drink, and I DO feel hungry after about 15 minutes - it's a hunger pang.

 

The fluid I intake is not an unhealthy one by the way. This way, no harm done, the body is hydrated and I feel fine.

 

Works for me....!

 

This! I know people who are absolutely rigid about eating at 5pm or 6pm regardless of how hungry they are. Me? I eat when I'm hungry and enjoy my meal more. And of course there are those folks who say, eat at a normal time!

[iris219]

If you're not hungry, it should be fine.

 

I do the same thing when I'm stressed or really busy, except I get so hungry I feel like I'm going to pass out and I start to lose weight.

 

If you feel OK and you're not losing a bunch of weight, skipping meals occasionally isn't a problem.