How many meals a day

coconutbuNZ
coconutbuNZ Posts: 578 Member
in Food and Nutrition
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?

Replies

  • runnercheryl
    runnercheryl Posts: 1,314 Member
    Three meals and snacks works best for me, but most of my snacks need to be in the morning.
  • soon2b_1fitmama
    soon2b_1fitmama Posts: 154
    3 meals and 3-4 quick snacks

    that works for me and my busy schedule
  • lizard053
    lizard053 Posts: 2,344 Member
    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_
    _AllieCat_ Posts: 515 Member
    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
    LovingLisa2012 Posts: 775 Member
    i have 3 main meals then snack if/when needed
  • clydethecat
    clydethecat Posts: 1,087 Member
    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
    loztredders Posts: 142
    Just the three 'square' meals seems to work best for me
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    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.

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