Eating six 'mini' meals instead of three regular meals
Cloudborn
Posts: 43 Member
Hi guys, basically the nutritionist at my gym told me that I was eating way too little and that I should eat four meals a day + snacks. So today I started with a plan of eating six mini meals. Can anyone tell me if this is the way to go?
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Replies
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Hi guys, basically the nutritionist at my gym told me that I was eating way too little and that I should eat four meals a day + snacks. So today I started with a plan of eating six mini meals. Can anyone tell me if this is the way to go?
He's a "bro", & has no idea what he's talking about.
All that matters is if you reach your caloric daily intake... and your macros before you go to sleep at night.... and get 8 hours of rest, at least.
Eat when YOU want, what you want, and how you want.0 -
All that matters is if you reach your caloric daily intake... and your macros before you go to sleep at night.... and get 8 hours of rest, at least.
Eat when YOU want, what you want, and how you want.
Second that. I tried the small meals thing, it was TERRIBLE. So hungry and miserable all the time. Eat whichever way you find comfortable and watch your intake, and you'll be fine. If you LIKE eating small meals, then sure, why not. If you hate it, don't do it.0 -
I would not want to have so many, so small meals. Then I'd feel like I hadn't had any meals at all! I currently try to stick to 2 meals, but I sometimes do a snack in between. I get much bigger meals, and it's a lot more satisfying for me.
Do what ever works for you!
Did the nutritionist tell you why you should eat so often?0 -
If that works with your schedule and you like it , thats the way to go. However it will have no effect on your weightloss or fitness, Eat one meal a day if that works for you. The problem is the qualifications to become a 'Nutritionist' are well variable. Anyone can call themselves that and I'm afraid the majority of 'Nutritionists' seem to push some very dodgy science at best and at worst some very dangerous science. Ignore them do what works for you.Hi guys, basically the nutritionist at my gym told me that I was eating way too little and that I should eat four meals a day + snacks. So today I started with a plan of eating six mini meals. Can anyone tell me if this is the way to go?
Set sensible calorie goals get a good variety of foods enough protein carbs and fat and spread that out how that works around your day. Don't unnecessarily deprive yourself of things if you want some chocolate in moderation eat it. A balanced diet that you can stick with that fuels you is what you need at meal times that work with your life
Good Luck0 -
It was also suggested to me by my PT to try eating 6 smaller meals per day. I was reluctant at first but decided to give it a go. That was last August and I have been eating this way ever since. I love it. I never feel hungry. I have lost the weight I wanted. I have sustained energy throughout the day.
It's worth a try. I know it doesn't seem to work for everyone but it sure did work for me.0 -
Well It seams from what u guys are saying the guy was way off... He basically told me I could have one small piece of chocolate every 4 weeks, I had to eat around 1500 calories and make sure I snacked a lot... He also told me to exercise at the gym 4-5 times a week.
I guess I don't really have a problem with any of that its just everything was just loaded on to me and its abit to much to change at once you know?
I'll try this mini meal thing for a few days, if it works then great, if not I'll just go back to my 3 meals a day.0 -
Find an eating plan that works for you. I can't eat breakfast. Never do. I love a huge lunch and am not particularly hungry at supper. This is how my body operates and doing this has let me lose over 100 pounds in the last 2 years.
The most important consideration about food is meeting your calorie deficit. Then, work on meeting your macros (protein, fat, carbs). Lastly, check out your micros. Weigh/ measure all your food - so you have the most accurate picture of your diet as possible.
This link has a lot of good information. It helps when building a plan that will work for you:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1175494-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants0 -
If you want actual nutrition advice, seek a registered dietitian, not a gym nutritionist.
For some good advice on weight loss and strength training, check out this:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819925-the-basics-don-t-complicate-it
Meal timing is about your energy levels and eating chocolate is up to you whenever you want, but it's a good idea to fit it into your macros.0 -
Meal timing is personal preference, I tried to eat the mini meals for 3 days and was absolutely miserable. I was always hungry, too much prep time, and wasn't for me. What I've found works perfectly for me is 1-2 meals a day and my nighttime dessert, 1600-1900 calories daily.
Find what works for your lifestyle and preference.0 -
1500 calories divided by 6 meals is 250 calories each meal, that sounds miserable. It is like a small snack all day long. I am not sure how a 250 calories meal would be satiating.0
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It's a personal thing. Some people do well with it, others don't. I don't really do mini meals, but I do *make* myself snack between meals, because I have some blood sugar problems.
It does seem like a lot to take on board all at once, but if he is a nutritionist, he probably had some reasoning behind it. Without knowing what your goals are, it's hard to criticize his recommendations. Though, I'd be curious to know whether he's an RD, or 'just' a nutritionist. 4-5 times a week at the gym - up from nothing, that would be a lot, up from 2-3 it would be more reasonable. And the chocolate only every four weeks? I'd be curious why he said that - if there are reasons other than basic nutrition behind the mandate.0 -
I eat all day and my meals kinda blur into one another. Personally, I like to eat a lot of food, so I gotta spread it out or else I'll have severe gastrointestinal distress. If anyone told me I could only have X food once every 4 weeks, I'd run.0
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The whole "six mini meal" thing is a commonly held believe and was popular among the bodybuilding crowd. There really is no additional benefit to it aside from personal preference.
I do well on the 6 smaller meals because it keeps me from getting over hungry and just grabbing whatever to fill myself. I make better choices. Some people say they find it makes them feel hungrier.
It doesn't hurt to try but it does come down to daily calories overall, how you spread them out is personal preference.0 -
Do what works for your not what some "nutritionist" at a gym told you what to do. <-- Sarcastic quotes were intentional.Hi guys, basically the nutritionist at my gym told me that I was eating way too little and that I should eat four meals a day + snacks. So today I started with a plan of eating six mini meals. Can anyone tell me if this is the way to go?0 -
Possibly a good strategy if you're not eating enough.Hi guys, basically the nutritionist at my gym told me that I was eating way too little and that I should eat four meals a day + snacks. So today I started with a plan of eating six mini meals. Can anyone tell me if this is the way to go?
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
While true when it comes to weight loss, the suggestion was made because OP eats TOO LITTLE.Hi guys, basically the nutritionist at my gym told me that I was eating way too little and that I should eat four meals a day + snacks. So today I started with a plan of eating six mini meals. Can anyone tell me if this is the way to go?
He's a "bro", & has no idea what he's talking about.
All that matters is if you reach your caloric daily intake... and your macros before you go to sleep at night.... and get 8 hours of rest, at least.
Eat when YOU want, what you want, and how you want.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
I don't want to be thinking about food all day long. I'm better with eating when I'm hungry, even though I don't get hungry often.0
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i eat 3 full meals and 3 snacks per day... :blushing:0
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I eat 3 at 500 calories and 3 snacks at 200-300 calories. I total 2100 calories a day right now as I am losing weight. I find it controllable and do-able. 250 calorie meals isn't going to happen. I would focus on your macros though to make sure you control fat and get enough protein - carbs fall in place by default of watching the others.0
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He basically told me I could have one small piece of chocolate every 4 weeks
That would be my reason for not listening to him, and very likely laughing in his face.0 -
Calorie-wise it makes no difference how you consume them over a day.
Spacing out nutrients seems like it should make them available more when your body needs them especially things that don't stay in your bloodstream for extended periods. If your body excretes an excess of something it doesn't need currently, then it isn't available for later when it does need it. That's a no-brainer. Studies are all over the map on the right number of meals, but it seems to be common sense that more than one meal a day is healthier than one mega meal.
Eating small mini-meals, especially ones high in protein, fats, and fiber do help a lot of people (myself included) from feeling hungry throughout the day. They take longer to digest and slow down digestion of carbs so they don't have that sugar spike and drop that can make one feel hungry an hour after eating. So, it does have a lot to do in what those mini-meals are made of.0 -
Possibly a good strategy if you're not eating enough.Hi guys, basically the nutritionist at my gym told me that I was eating way too little and that I should eat four meals a day + snacks. So today I started with a plan of eating six mini meals. Can anyone tell me if this is the way to go?
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
This is a good point.
If you naturally eat 2 meals a day, but you're only getting 1200 calories and you need 1600, then you need to add at least a meal.
Conversely, I'd say 6 is too many, since that's been pointed out to be 250 calories per "meal."
There are numbers in between that, though.
I tried the 6 meal thing. I was miserable, in part because I never felt hunger, and without feeling hunger, I never felt satisfied. There wasn't really any change between before and after a "meal."
Conversely, I tried the 2 meal thing. That actually felt good for the most part, except for the fact that I was eating way too little, and couldn't fuel my workouts. The problem was that I wasn't hungry and couldn't eat enough at the two meals I had.
I've personally found that my sweet spot is 3 meals and no snacks. I can even tell when my macros are off for me, even without tracking, because I'll either not want to eat, or feel constantly hungry.
Assuming you're eating the same amount of calories, the number of meals don't matter for purposes of weight loss. However, it can have an effect on your hunger and satiety levels, which can make it harder or easier to over or under eat. Losing weight doesn't have to be a constant battle with your body, so if you're struggling with a particular tactic for more than about two weeks (two weeks to a month is usually the recommended adjustment period for dietary changes), then odds are, that particular tactic isn't right for you.0 -
yes, 6 small meals a day will balance you out0
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There's no right or wrong. I do 3 large meals and maybe a snack or two every day. If I do "small meals" I'm CONSTANTLY hungry and thinking about food. Some people like doing the smaller meals, but to lose weight it's all about calories in vs calories out, so eat them whenever and however you want.0
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I eat 3 at 500 calories and 3 snacks at 200-300 calories. I total 2100 calories a day right now as I am losing weight. I find it controllable and do-able. 250 calorie meals isn't going to happen. I would focus on your macros though to make sure you control fat and get enough protein - carbs fall in place by default of watching the others.
Fat is an essential nutrient, there's not really any need to "control" it. It doesn't make you gain weight if you're maintaining the calorie levels you need (barring endocrine malfunctions that screw with how the body handles certain energy sources), and you can't go over calories if you base your macronutrient numbers as a percentage of your total calories (won't happen, even if you somehow managed to do 100% fat). There are many, many people on here who have had success both in weight loss and in health increases, who keep their fat intake above 50% (and some as high as 70%).
Control your intake inasmuch as you're controlling your caloric intake, but that goes for all of the macronutrients. Find the ratio that gets you enough protein to minimize muscle loss, and helps keep you from feeling starved, while still getting all of the nutrients you need.yes, 6 small meals a day will balance you out
Just....no.0 -
You have to find what works for you. With weight loss and fitness there is no one size fits all. Personally I can't do numerous small meals a day, the leave me constantly hungry, bloated and with zero energy (I get sleepy after I eat). What works well for me is two large meals a day with a small snack if I happen to be hungry. I'm usually not but occasionally there's a day when I need a little something extra.0
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A calorie is a calorie. You can eat all of them in one sitting. You can eat them in 3 meals, 6 meals, 8 meals. You can eat one bite an hour for the entire day. You can eat them while sitting. You can eat them in boat. You can eat them with a goat.0
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Eating shouldn't be our enemy. If it is, then I have already lost.
If I divided my meals into 6, it would be difficult to find something I want to eat, let along in a quantity I want to eat it. I still wanna like eating!
It has to work for you or it's working against you. If 6 is great for you... do it. If 3 is better... do that. Is it optimum? Probably not... but if you are trying to make a lifestyle change it has to work for you and fit your life pattern.
For me, I like 3 + 2 snacks.0 -
No chocolate? Bunk. Like others have pointed it out, its not just calories but the protein, fat, carb ratio's and the overall concept of macro's. There are some great forums here that will explain it much better than a quick post, you should check them out!
For myself, I have setup breakfast, lunch dinner, with snacks inbetween. Given I am in front of a computer 12hr a day 5 days a week + 2hr roundtrip commute time, I am on the sedentary side. So I am at 1680 calories a day... it's maintaining/slowly loosing weight for me. It works for me. I make sure I have a solid breakfast.. needs to be about 400 calories , then 200 calories for the snacks. Need to not be hungry, if I am hungry I binge. I do have stuff occasionally like potato chips, but they return on calories isn't great, so its shifted a lot to nuts, fruits and fiber stuff.
You need to try to find what works for you... If you need a piece of chocolate (say 100 calories) a day to keep from munching down the whole bar, then put in that piece and allot for it. It's okay... It's only bad when we starting eating at a surplus and not exercising it off... ergo... too much weight.
Good luck!0 -
While true when it comes to weight loss, the suggestion was made because OP eats TOO LITTLE.Hi guys, basically the nutritionist at my gym told me that I was eating way too little and that I should eat four meals a day + snacks. So today I started with a plan of eating six mini meals. Can anyone tell me if this is the way to go?
He's a "bro", & has no idea what he's talking about.
All that matters is if you reach your caloric daily intake... and your macros before you go to sleep at night.... and get 8 hours of rest, at least.
Eat when YOU want, what you want, and how you want.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
this.
there is a reason why bodybuilders eat regularly through the day- and set alarms to wake up and eat.
Mostly it is because they volume of food is almost impossible to eat in a condensed time frame or only 3 meals.
THere is that whole spread the surplus out thing- but reality is when you have to more food- eating MORE often and eating higher calorie foods is the way to go.
is it necessary ? no. I mostly eat in the afternoons/evenings- I bulk/cut just fine. BUT- when I'm bulking- I start eating sooner so I can fit my food in.0
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