Calories, too many or too few, which is worse?

Headline pretty much says it all.  Is it worse to eat a few too many calories (say, 50) or too few?  I need to know because I am just shy of what I should be eating, but I'd rather not wake up my appeteit for just one mouthful!  Should I have a real snack and go over?

Either would be fine, but unless you're hungry,  I'd just stop 50 below. 50 under (or over) isn't going to hurt you. 

I unfortunatally don't have an answer for you but have the same problem sometimes, like today. My goal is 1350 and I am at 1322 and don't want any more food. I usually just let it roll and don't worry about it..but like I said I don't have an answer. But I will keep checking to see what the answer is. Shanna

Thanks for your input!

i don't think calorie counting (input or output) is such an exact science that 50 calories means anything either way. 

Honestly, if you're really worried just wash the dishes for half an hour. I think pgeorgian is right about calorie counting not being an exact science so if you're hungry have something small to eat then stay active for a little while afterward. If you're not hungry then its your body telling you that it is functioning fine without those last 50 calories. The best you can do is listen to your body.

Too many or too few can both have negative consequences. What you eat in a week matters more than what you eat in a day or 2. It all balances out.

Be kind to yourself and listen to your body.  If I really want something on the 50 more, I eat it and I still lose weight.  Psychologically, it is better to not be soooo deprived, just accountable - log it.    If 50 less works, go for that too, you will know, it sometimes it feels good to give yourself a little less and go for that too.  Both work.  I personally have one rule and that is to log it, this will keep you thinking.  I sometimes fluxuate 200-250 calories.  Keep movin on your exercise program too. 

Again, I agree with Pgeorgian  and melissa -  it's not exact science.  There is a lot going on in your body.    This is an accoutability and focus exercise for me anyway.