Is eating once a day bad for me?

[DiaNaranja]

I just wondered if it's really bad to only eat once a day? For the past few months, I don't get hungry before dinnertime, and I can't eat during the day. Sometimes after dinner, I will then eat snacks late into the evening, but other times, I'll have dinner, and that's it... I just don't seem to get hungry again until the next day at around 6pm. My mum said this could "mess up" my blood sugars, and now I'm worried. I'm 38, naturally slim, no weight worries, could probably do with doing more exercise, but I do a physically demanding job which involves alot of walking, and have two young children (who I do feed at normal meal times, promise!). I've never eaten breakfast, but the past few months I mainly haven't had lunch either. Food doesn't cross my mind until dinner, I'm definitely not deliberately avoiding eating, it just isn't something I think about, and only feel hungry late on in the day/evening. Is anyone else the same? Do I need to be concerned?

No if you’re not hungry don’t eat

If there has been a significant drop in appetite off late, then you need to discuss this with your GP.

I would worry about getting your full nutrient requirement every day by only eating once. Every now and again I’d assume it’s ok but every single day….that’s a lot of iron and protein you’d be missing out on, unless you mean you’re eating all of your day’s cals in one go?

That’s a good point what verbena said. I used to be like this and was ok apart from always anemic

I'm a teacher with no time for breakfast or lunch in term time, so always have only eaten in the evenings. No problems. But as others have said, losing your appetite is a warning sign, rather than your actual eating habits

You should book a GP appointment as sometimes decreased appetite is caused by an underlying condition. It’s not really ‘normal’ to not feel hungry. It happened to an older relative and a friend of mine and GP tests revealed something that needed treating in both of them.

Also, from a nutritional POV, you likely won’t get what you need only eating one meal. What are you eating when you do eat?

I've done this for years but it's badly affected my metabolism and I'm anaemic etc

Hi @DiaNaranja
Try and have breakfast, you'll be feeling hungry by lunch time.
If i don't have breakfast i can go hours not feeling hungry.
Try and have a couple of toasts or porridge in the morning xx

You're not fueling your body properly.

Consider that for optimal functioning you would ideally be consuming 1g of protein per kg of body weight per day.

Also, there may be something off with your Ghrelin production. The hormone that drives hunger.

It's not great for metabolic health and you should try and get back in to the habit of at least eating lunch.

I would ask for some blood tests at the GP.

Adults need a minmum of 45g a day of protein for basic functions. I'd be concerned you weren't getting that (hence why you snack too as the body will keep you eating until you consume sufficient protein). I'd be concerned about the impact on hormones, metabolism and brain function long term. No one really knows if eating irregularly is bad, we must have evolved to be able to survive but you could just be breaking down your own muscles for energy.

You won't be getting all your nutrients in one meal even if you feel ok.

To be honest, I've never had a huge appetite, some days I am hungrier than others, and sometimes after dinner I will eat non stop all evening, and probably get my calories in on those days, but other times it's just dinner, and then I'm completely full, and won't get any urge to eat for the next 24 hours.

Thanks for all the replies, will speak to the gp, and maybe get an appointment (in 6 months time if I'm lucky!) I've never been a huge eater, and I can't eat if I'm not hungry, and have stages of not eating much, followed by stages of eating more frequently, my body does seem to tell me when I need a bit more. I'm just worrying as my mum keeps saying these eating habits may cause long term damage. I'm wondering if there's something to take to increase appetite? Thing is though, although I'm slim, I haven't lost any weight, and wouldn't particularly be happy about putting much on, and I think I'm around time ideal weight/size for my frame. I do suffer with mild anxiety, which sometimes becomes worse, and I'm starting to think this may be linked to the appetite decreases, as I have felt more stressed than usual lately. It's not like I'm hungry and feel too anxious to eat though, it's just the urge to eat and feeling of hunger doesn't come anymore.