I've been doing this since Jan 1, sometimes called OMAD for One Meal A Day. I had already been skipping breakfast, so lunch is now a cup of tea or diet soda.
Maybe it's just the excitement of a new diet plan, but it's helped me lose 25 pounds so far this year, on track for 35 total before I re-evaluate. I just don't seem to have the willpower to only snack in moderation, but limiting myself to an hour a day is working. I can still have that dessert I'm looking forward to, it just has a specific timeframe now. Do I feel hungry sometimes? Yes, but I need some practice being hungry after years of stuffing my face whenever I felt like it.
It's the most effective way I've found to lose weight. I don't think it's doing anything magical to my metabolism. Like you say, it's just a convenient and easy-to-maintain way of eating less. I just know that I don't eat anything in a day until after I get home from work, and I don't even have to think about it.
So would you agree that the main reason for your weight loss on OMAD is caloric restriction from not being allowed to eat when you're sometimes hungry, when you probably would have eaten extra at those times before OMAD?
Yeah, I've been attempting OMAD as well and one thing that never occurred to me is how slowly you get through the groceries. And I never seem to get back to those leftovers :)
> Yes, but I need some practice
> being hungry after years of stuffing
> my face whenever I felt like it.
Why do you need such practice?
I'd honestly rather suffer an hour doing unpleasant cardio to burn off carbs than spending all day feeling miserable and shaky from hunger. Particularly on jobs or tasks where mental focus is essential.
I've found the hunger only lasts 10 minutes or so at times you body thinks are meal times, and actually, having a metal task you can throw yourself into really helps.
I've never experienced shakes, and its not misery per se, but you are constantly reminded you are overweight. :)
