What happens to the body when you skip meals?
Decking the halls can take a lot out of you, but don’t become so frazzled that you start skipping meals.
“During the holidays, we are often so hurried we don’t have time to sit down for a meal,” says Haley Robinson, a Piedmont clinical dietitian. “Some people also tend to think that if they skip breakfast and lunch, they will be able to indulge more at holiday dinners without exceedingtheir calorie limit for the day.”
But forgoing food isn’t healthy, and it can actually lead to weight gain.
What happens when you skip a meal?
“First, your blood sugar decreases, which causes interruption in your ability to think straight,” says Robinson. “The brain uses glucose to run efficiently and if there is not enough glucose for the brain to use, your body does not function at 100 percent.”
Low blood sugar causes people to feel irritable, confused and fatigued. The body begins to increase production of cortisol, leaving us stressed and hangry.
Skipping meals can also cause your metabolism to slow down, which can cause weight gain or make it harder to lose weight.
“When you skip a meal or go a long time without eating, your body goes into survival mode,” says Robinson. “This causes your cells and body to crave food which causes you to eat a lot. We usually tend to crave unhealthy foods and all attempts at eating healthy go out the door. When you are that hungry, anything goes.”
Tips to avoid skipping meals
Let’s face it—the holiday season can be hectic. If you are extremely busy, try following these tips:
Eat smaller, frequent meals throughout the day rather than skipping meals.
Always have a snack around like yogurt or a granola bar to hold you over until your next meal.
Eatsnacks high in protein and fiber. They will keep you full longer.
Plan your meals in advance or prepare them the night before.
Make a schedule for the week to avoid over booking yourself or falling behind.
Set an alarm to ring at lunchtime if you are going to be running around all day.
Make a lunch date. You cannot skip a meal if you have already made plans with friends or family.
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FAQs
Low blood sugar causes people to feel irritable, confused and fatigued. The body begins to increase production of cortisol, leaving us stressed and hangry. Skipping meals can also cause your metabolism to slow down, which can cause weight gain or make it harder to lose weight.
What happens to your body when you skip a meal? ›
Skipping meals: Causes the body to lower its metabolism (how much energy it needs to function) Causes us to burn less energy (fewer calories) Can lead us to gain weight when we eat our usual amount of food Leaves us with little energy because the body has run out of the fuel we get from food Leaves us sluggish and ...
What happens to your body if you don't eat enough food? ›
Nutrient deficiencies & muscle breakdown
Another serious side effect of undereating is the development of nutrient deficiencies, which can lead to health conditions like anemia (often a result of iron deficiency), cold intolerance, hair loss, skin problems, insomnia, bone issues, and a weakened immune system.
What happens to your digestive system when you don t eat enough? ›
Eating too few calories can also lead to constipation. People with constipation experience fewer bowel movements than other people. They may also have harder stools that can be difficult or painful to expel.
What happens to the digestive system when you skip meals? ›
Harrison says skipping meals could lead to both nausea and diarrhea, and you could even become constipated.
What happens if you don't eat for 3 days but drink water? ›
After two or three days without food, your body starts to break down fatty tissue. Your muscles use the fatty acids created during this process as their main source of fuel. Fatty acids are also used to form ketones in the liver. Ketones are another substance the body can use for energy.
What happens to your brain when you don't eat? ›
Emotional and Cognitive changes: Depression, anxiety, irritability, increased mood fluctuations, intense and negative emotional reactions, decreased enthusiasm, reduced motivation, impaired concentration, problem solving and comprehension, increased rigidity, obsessional thinking and reduced alertness.
What happens if you eat too little? ›
Because you're not taking in enough calories, your body slows down your metabolism in an effort to conserve energy. You might feel sluggish and cold and have gastrointestinal abnormalities, such as constipation.
Do you poop less if you eat less? ›
Infrequent bowel movements may be related to low calorie intake. This isn't surprising since consuming very little food will result in less waste in your digestive tract. Constipation is typically described as having fewer than three bowel movements per week or having small, hard stools that are difficult to pass.
How do I know if I'm in starvation mode? ›
Feeling cold: According to a study published in the journal Aging, calorie restriction reduces your core body temperature, therefore you feel cold. Lethargy: On a starvation diet, you would not likely be eating enough, which will leave you constantly exhausted.
Bottom line: skipping meals rarely results in weight loss for the long term and it can negatively impact your metabolism. So, consider waking a few minutes earlier to fit in a quick breakfast before your busy day gets away from you. Confused about what to eat, how much or when?
Will you lose weight if you skip food? ›
"Skipping meals can also disrupt our metabolism. When our body doesn't receive regular meals, it can go into starvation mode which slows down our metabolism in order to conserve energy. This means that the body burns fewer calories, making it harder to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Will skipping meals reduce belly fat? ›
Fewer calories can help to jumpstart weight loss. However, skipping meals can only help temporarily as it can cause the body to go into starvation mode. When the body reaches this point, it begins storing fat which can ultimately lead to increased belly fat.
What happens to your body when you don't eat for a week? ›
Symptoms of not eating can develop due to hypoglycemia and ketosis, causing mild symptoms like fatigue and dizziness to more serious ones like heart palpitations and seizures. A common complication of not eating is malnutrition, which can lead to missed periods, infertility, bone mineral loss, and severe wasting.
