What times of the day to eat?

Recently relapsed (for about a month, nov-dec). Is it ok if I consume most of my calories in the afternoon, like 5ish/6ish? I eat the most in the afternoon. I don't have that much for lunch/breakfast. I know it's better to have a few small meals through the day but I rather prefer this :\ Is this ok or bad for my metabolism? I don't eat at night. 

And why do I see all the weight going to my legs, especially my thighs/calves which aren't small to begin with (i'm pear shaped i think) :'( 

Hi there :)

It really doesn't matter when you eat, so long as you get the calories in. I used to have a lot of anxiety about eating at night because of my ed, but my dietician has emphasised to me that it makes no difference. So really, whatever you find easiest. Having said that, I still think it's important to make sure you eat regularly to work towards 'normal eating,' including three meals and snacks. But the calorie distribution doesn't really matter, so if you prefer to eat more in the afternoon then go for it.

Not sure about the weight going to your legs, I know sometimes with water weight people get edema (swelling) in the ankles so my guess it would probably be a similar thing.

Calories in; calories out in the end, but most dieticians will tell you it's better for your body to eat at regular intervals to keep your body sugars level (this is for most people, not just diabetics).

My internal medicine doctor told me to eat a larger breakfast, smaller lunch, and small dinner.    By changing my meals around (not eating my larger meal at night), I lost 10 lbs.

In the end, what works for one person doesn't work for everyone.   You need to find what works best for you and fits into your schedule.    Play around with eating times a little and see what happens.

Good luck.

redsunset4 you may want to be more careful of your replies in future as the OP is seriously underweight and recovering from a anorexia. She needs to eat more and gain not less and lose. But otherwise your advice is sound.

Firstly, I would strongly recommend a pattern of eating small, manageable amounts at regular intervals. Eating everything in a smaller space of time will mean your blood sugars will be unstable and you won't feel the full benefit (in terms of stable mood and energy) of what you're eating.

Also, eating little and often helps your digestive system and keeps your metabolism ticking over.

I also think that it's easier to slip into bad habits if you leave it all until late in the day. The voice might convince you its easier just to skip something out, or you may feel too full to have everything you need.

As to the leg thing, are they a particular hang-up with you? I personally have most dysmorphia about my legs (especially thighs) so always imagine that I've gained all my weight there. I think I am also pear-shaped as my mum is and I never had a large chest, even when I had a BMI of about 22 when I was about 16, but I literally see myself as gigantic below the waist and did even at my worst weight, so I know it's in my head. I tend to dress myself in a way that minimises my anxiety about my trigger areas, so I wear lots of dresses and skirts. Some days if I put leggings on I want to cry, but then other days I can tolerate it and those days are becoming more frequent as I recover! Yay!

xxxx