Q: I thought that we are supposed to eat when we are hungry and stop
when full. Is it is OK to go all day long without eating? What if you
don’t get a hunger pang all day?

A: Everyone is different; each of us has our unique needs and individual
preferences. I think it is wonderful that you have the great ability to
only eat when you are hungry and stop when you are full. Many, many of
us would love to have that power! If only we knew when we were hungry! If only we could
control ourselves enough to stop! That would indeed be divine, to
possess knowledge and power.

It is reassuring to me to hear from someone who says they are not
constantly hungry. You’re not the first, however. A few clients of mine
in workshops have told me they just aren’t hungry in the day, but eat
one big meal in the evening and that’s it. Yet, those are people who
have weight problems, and have come to one of my workshops or done private coaching with me. 
So something is not right, and a change needs to be made.
I would need to know a whole lot more about you and your
activities–what, when, and how much you eat, to give you definite
answers. But it’s no accident the majority of experts in healthy living and weight management recommend eating small portions multiple times a day as the best way to keep your body
in top working condition and to avoid overeating.

Let me make a few
more educated guesses about your situation. I’ll come right out and
assume that since you’re writing me, you are overweight, and probably
eat too much when you do eat that one meal, in relation to the energy
(calories) you utilize. I also suspect you may not be doing much
physically during the day (or in the evening, either), which is one
reason you don’t need much fuel. Here’s a thought to consider: why not
have a good breakfast and then enjoy some vigorous physical fun during
mid-morning or early afternoon? Take a “dance for health” class or play
tennis or get into a yoga workshop. Try this two or three times a week
to start. Burn some fat, and get connected with others. Make yourself a
little hungry during the day and feed your body, soul, and spirit. Of
course, use the Joy of Weight Loss eating plan to be sure
you’re getting good nutrition in good quantity, and not overeating when
you do eat. By all means, though, stop when you’re full, and eat when
you’re hungry. Those are marvelous blessings; no need to abandon them!
Now, though, it might help to be a little more active and get a little
hungrier during the day.