Eating more often vs. not

sillyvalentine · January 2014

I am curious if there is any evidence as to whether one should eat many small meals throughout the day or if it is better for weight loss and metabolism to eat, say, three regular meals.

I suppose this is the first time I've thought about it but I eat a small breakfast, small supper and a large lunch (because I exercise after lunch and it gets rid of that heavy feeling). I also like my chicken breast sandwiches and one of those can rack up over 700 calories.

What do you prefer and why? Is there any solid evidence that one is better than the other?

JediSwan · January 2014

I do think its all in personal preference. That being said, I have done it both ways and found that eating 6-8 small "meals" per day works: morning protein shake after work out (since I'm up at 6 am), breakfast at 9, snack at 11, lunch at 1, snack between 3-4, dinner at 6 (or later if I have hockey) then maybe a shake or snack an hour before bed depending on my burn and if I feel like I'm starving. Its working out well so far.

Just make sure you are eating balance and healthy foods. Low carb has worked for me, switched to almond milk and I make sure whatever dinner I have is mostly protein and some veggies. I usually dont eat complex carbs except for breakfast.

Hope this helps.

GiveMeCoffee · January 2014

Meal timing is personal preference. I would have quit long ago if I had to eat small meals all day long, I was miserable when I attempted that. I found for me I love having 1-2 large meals a day, it works perfectly for my lifestyle. As long as you maintain a reasonable calorie deficit you will lose weight.

jayjay12345654321 · January 2014

Since neither way has any impact on metabolism, it comes down to personal preference and any possible health conditions, such as insulin irregularities. If it is easier for you to control portion size and avoid binging by eating more frequently, then do so. Or if it's better for you to have that full feeling 3 times a day to avoid unnecessary snacking, then go that route. It's a personal choice.

cwolfman13 · January 2014

It doesn't matter...do whatever is going to allow for greatest adherence to your plan. The whole eat every couple of hours to stoke your metabolism is just a myth...the only thing that is going to stoke your metabolism is additional muscle and regular exercise.

hot_shaker · January 2014

I agree that it's personal preference. I think unless you're dealing with issues of maintaining a steady blood glucose/insulin level, it doesn't matter either way.

I prefer to eat 3 relatively large meals and feel nice and full after each (with an occasional snack, if necessary). Eating many small meals makes me feel like I'm always slightly hungry which is more likely to make me overeat. Also, if I eat a bunch of small snacks, I don't really feel like eaten so then I tend to go find a "proper" meal in addition to the snacks I've already had which, again, means I overeat.

gpizzy · January 2014

I think personal preference. I like to eat more often because if I don't my blood sugar levels make me feel terrible. I'm not diabetic but it's almost as if I am. I usually eat within 2-4 hours, depends on what I've eaten, as well if I'm drinking coffee. I notice the more coffee I drink the less I tend to feel like I need to eat. Part of that is probably because I eat out of boredom so my hands are busy with the coffee mug.

ModernNerd · January 2014

Whatever floats your boat. I find that my workouts are less effective and I feel faint if I don't eat about every two or three hours. So find what works best for you:)

Unknown · January 2014

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Ferrous_Female_Dog · January 2014

I am curious if there is any evidence as to whether one should eat many small meals throughout the day or if it is better for weight loss and metabolism to eat, say, three regular meals.

No there is not.

sigsby · January 2014

I eat three small meals a day with a snack after each one. I find that I stay satisfied that way. So, I can eat fewer calories and not get hungry because I am almost always eating. Just my preferance.