How many meals a day

coconutbuNZ

I've heard that having 4 - 6 small meals a day is more effective for weight loss, yet I have read this article saying that this might not work for some people and that sticking to 3 meals a day is more effective. What do you think or what works for you?

runnercheryl

Three meals and snacks works best for me, but most of my snacks need to be in the morning.

soon2b_1fitmama

3 meals and 3-4 quick snacks

that works for me and my busy schedule

lizard053

It entirely depends upon you! I have 4 mini-meals during the day, and a substantial dinner at night. This works for me. Some people do a lot better with 3 squares. If you tend to be a grazer, the mini-meal method may work better. If you don't like to eat all that much, 3 meals would probably be your best bet. Try it out, and see what works!

_AllieCat_

I am a firm believer in the 6 meals a day. It makes sense to me. If I keep eating every 2-3 hours my blood sugar stays stable and my body never has a chance to feel extremely hungry. The constant intake of food fires up my metabolism and I feel better after switching to this plan. At first, it was difficult for me to get used to eating so often, but now I am very used to it. It keeps my hunger at bay and keeps me making good choices.

Everyone is different though. I know the small meals don't work for everyone. I would say give it a try if you can.

LovingLisa2012

i have 3 main meals then snack if/when needed

clydethecat

i eat 4 200-300cal "meals" all day, pretty much every two hours. then i have a 500-700 calorie dinner, and a 200 or so calorie late night snack.

if i dont eat every few hours during the day i get really starving. i've found that even if i ate more calories for breakfast, i would still be hungry in two hours. so 6 meals a day really works for me.

loztredders

Just the three 'square' meals seems to work best for me

Sidesteal

Physiologically speaking you will get no metabolic benefit from eating frequently. That being said, if eating 6 meals makes you feel better then you should do it, and conversely if eating 2 meals per day makes you feel better then you should go that route.

I would let personal preference dictate this entirely aside from any medical conditions you may have that mandate dietary needs.