Do you eat 3 meals and 3 snacks a day?

hdlb

I usually eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks, because that's what works best for me. I have a hard time eating a lot at once due to some medical issues, so eating 3 larger meals a day instead of 5-6 small ones wouldn't leave me feeling very well.

Laura8603

Yes. I believe it helps me maintain my weight loss. I've been at goal almost 4 years now.

ellepribro

I usually eat 3 meals and 3 snacks everyday. My snacks tend to be: crackers, fruit, veggies, and low-cal pudding. Usually less than 100 cals. each. My meals vary. Dinner is usually my largest meal - between 500 and 700. I try to pack my lunch with lots of veggies so it's nice and healthy and low calorie.

newmein2013

I do 6 meals a day, approximately 250 - 450 cals each meal. I balance them out for a total of approximately 1950 cals a day. Doing this helps stabilize my blood sugar and was the final key to enable me to get off of my diabetes medicine. It's not difficult at all. You just think about what you want for the day & divide it up. Typical snacks include nuts, avocado, banana with a tablespoon of peanut butter, Greek yogurt, hard boiled eggs, veggies, multigrain toast with honey & peanut butter, protein bar........

mycupyourcake

So, I heard through the grapevine that it is better to eat 3 small meals and 3 snacks a day. However, this concept is foreign to me and I would like to know more about it. Also, please post below some examples of what you eat in a typical day. Thank you.

Whoever told you this is probably under the false assumption that eating 6 times a day "stokes" your metabolism and keeps it running high. This is a myth. Various studies have proven the myth is wrong, but it hasn't reached everyone apparently. Even some fitness trainers still spew this "stuff."

kirk_clawson

I eat 5 meals a day, ~3 hours apart. There's a lot of broscience out there that will tell you this is to help boost your metabolism. Don't listen to that malarky. I eat multiple smaller meals simply as a psychological crutch. I find that when *I* eat only 2 or 3 meals, I have a difficult time staying within my calorie limits. Multiple smaller meals makes it easier for me because there's the mental game of "My next meal is only 3 hours from now, so I don't have to gorge myself".

Most of my meals are ~300-400 cals, except for "dinner" which is usually 600-800.

Here's a typical day for me, meal-wise:
6:30 AM - 2 egg omelet with veggies and cheese
9:30 AM - 2 packets of instant oatmeal
12:30 PM - Turkey and veggie wrap with a side of celery or baby carrots
3:30 PM - 1/2 cup cottage cheese and some fruit
7:00 PM - Beef patty & side of cajun beans / Chicken Breast & side of steamed asparagus / Fish & side of broccoli, you get the idea. If I have calorie room, I'll add some rice.

On my lifting days I'l usually also have a protein shake or smoothie. I don't need the extra protein, I just like the taste, and it makes a nice, routine way to feel like I've "closed out" the exercise for the day.

bpotts44

It is a myth that eating 6 times a day increases your metabolism. I typically stick to 2-3 meals a day no snacking. In the end meal timing doesn't matter. What matters is that you stick to proper caloric and macro targets.

TheNewLorrain

You shouldn't skip meals you don't necessarily have to do snacks but I find it easier to incorporate it all within my calories granted just started MFP but its plain sense to fit it all in. To each his own and you will find a balance as you go along. Take your total calorie allowance for the day and see if you can split it up for your meals and have left over for lower calorie snacks. Each person has individual tastes and needs nutritionally. I eat breakfast lunch dinner and snacks. Good luck on your journey and feel free to add me as a friend I would love to be a support pal....Lorrain

gracetillman

I think it depends on the individual and the day. The same thing does not work for everyone and then the same thing may not work every day for the same person.

For me -- I do better having larger meals and no snacks, but it doesn't always work that way. And if dinner will be late I need a snack between lunch and dinner. I wake up and don't eat right away -- usually -- I have a cup of coffee and then I will eat an hour or so later (yogurt generally, but sometimes more) -- then I have lunch -- maybe a mid afternoon snack if dinner is late -- dinner and then if I am in the mood and I have enough calories left for the day I might have dessert or a late snack if I am watching a movie.

momzeeee

I eat 2-3 meals a day, no snacking usually

kassiebby1124

I do c:

I eat breakfast, wait for around 2 or 3 hours and at like 10:30, I'll have a healthy snack, like a banana or nuts or something on my way to class. 2 or 3 more hours i have a snack, then I have lunch. then I'm good until dinner

michelepritchett90

WILL I HEARD THE SAME THING BUT I HEARD IT FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES. BUT PLEASE CORRECT ME IF IM WRONG

Corinne_Howland

I tend to do 3 meals, trying to limit carbs to 45 grams. Mid afternoon snack, with 15 carbs. Make sure you have protein at each meal and snack. Greek yogourt is a good way to go. I struggled and struggled, but it appears I may be not been eating enough. I've really been trying to stick to my plan and drinking the 8 glasses of water. It keeps you feeling fuller.

Corinne_Howland

Whatever is recommended for a diabetic, is usually a good way to go for everyone. Their meal plans are more balanced and don't spike blood sugars as much as the typical American diet.

RobynLB83

I eat three meals and two snacks a day. I've always eaten this way. Everyone has different eating patterns, and ultimately, whatever feels most natural and comfortable to you for timing is probably best for you. I don't want to post an entire meal plan, but since I eat so frequently, as a rule of thumb, I keep my meals around 500 calories and my snacks around 250 (to hit around 2000 per day).

Alternately, my boyfriend eats two meals a day. He likes big meals, so that works for him.

DeeVanderbles

That is typically what I eat.

Breakfast
Either a meal shake or some milk and a banana

Snack
Apple, yogurt or some multigrain crackers and hummus

Lunch
Salad with lots of veggies and low-fat dressing

Snack
Luna Bar

Dinner
Chicken or Pork
Veggies
Potatoes

I don't usually have a snack after dinner unless I need the calories.

brainzap

I eat 2 meals a day and sometimes a snack

PamelaGatorMom

Everyone is different so therefore what works for some won't work for other!

Me personally weekdays I eat 3 meals had have 2-3 snacks
Breakfast: cereal, oatmeal, breakfast sandwich
AM snack: fruit (normally apple) fiber one bar
Lunch: anything from a salad with grilled chicken or tuna to a frozen lean cuisine type meal
PM snack: cheese stick & beef jerky, pretzels, fruit
Dinner: whatever I cook or we pick up...grilled chicken to pizza
Treat: sometimes I'll have ice cream, cookie or some other kind of treat but not always

Weekends I sleep late so I rarely eat breakfast plus I find my lunch & dinner meals are higher calories cause I'm out & about so that helps me stay under my goal.

I found my personal weakness was I would get up at 6am and NOT eat breakfast, then I would go all day without eating, so around 3pm when I got off work I would be starving...hit Sonic for something greasy & fried and a 44oz soda or sweet tea, that would hold me over till dinner time but then I would always over eat then. I have found that when I plan my meals & make myself eat breakfast (I've never been a breakfast eater) I do much better with staying under my calories and not over eating late in the day.

My diary is open you are welcome to check it out....but don't be shocked I eat what I want just try to do it in moderation.

RobP1192

I don't even think i eat "meals". I just kind of grab whatever and eat it as i please. I don't wait for a set time. So i guess you could say i snack constantly.

Sawjer

I go for the every 3hours method, which tbh makes it really hard to keep in my calorie goal! Typical day

Breakfast - Oomf Oats
Snack - Protein Shake
Pre-Work out Meal (Lunch) - Chicken & Rice (maybe add in salsa/chill sauce and almonds/brazil nuts)
Post Work Out shake - Protein Shake (ISO-7) with natural peanut butter
Dinner - Chicken & Rice (maybe add in salsa/chill sauce and almonds/brazil nuts)
Snach - Protein Shake

Easy. Of course I change up meals every now and then and exchange shakes for bar's every now and then.

Lupercalia

No, I don't have the time or desire to eat six times per day. I eat twice per day, and sometimes a snack. I have green tea and water when I get up, then I work out. Following that, sometime between 12-2pm, I have a big lunch (biggest meal of the day for me). Whey protein with whatever, as well as a full on big meal. Then dinner (bit less food at this meal) around 6 or 7 pm and I'm done. If I have a snack, it's somewhere in between lunch/dinner.

phyllisgehrke

I eat Breakfast, Am Snack, Lunch, Afternoon Snack and Dinner. My evening snack is Sugar Free Jello which is only 10 calories.
I have been on this diet for 10 days and have lost 5 pounds.

Hope this helps

Monny287

I work with toddlers who have four meals a day (breakfast, lunch, a morning snack, and an afternoon snack). I eat when they eat, though I come in after they've already eaten breakfast, so I eat that at home. I pack whole-grain crackers for a morning snack, yogurt and fruit for an afternoon snack, and eat a light lunch. This not only helps them eat, but helps me reach my calorie goals! I try to eat dinner, but I often skip it in favor of something quick and light, like toast (I'm trying to change this bad habit!).

honkytonks85

I work with toddlers who have four meals a day (breakfast, lunch, a morning snack, and an afternoon snack). I eat when they eat, though I come in after they've already eaten breakfast, so I eat that at home. I pack whole-grain crackers for a morning snack, yogurt and fruit for an afternoon snack, and eat a light lunch. This not only helps them eat, but helps me reach my calorie goals! I try to eat dinner, but I often skip it in favor of something quick and light, like toast (I'm trying to change this bad habit!).

I think having a light dinner sounds good, as long as you are meeting your overall targets for macro/calories.

Monny287

I work with toddlers who have four meals a day (breakfast, lunch, a morning snack, and an afternoon snack). I eat when they eat, though I come in after they've already eaten breakfast, so I eat that at home. I pack whole-grain crackers for a morning snack, yogurt and fruit for an afternoon snack, and eat a light lunch. This not only helps them eat, but helps me reach my calorie goals! I try to eat dinner, but I often skip it in favor of something quick and light, like toast (I'm trying to change this bad habit!).

I think having a light dinner sounds good, as long as you are meeting your overall targets for macro/calories.

It's not really a meal, though, it's a snack. And usually, I'm tired and cranky when I get home, so it's not as healthy as it could be. And this small snack doesn't help me reach my calories. I have a hard time reaching my BMR because I have a small appetite. What I pack for an entire day at work (four whole-grain crackers, sandwich, salad, yogurt, banana) is what my co-workers would call "lunch." But I'm getting better. I made a big batch of chili on Sunday and I've been eating the leftovers for dinner. Much better than toast!

Sawjer

I try my best to stick to this regime but dont always suceed due to long days and nights.