Q. I take a medication that reduces my appetite in the morning. Sometimes I don’t feel like eating anything until late in the day, but then I eat a big meal. Is this bad for my health?
A. Generally it is okay to eat just when you get hungry; however, you may not be meeting the daily nutritional needs for a healthy adult.
Experts agree that a healthy adult needs 1200 – 1800 calories daily. Trying to pack all that into one meal may not be the best approach. Eating at other points during the day will help fulfill the daily requirements for fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains.
Consider eating a healthy breakfast before taking your medication and then a couple of small healthy snacks during the day. Eat a reasonable dinner, both in content and in portion.
Skipping some meals or eating only one meal a day can trigger the body to hold on to calories, and this may cause weight gain and overeating later in the day. Work on meeting the minimum daily nutrition requirements, and your appetite may improve along with your eating habits.
Sue Gouge, DO
Memorial Health Partners - Collegedale Medical Center
- 423.396.2136
- 9310 Apison Pike, Collegedale, TN 37363
