Eating Less amounts more times daily

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Replies

  • skinnyeascolady
    skinnyeascolady Posts: 287 Member
    I eat my three regular meals a day. However I also have 3 snacks in there as well. I always make sure I have a protien or a protein and a carb for a snack. Just something small like apple and peanutbutter or almonds that type of thing. it works out that I usually don't go more than three hours without having something it does not have to be exact. I lose weight better this way because I don't have the sugar spikes. Not hard only if you make it
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    Which "experts" would those be?

    I know you didn't ask me, and no i don't follow this advice, but it IS still being disseminated out there in internet land......


    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer-phase-1-day-1.html

    ***Eat every three hours (usually 5 or 6 times a day, depending on when you wake up)! It's the secret to speeding up your metabolism. Be on time!***

    I understand that this myth get's perpetuated and bobybuilding.com is one of the main proponents. Doesn't make it true.
  • joskrin4
    joskrin4 Posts: 5 Member
    You have to do what works for your life...I come from a family where blood sugar issues tend to be the thing we deal with, so eating a bit (200 cal or less is my usual goal) every 2-2.5 hrs and then having a regular dinner with my family works great for me. I also work from home though, and when I am out will bring a small snack with me. This isn't the life for every one, but I like it better than going into a meal so hungry that I can't tell when I hit full because I waited until it was a "proper meal time" for every one else.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    The six times a day eating (or 4+ etc.) craze has been proven not to have any difference over eating once a day.

    What is your source? link? Eating often increases your metabolism, that's why they say to eat breakfast to break the fast your body is doing and jumpstart your metabolism for the day.

    I eat four 400 calories meals a day, snack being the fourth meal split up into 4 parts.

    It was in an earlier post but here it is again. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19943985

    Eating more often doesn't increase metabolism. You get the same TEF (Thermic Effect of Food) no matter when or how much you eat. Also, breakfast doesn't "jump start" your metabolism. Your metabolism doesn't need jumpstarting. It's humming along 24 hours per day. This is all oft repeated but it is all myth.

    If eating more often helps keep you on plan, great! That is why it's working. For me, eating more often keeps me focused on food and, wel.... eating more often. So, I can't stay on plan doing it. I know. I've tried it. It's all preference and compliance. Not metabolic benefit at all.
  • nml2011
    nml2011 Posts: 156 Member
    The six times a day eating (or 4+ etc.) craze has been proven not to have any difference over eating once a day.

    What is your source? link? Eating often increases your metabolism, that's why they say to eat breakfast to break the fast your body is doing and jumpstart your metabolism for the day.

    I eat four 400 calories meals a day, snack being the fourth meal split up into 4 parts.

    Simple science really... there are numerous studies out there but to put is simply:

    When we eat our blood insulin levels increase and higher insulin levels is the signal that tells our body to store energy.

    This is why frequent feeding (eating often every two to three hours) leaves us with high insulin levels…this is the reason why a lot of people become and stay fat…because they follow the advice to eat 5-6 meals a day from backwards personal trainers / dieticians etc. who blindly follow the advice of food companies looking to sell the next health food and supplement.

    Different foods have a greater affect on this so carbs will have a greater increase then say protein and different types such as simple carbs will raise insulin quicker and higher but it will drop back down quicker.

    Time of day also is important as we are more insulin sensitive in the morning after fasting overnight whilst asleep so it would be better to eat fat and protein for breakfast rather than cereal and eat carbs later in the day / evening.
  • I'm not sure if this actually does good for your metabolism or not... but I can say that it helps me!
    Eating less food more often causes me to feel full (well, satisfied) pretty much all of the time!
    This also causes me to want less food when it's time to eat, and to crave less food, as I feel satisfied...

    Can't hurt to try it for a week, right??
  • TBoom915
    TBoom915 Posts: 115 Member
    I eat every 2-3 hours when I'm at work during the weekend. The weekend is typically 2 or 3 bigger meals. Works for me.

    ^^^This right here!
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    This method works well for me because I have low blood sugar. I get wacky (like cranky and stupid) if I don't eat often. So I eat smaller meals and lots of snacks instead of focusing on 3 big meals or whatever. Give it a try, see what works for you!
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    The six times a day eating (or 4+ etc.) craze has been proven not to have any difference over eating once a day.

    What is your source? link? Eating often increases your metabolism, that's why they say to eat breakfast to break the fast your body is doing and jumpstart your metabolism for the day.

    I eat four 400 calories meals a day, snack being the fourth meal split up into 4 parts.

    Also note previous replies in this thread with links to research that refutes the idea that meal frequency effects diet induced thermogenesis.
  • dlyeates
    dlyeates Posts: 875 Member
    During the week I eat more times a day mainly because I'm not always guaranteed to have my lunch when I want it due to my job. I usually eat breakfast at around 8:30 am, snack around 11 am, lunch around 1 pm, snack around 3 pm and then dinner around 6 pm or so. If I don't eat my snack in the morning and something happens at work it could potentially be 5-7 hours before I eat again.....and I've missed lunch a few times so I know it happens!!! Much easier for me to eat every couple of hours just in case.

    On the weekends I eat 2-3 times a day in bigger portions because that is what works in my family's schedule. It's not about increasing metabolism or anything....it's about what works for me on each given day.
  • I get bored here at work and find that a light snack every 2-3 hrs. keeps me from binging at meal time.

    She said it! This is exactly what I do and why I do it. On the weekend however I mostly do the 3 meals a day thing. It works out for me.
  • jcstanton
    jcstanton Posts: 1,849 Member
    So what's the deal about eating less, maybe 300 calories every 3-4 hours? Has anyone tried this? Does it work? I've read this somewhere before.

    I like to eat my meals this way (though I've been lax about it lately) because I take Metformin for insulin resistance and eating at regular intervals works better for controlling blood sugar levels. If I'm not careful, the Metformin can cause episodes of hypoglycemia. Other than that, I can't tell you if it has any other health benefits or not.
  • bigblu89
    bigblu89 Posts: 41 Member
    Most days, I eat...

    Breakfast (usually egg whites with a 1/4 cup of diced ham and a 1/2 cup of peppers) around 8am

    A snack (FiberOne bar) around 10:30

    Lunch (Low Sodium Turkey on a Whole wheat flat and a piece of fruit) at 1

    Another snack (usually a fat free yogurt) at 3:30

    Dinner (Some sort of lean protien cut into a salad) at 6.

    Another snack (piece of fruit) at either 7:30 or 8:30, depending on when I do my evening workout.

    It may not work for all, but it works for me.
  • vim_n_vigor
    vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member
    You can split up your meals however you want. I find it works better for me to make sure that I am at least consistent about time of day and rough amount of calories at those times each day, but that is probably more habit at this point than anything else. Some people have metabolic issues that dictate their meal frequency. I would never tell a diabetic or hypoglycemic that they could only eat three meals a day as that could be catastrophic for them. Some people couldn't possible fit multiple snacks in through the day and it would be horribly frustrating. Find what works best for your appetite, your activities and your compliance and stick with that. No problem trying out a few different strategies, but no meal timing strategy is going to be a magic bullet that melts 20 pounds overnight.
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,328 Member
    The six times a day eating (or 4+ etc.) craze has been proven not to have any difference over eating once a day.

    What is your source? link? Eating often increases your metabolism, that's why they say to eat breakfast to break the fast your body is doing and jumpstart your metabolism for the day.

    I eat four 400 calories meals a day, snack being the fourth meal split up into 4 parts.

    Links to a whole bunch of studies that show eating frequency has no effect on overall metabolism can be found http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/529002-a-compliation-on-meal-frequency?hl=compliation+meal+frequency
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    The six times a day eating (or 4+ etc.) craze has been proven not to have any difference over eating once a day.

    What is your source? link? Eating often increases your metabolism, that's why they say to eat breakfast to break the fast your body is doing and jumpstart your metabolism for the day.

    I eat four 400 calories meals a day, snack being the fourth meal split up into 4 parts.

    Also note previous replies in this thread with links to research that refutes the idea that meal frequency effects diet induced thermogenesis.

    While there is no apparent effect on metabolism or physiology - I do this and I believe there might be a psychological factor - "I know I'll eat in a few hours, I can keep it light and not go whole hog." I feel satiated more easily after a few weeks and at work, where sometime I cannot do this, I end up choosing poorly in the cafeteria, because I'm hungrier.
    We possibly under-estimate the satiation effects.
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,328 Member
    The six times a day eating (or 4+ etc.) craze has been proven not to have any difference over eating once a day.

    What is your source? link? Eating often increases your metabolism, that's why they say to eat breakfast to break the fast your body is doing and jumpstart your metabolism for the day.

    I eat four 400 calories meals a day, snack being the fourth meal split up into 4 parts.

    Also note previous replies in this thread with links to research that refutes the idea that meal frequency effects diet induced thermogenesis.

    While there is no apparent effect on metabolism or physiology - I do this and I believe there might be a psychological factor - "I know I'll eat in a few hours, I can keep it light and not go whole hog." I feel satiated more easily after a few weeks and at work, where sometime I cannot do this, I end up choosing poorly in the cafeteria, because I'm hungrier.
    We possibly under-estimate the satiation effects.

    Satiation effects are purely personal. I am not satisfied with many small meals eating the same total calories for the day. I get grumpy and never feel satisfied or full. You seem to be the exact opposite. The point is this, do what works for your mental balance, but stop thinking that meal frequency has anything to do with how fast your metabolism goes. It doesn't and there are more than enough studies to show that.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    The six times a day eating (or 4+ etc.) craze has been proven not to have any difference over eating once a day.

    What is your source? link? Eating often increases your metabolism, that's why they say to eat breakfast to break the fast your body is doing and jumpstart your metabolism for the day.

    I eat four 400 calories meals a day, snack being the fourth meal split up into 4 parts.

    Also note previous replies in this thread with links to research that refutes the idea that meal frequency effects diet induced thermogenesis.

    While there is no apparent effect on metabolism or physiology - I do this and I believe there might be a psychological factor - "I know I'll eat in a few hours, I can keep it light and not go whole hog." I feel satiated more easily after a few weeks and at work, where sometime I cannot do this, I end up choosing poorly in the cafeteria, because I'm hungrier.
    We possibly under-estimate the satiation effects.

    Satiation effects are purely personal. I am not satisfied with many small meals eating the same total calories for the day. I get grumpy and never feel satisfied or full. You seem to be the exact opposite. The point is this, do what works for your mental balance, but stop thinking that meal frequency has anything to do with how fast your metabolism goes. It doesn't and there are more than enough studies to show that.

    This pretty much nails it!
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    While there is no apparent effect on metabolism or physiology - I do this and I believe there might be a psychological factor - "I know I'll eat in a few hours, I can keep it light and not go whole hog." I feel satiated more easily after a few weeks and at work, where sometime I cannot do this, I end up choosing poorly in the cafeteria, because I'm hungrier.
    We possibly under-estimate the satiation effects.

    Satiety and personal preference should rank at or very near the top of the list for darn near everything when dieting.
    Satiation effects are purely personal. I am not satisfied with many small meals eating the same total calories for the day. I get grumpy and never feel satisfied or full. You seem to be the exact opposite. The point is this, do what works for your mental balance, but stop thinking that meal frequency has anything to do with how fast your metabolism goes. It doesn't and there are more than enough studies to show that.

    Exactly.
  • Tw1zzler
    Tw1zzler Posts: 583
    I find that I'm more comfortable eating 5-6 times per day vs. a few large meals. Simply from a digestion standpoint. I usually have snack pre & post workout. You have to see what works for you. If condensed my meals from 6 to 3 I think I'd be too sleepy and full to do much.
  • stewarm01
    stewarm01 Posts: 331 Member
    Once again, thanks for all the input. Y'all (sorry Texas in me) are wonderful.
  • amann1976
    amann1976 Posts: 742 Member
    eating 4-6 smaller meals a day is good especially if you want to lose fat. you want to keep your bodies metabolic rate up so you can burn the fat.

    if you schedule allows it i highly recommend it. i've had my biggest weight loss success eating this way.

    the only downside i find to this method is once your body gets use to these feedings your body wants that food like clockwork and if you have a day where you schedule wont allow it the hunger pains are awful
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    eating 4-6 smaller meals a day is good especially if you want to lose fat. you want to keep your bodies metabolic rate up so you can burn the fat.

    Did you even read the rest of the thread?? The links?? Any of it?? Eating has no effect on metabolism. None. Nada, Zip, Zilch. You can't eat your way to weight loss by eating more often.
  • amann1976
    amann1976 Posts: 742 Member
    eating 4-6 smaller meals a day is good especially if you want to lose fat. you want to keep your bodies metabolic rate up so you can burn the fat.

    Did you even read the rest of the thread?? The links?? Any of it?? Eating has no effect on metabolism. None. Nada, Zip, Zilch. You can't eat your way to weight loss by eating more often.

    first of all the greatest thing i ever did was see a dietician/nutritionist and she seems to agree with what i said...

    second i said nothing about losing weight i said losing fat and there is a big difference between fat loss and weight loss

    the method of 4-6 smaller meals is what body builder use to look the way they look
  • psarah
    psarah Posts: 84
    I have.. I eat about 150 cal every two hours, with my biggest meal at dinner. I'm eating higher protein. I have been having great success doing this becuase it keeps my sugar level throughout the day and I feel more energized. It may not work for everyone but I have been losing about 2 lbs a week.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    eating 4-6 smaller meals a day is good especially if you want to lose fat. you want to keep your bodies metabolic rate up so you can burn the fat.

    Did you even read the rest of the thread?? The links?? Any of it?? Eating has no effect on metabolism. None. Nada, Zip, Zilch. You can't eat your way to weight loss by eating more often.

    first of all the greatest thing i ever did was see a dietician/nutritionist and she seems to agree with what i said...

    second i said nothing about losing weight i said losing fat and there is a big difference between fat loss and weight loss

    the method of 4-6 smaller meals is what body builder use to look the way they look

    So, in other words, no. And all you offer as new information is an unknown dietician/ nutritionist that "seems" to agree with you and some anecdotal info about bodybuilders?? You can't eat your way to fat loss or weight loss. Try going back to the start of the thread and following it through and reading the links. Or are you one of those people who don't want to be confused by the facts as you've got your mind made up??
  • uclown2002
    uclown2002 Posts: 79 Member
    The six times a day eating (or 4+ etc.) craze has been proven not to have any difference over eating once a day.

    What is your source? link? Eating often increases your metabolism, that's why they say to eat breakfast to break the fast your body is doing and jumpstart your metabolism for the day.

    I eat four 400 calories meals a day, snack being the fourth meal split up into 4 parts.

    Oh boy!
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    eating 4-6 smaller meals a day is good especially if you want to lose fat. you want to keep your bodies metabolic rate up so you can burn the fat.

    Did you even read the rest of the thread?? The links?? Any of it?? Eating has no effect on metabolism. None. Nada, Zip, Zilch. You can't eat your way to weight loss by eating more often.

    first of all the greatest thing i ever did was see a dietician/nutritionist and she seems to agree with what i said...

    second i said nothing about losing weight i said losing fat and there is a big difference between fat loss and weight loss

    the method of 4-6 smaller meals is what body builder use to look the way they look
    Unfortunately, a lot of body builders believe in myths. Look up lean gains and you will see plenty of people gaining muscle while eating within a short window period.
  • You'll want to eat 5 times a day to keep your metabolism up and running effectively to lose weight! I'm here if you need anything. Just ask, I can help :)
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    I like to listen to the theme song to The Benny Hill Show when reading this thread.