What Happens If You Only Eat One Meal A Day?

We are often advised to consume multiple well-balanced meals throughout the day to maintain energy levels and promote overall health. However, throughout human history, our ancestors occasionally survived on periods of feast and famine, adapting their eating habits according to food availability. Even today, there are cultures that eat one meal a day at times due to religious beliefs or traditional customs (e.g. Muslims who fast during Ramadan). It’s no surprise that eating one meal a day, or OMAD (One Meal A Day), is a popular dietary strategy among health enthusiasts. Many proponents claim that it can improve digestive and mental health, help them lose weight, and increase their energy levels. In reality, this approach comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Read on for in-depth analysis of eating one meal a day, exploring its effectiveness, potential advantages, safety concerns, and the precautions one must consider before adopting this lifestyle.

What Happens If You Only Eat One Meal A Day?

If you only eat one meal a day, also known as OMAD (One Meal A Day), your body goes through several changes, both positive and negative. This approach to eating is a form of intermittent fasting, where you consume all your daily calories within a short window of time.

Here are some possible research-based outcomes of following the OMAD diet:

Your Insulin Sensitivity May Improve

When you follow the OMAD diet, your body experiences longer periods without food, which might lead to improved insulin sensitivity, although the evidence on this is mixed (1).

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and better sensitivity means your body can efficiently process glucose. This can potentially reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (1).

You Will Likely Lose Weight

One of the main reasons people adopt the OMAD diet is for weight loss. By consuming only one meal a day, it’s often easier to create a calorie deficit, leading to weight loss. Additionally, fasting may increase fat burning by shifting metabolism, further contributing to weight reduction (1).

Weight loss results from eating one meal a day can vary from person to person, and it’s important to remember that making permanent lifestyle changes is necessary for long term success. Ideally, you should combine the OMAD diet with regular exercise and healthy eating habits. It’s also important to discuss with your healthcare provider whether this approach is safe for you.

You may expect approximately 0.5 – 2 lbs (0.25–1 kg) of weight loss per week, depending on several factors such as age, activity level, and diet composition.

When you eat one meal a day for weight loss, it is best to consume a balanced meal with enough protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates. That’s because skipping certain important nutrients can lead to nutritional deficiencies that might be difficult to reverse.

You Might Experience Improved Mental Clarity

Some people who eat one meal a day report enhanced mental clarity and focus during their fasting periods. This could be attributed to increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports brain health and cognitive function. Fasting has been shown to stimulate BDNF production, at least in animals (6).

Read More: Bone Broth Fasting: A Comprehensive Guide To Its Benefits And How-To

Your Growth Hormone Levels May Increase

Fasting has been linked to increased levels of human growth hormone (HGH), essential for growth, cell regeneration, and metabolism (3). Higher HGH levels can promote muscle growth, enhance fat burning, and support overall health, at least in those with a deficiency. It is unclear whether increasing HGH would have any benefit for healthy individuals.

You May Experience Digestive Issues

For some individuals, consuming a large meal in a short period can lead to digestive discomfort, bloating, and acid reflux (5). If you’re prone to these issues, the OMAD diet might exacerbate them.

You Could Face Nutrient Deficiencies

Getting all the necessary nutrients within a single meal can be challenging. Especially if your meal lacks variety and balance, you could face nutrient deficiencies over time, which may impact your overall health.

Your Energy Levels May Fluctuate

While some people report increased energy levels on the OMAD diet, others experience fluctuations or dips in energy due to extended periods without food. This can lead to fatigue and decreased physical performance, especially during workouts.

You Won’t Necessarily Build Muscle

Although HGH levels may increase with fasting, building muscle while following the OMAD diet can be challenging. Consuming enough protein and calories in one meal to support muscle growth is difficult, and extended periods without food can hinder muscle recovery and growth.

Your Social Life Might Be Affected

Eating one meal a day can make it challenging to maintain an active social life centered around food. Dining out, attending events, and sharing meals with friends and family may become more complicated when following the OMAD diet.

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Is It Okay To Only Eat 1-2 Meals A Day?

Eating 1-2 meals a day can be okay for some individuals, depending on their health, nutritional needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. This approach is a form of intermittent fasting, which might have potential benefits such as weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased mental clarity.

However, it’s crucial to ensure that these 1-2 meals provide all the necessary nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, to maintain overall health and wellbeing.

Consuming fewer meals per day might make it challenging for some people to meet their daily nutrient requirements, leading to deficiencies and associated health issues.

The suitability of eating 1-2 meals a day also depends on factors such as:

Activity Level

Active individuals or athletes may require more frequent meals to support their energy needs and muscle recovery.

Age

Older adults and children may benefit from more frequent meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent muscle loss.

Health Conditions

People with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or hypoglycemia, should consult a healthcare professional before adopting a 1-2 meal per day routine, as it may negatively affect their blood sugar levels (10).

It’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your meal frequency accordingly. Some individuals thrive on fewer meals per day, while others may require more frequent meals to maintain energy levels and satisfy hunger.

Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can help you determine if eating 1-2 meals a day is appropriate for your unique circumstances and nutritional needs.

What Happens If I Only Eat 500 Calories A Day?

Eating only 500 calories a day is considered a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) and is significantly below the daily recommended caloric intake for most individuals (11).

While it could lead to rapid weight loss, there are several potential risks and consequences associated with such a drastic reduction in calorie intake.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Consuming only 500 calories a day makes it extremely difficult to meet your daily nutrient requirements for vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Nutrient deficiencies can lead to various health issues, such as weakened immune function, fatigue, poor bone health, and hair loss (9).

Read More: 4 Keto Tortilla Recipe Variations To Kick Your Carb Cravings

Loss Of Lean Body Mass

When you drastically reduce your calorie intake, your body might break down muscle tissue for energy, leading to a loss of lean body mass. This can negatively impact your strength, metabolism, and overall health.

Slowed Metabolism

A VLCD can cause your body to enter “starvation mode,” slowing down your metabolic rate to conserve energy. This can make it more challenging to lose weight in the long run and may lead to weight regain once you resume regular eating habits.

Gallstones

Rapid weight loss has been associated with an increased risk of gallstone formation, which can be painful and may require medical intervention (4).

Fatigue And Dizziness

A lack of sufficient calories can result in low energy levels, fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating (13).

Mood Changes

Prolonged caloric restriction can negatively impact mood and mental health, potentially leading to irritability, anxiety, or depression (12).

Hormonal Imbalances

Very low-calorie diets can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting menstrual cycles in women and testosterone levels in men (2).

It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting a very low-calorie diet, as it may not be appropriate or safe for everyone.

In most cases, a balanced and moderate approach to weight loss, incorporating a nutritious diet and regular physical activity, is recommended for long-term success and overall health.

What’s The Best Time To Eat One Meal A Day?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the best time to eat one meal a day (OMAD), as it largely depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and daily routines. However, some factors can help you determine the most suitable time for your OMAD:

Hunger Patterns

Pay attention to when you typically feel the hungriest throughout the day. Some people may prefer to have their one meal in the afternoon or evening when hunger is more intense, while others might opt for a morning meal to start their day with energy.

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Energy Levels

Consider when you need the most energy during the day. If you require more energy in the morning for work or other activities, having your one meal earlier in the day might be beneficial.

Conversely, if you need more energy later in the day or evening, an afternoon or evening meal could be more suitable.

Workout Schedule

If you engage in regular physical activity, it’s essential to consider the timing of your workouts. Eating your one meal 1-2 hours before or after exercise can help provide the necessary fuel and support muscle recovery.

Social Life

Your social life and commitments can also influence the best time for your OMAD. If you regularly attend social events or dine with family and friends, you may want to schedule your one meal around these occasions.

Sleep Quality

Consuming a large meal too close to bedtime might cause digestive issues or disrupt sleep (8). If you’re prone to such issues, consider having your one meal at least 2-3 hours before going to bed.

Ultimately, the best time for your OMAD will depend on your unique circumstances and preferences. It’s essential to listen to your body and choose a time that aligns with your hunger patterns, energy needs, and daily schedule.

Experimenting with different meal timings can help you identify the most suitable time for your OMAD, ensuring that it’s sustainable and supports your overall health and well-being.

How Much Weight Will I Lose If I Stop Eating For 1 Day?

After not eating for a day, you may notice a slight decrease in weight, approximately 1-2 pounds.

The exact weight loss experienced after not eating for one day will vary from person to person, depending on factors such as body composition, metabolic rate, and activity level. However, this is water weight and is not indicative of long-term weight loss.

When you stop eating for a day, your body primarily burns through its glycogen stores, which are carbohydrates stored in the liver and muscles.

Glycogen binds with water, so when it’s used for energy, the associated water weight is also lost. This can result in a temporary decrease in weight, but this reduction is likely to be mostly water weight rather than actual fat loss.

Additionally, your body’s metabolic rate may slow down in response to the lack of food intake.

This is an adaptive mechanism to conserve energy during periods of fasting or low caloric intake. As a result, the number of calories burned throughout the day may decrease, which can limit the overall weight loss during a one-day fast.

Research has shown that more prolonged intermittent fasting and calorie restriction can lead to weight loss (7). However, it’s essential to approach weight loss in a sustainable and healthy manner.

Drastic measures like not eating for a day can potentially lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and a slowed metabolism, making it harder to maintain weight loss in the long run (7).

Instead of opting for extreme fasting methods, it’s recommended to adopt a balanced and nutritious diet combined with regular physical activity. This approach promotes gradual and sustainable weight loss while ensuring that the body receives the necessary nutrients to function optimally.

Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance for safe and effective weight loss strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Ok To Eat One Meal A Day?

Eating one meal a day can be suitable for some individuals, depending on their health, nutritional needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

This approach is a form of intermittent fasting and can have potential benefits such as weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased mental clarity. However, it’s essential to ensure that the one meal provides all the necessary nutrients to maintain overall health and wellbeing. It’s also important to speak to your healthcare provider about whether this approach is safe for you.

Is It Healthy To Only Eat One Meal A Day?

The healthiness of eating one meal a day depends on the individual and the quality of the meal. If the meal is balanced and provides all the required nutrients, it can be healthy for some people.

However, it might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with specific health conditions, athletes, older adults, or children. Consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can help determine if this approach is appropriate for your unique circumstances.

Is It Better To Eat One Big Meal A Day?

Eating one big meal a day can be beneficial for certain individuals, particularly those who find it easier to adhere to this eating pattern or those who experience benefits from intermittent fasting.

However, it’s important to emphasize that what works for one person might not work for another. It’s crucial to choose an eating pattern that aligns with your hunger patterns, energy needs, and daily schedule.

Is It Safe To Eat 1000 Calories A Day?

Eating 1000 calories a day is a low-calorie diet and may be safe for some individuals, depending on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and overall health.

However, it’s essential to ensure that the diet provides adequate nutrients to maintain overall health. Сonsult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before adopting a low-calorie diet to ensure it’s appropriate and safe for your unique circumstances. If you do proceed, medical supervision is often recommended.

Will I Lose Weight If I Only Eat One Meal A Day?

Eating only one meal a day can potentially lead to weight loss, primarily due to the creation of a calorie deficit. Additionally, fasting may increase fat burning by shifting metabolism.

However, weight loss results will vary depending on factors such as the quality and quantity of the meal, individual metabolic rate, and activity level. It’s essential to adopt a balanced and nutritious diet combined with regular physical activity for sustainable weight loss.

Conclusion

Eating one meal a day, also known as the OMAD diet, can lead to various outcomes, both positive and negative.

While this approach to eating might result in weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased mental clarity for some individuals, it may also pose challenges such as nutrient deficiencies, digestive issues, fluctuating energy levels, and potential impacts on social life.

The suitability of the OMAD diet largely depends on an individual’s unique circumstances, nutritional needs, and lifestyle.