"Timed" eating?

Shannon2714
Shannon2714 Posts: 843 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Do you believe in eating every 3 hours (give or take)? Why? Why not?

I have read so much on both sides of the question and it's annoying me. There are times that I have zero hunger 3 hours after breakfast...and I'm trying to only eat when I'm hungry...

Just looking for some thoughts/opinions. Thanks!

Replies

  • pixiechick8321
    pixiechick8321 Posts: 284 Member
    I get grouchy if I don't get food regularly. And low blood sugar attacks, which make me want to faint.

    But then usually by 4, I've had most of my calories for the day and I don't have to eat as often.

    But do whatever works for you - if you aren't hungry, don't force yourself to eat!
  • bethgames
    bethgames Posts: 534 Member
    I try, but the afternoons are usually packed with meetings and I cant munch on carrots without annoying the rest of my party. LOL I usually snack most of the morning away, eat my lunch, then walk. Then I abstain until I get home and make dinner.
  • ItsMeRebekah
    ItsMeRebekah Posts: 909 Member
    i naturally want to eat around the same times everyday.. so yea i guess so
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    Do you believe in eating every 3 hours (give or take)? Why? Why not?

    I have read so much on both sides of the question and it's annoying me. There are times that I have zero hunger 3 hours after breakfast...and I'm trying to only eat when I'm hungry...

    Just looking for some thoughts/opinions. Thanks!

    It's a personal preference, if it helps you keep your hunger in control do it. But don't think it will do anything magical for your metabolism or weight loss
  • MustBeTheRows
    MustBeTheRows Posts: 377 Member
    This is more psychological than anything.

    Timing has no effect on weight loss.
  • TamaraGraceS
    TamaraGraceS Posts: 273 Member
    For my blood sugar I eat every 2.5 to 3 hours.
  • TKHappy
    TKHappy Posts: 659 Member
    I get grouchy if I don't get food regularly. And low blood sugar attacks, which make me want to faint.

    But then usually by 4, I've had most of my calories for the day and I don't have to eat as often.

    But do whatever works for you - if you aren't hungry, don't force yourself to eat!

    I also have problems with low blood sugar so I eat about every 3-4 hours!! My snacks and my meals are usually around the same calorie count. My husband on the other hand eats breakfast, has one small snack in the afternoon and then eats dinner...that's it. So I think it really depends on the person! :)
  • quietHiker
    quietHiker Posts: 1,442 Member
    I do actually....but that's also because I get hungry every 2 to 3 hours...but I believe eating small snacks throughout the day really does help up your metabolism. I know my metabolism really slowed down when I hit 24 years old. I didn't have the "can eat anything" body that I did when I was 19 or so...but through this past 4.5 months or so, through constant (healthy) snacking, I really think I've kicked my metabolism into high gear :) 12 lbs down :)
  • taunto
    taunto Posts: 6,420 Member
    Scientifically, you're gonna find links to articles on both sides. The cool kids on the MFP seems to disagree about the need to eat multiple small meals. I donot want to argue about the merit of eating multiple times a day but I personally like eating multiple times a day. I feel my metabolism works faster that way, I am more consistant, I get more control over my food, I can get different things I want. I basically I just prefer it.

    That being said, I currently do eat 2-3 meals a day rather than the 5 meals a day thing and I am still losing. As long as you're on a calorie deficit overall, you should be fine either way
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    I believe in eating regularly, and about every three hours sounds about right. Though, between lunch and dinner (which is about four hours for me) I get really cranky. I'm a snacker. =)

    I'm really jealous of the people that can eat three meals a day and be fine. That's definitely not true for me.
  • loseiteli
    loseiteli Posts: 242 Member
    This is more psychological than anything.

    Timing has no effect on weight loss.

    This! I do eat about every 3/4 hours. Mainly just because it helps me not to eat junk, and to plan out my calories for the day. However, I eat late and the majority of my calories are consumed in the afternoon/evening. :smile:

    I think it is completely up to the individual as far as what makes you successful.
  • IveLanded
    IveLanded Posts: 797 Member
    When I first started, I kept to a very strict schedule and ate every 3 hours, even if I wasn't hungry.

    I think that part of it is about getting into healthy eating habits. I got in the habit of just eating smaller meals which has really helped me long term, especially when I eat out. I got in the habit of not letting myself get STARVING, so I don't really binge on snacks anymore. I learned about appropriate portions and calories in them.

    I think it really helped me in terms of making long term changes to my eating habits. And, I lost a lot of weight eating that way. Especially as I've gained more muscle and gotten leaner, to me it seems to make sense that it does indeed keep your metabolism up to eat through the day. All I can say is that it's worked for me, and I like the results, so I will keep with it. :)
  • nikinyx6
    nikinyx6 Posts: 772 Member
    I have three major meals, and then snack healthy all day, whenever I feel the urge. If I get it in my head I want something, I can't get it out, so I have go-to snacks with me at all times
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    Do you believe in eating every 3 hours (give or take)? Why? Why not?

    I have read so much on both sides of the question and it's annoying me. There are times that I have zero hunger 3 hours after breakfast...and I'm trying to only eat when I'm hungry...

    Just looking for some thoughts/opinions. Thanks!
    It's personal preference. I used to eat every 3 hours, but that was because I was trying to gain weight. Now I may eat every 5 hours or so. Just depends. All I really care about now (and science backs it up) is that I get in my required macros/micros and stay within a calorie limit daily. How I get there doesn't matter. Whether it's in 2 meals or 6 meals.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • HauteP1nk
    HauteP1nk Posts: 2,139 Member
    I believe in it...because after 4 hours I am a crazed lunatic if I don't get my food.

    Of course, even though I know I should be eating more frequently (smaller amounts) I still only eat 3x per day (breaky, lunch, dinner)....
  • Ali_TSO
    Ali_TSO Posts: 1,172 Member
    I get grouchy if I don't get food regularly. And low blood sugar attacks, which make me want to faint.

    I also have problems with low blood sugar so I eat about every 3-4 hours!! My snacks and my meals are usually around the same calorie count.

    Same here, my breakfast, morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack are usually 200-300 cals, and then dinner is a little higher. If I don't eat at least every three hours, my hands start shaking and I hate that feeling. :(
  • TriedEverything
    TriedEverything Posts: 188 Member
    I do tend to eat at pretty regular times, and I always seem to be ready for the food! But my husband can go virtually all day with nothing to eat (he can never face breakfast, and doesn't always bother with lunch, which I just find really weird!) so I suppose everyone is different.

    I find it incredible that anyone can "forget" to eat a meal - that's never happened to me in 47 years! :huh:

    But if you are genuinely not hungry at a particular time, then I would say don't eat until you are.

    I think people like myself really believe we need to eat every few hours- the hunger we feel is very real to us, but I wonder if it is actually just habitual behaviour which has been ingrained in us from an early age! :ohwell:

    I'm sure that whatever time, or however (in)frequently you eat, you should still lose weight as long as you stay within your calorie allowance :smile:
  • MissCheese
    MissCheese Posts: 195 Member
    You are stressing about it too much, there are no hard and fast rules.

    If you are hungry, eat. If you aren't then skip your snack.
  • mslack01
    mslack01 Posts: 823 Member
    I'm certainly not Miss Fitness and Nutrition expert, but I simply eat when I am hungry.
  • escloflowneCHANGED
    escloflowneCHANGED Posts: 3,038 Member
    I try to spread everything out evenly throughout the day, I feel full all day and when it comes dinner time I just eat my plate and I'm done, before I would go back for seconds.
  • Shannon2714
    Shannon2714 Posts: 843 Member
    When I first started, I kept to a very strict schedule and ate every 3 hours, even if I wasn't hungry.

    I think that part of it is about getting into healthy eating habits. I got in the habit of just eating smaller meals which has really helped me long term, especially when I eat out. I got in the habit of not letting myself get STARVING, so I don't really binge on snacks anymore. I learned about appropriate portions and calories in them.

    I think it really helped me in terms of making long term changes to my eating habits. And, I lost a lot of weight eating that way. Especially as I've gained more muscle and gotten leaner, to me it seems to make sense that it does indeed keep your metabolism up to eat through the day. All I can say is that it's worked for me, and I like the results, so I will keep with it. :)

    This actually makes the most sense to me so far...thanks!! (the part about getting into the habit of smaller meals)
  • Shannon2714
    Shannon2714 Posts: 843 Member
    You are stressing about it too much, there are no hard and fast rules.

    If you are hungry, eat. If you aren't then skip your snack.

    Not stressing at all....just curious.
  • Moretakitty
    Moretakitty Posts: 168 Member
    Hi!

    I am on a medically supervised weight loss plan. For me it's about a new way lifestyle change, just a diet.

    Part of my plan includes being calorie restricted, so I have set times that I eat during the day. The idea is to curb binging and overeating because I am "starved." This way, I keep full throughout out the day.

    YMMV, but it's worked so far for me. I plan out each meal and mini meal before I eat t to stay on track, it makes it easier for me.I know how many calories and protein I need, and I keep my carbs in check.

    This does take a lot of planning and some time out of your day, but for me it's working.

    Good luck whichever you decide to do!
  • Captain_Tightpants
    Captain_Tightpants Posts: 2,215 Member
    This is one of those rare subjects where I say ignore what the scientific studies say and listen to what your body says instead.

    If your blood sugar is stable, you're not feeling excessively hungry, your bowel movements are healthy, your sleep is undisturbed, and you don't feel headachy, light-headed or dizzy, then chances are your meal timing is just about spot on for you.
  • rexzmumu
    rexzmumu Posts: 95 Member
    i do the 6wbmo and it tells me to eat 2-3 hrs, now my meals are about 100-200 in calories small and healthy. They say its about keeping your blood sugar level and not spiking your insulin, but i have heard fasting works too... so idk really this just makes since for to me. and is what i do. good luck

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