There has been a bit of debate amongst diet experts regarding meal frequency; some say that eating three regular meals a day is more beneficial for weight loss, while others say it is better to have six smaller meals throughout the day. The truth is that some studies have shown eating six smaller meals has helped some people lose weight, yet other studies have been inconclusive. With this kind of confusion going on, where does that leave you when it comes time to decide on your eating habits? Here are a few things to remember:
- You should set your food plans to meet your lifestyle. For some, three regular sized meals with a small snack works fine and will not hinder their weight loss efforts. Others may find that six small meals are a better fit. The key thing to remember is that you do not want to get so hungry during the day that you overeat at one of your meals.
- For those who have diabetes (type 1 or 2), it may be preferable to eat smaller meals in order to better manage insulin and blood sugar levels.
- Whatever eating habits you adopt, make sure you abide by them from day to day so that your body can become accustomed to it.
- They call breakfast the most important meal for a reason. Make sure you eat breakfast every morning in order to start off your metabolism properly.
- Don’t eat simply because food is present or has been offered to you, unless it is time for one of your scheduled meals or snacks.
- Beware of the junk-food-for-energy cycle. If we are tired, our bodies can make us feel as if we are hungry, even if we are not. This can cause us to eat junk food with lots of sugars and carbohydrates in order to feel energized. This energy boost is only temporary, however, and leads to a “crash” which leaves us feeling tired again. Sticking to your food plans, getting proper sleep and exercising regularly can help avoid the tired feeling to begin with.
As always, be careful with the kinds of food you choose, regardless of how frequently you eat throughout the day
Cat Keller has a wealth of experience in marketing, e-marketing, advertising and customer service and manages our Weight Loss Nutritional Store. She is always planning something fun and exciting. special events, discounts, giveaways – it’s never a dull moment. She is happy to help you with questions you may have regarding our products or services. Cat is a graduate of William & Mary, where she studied Government/Pre-Law and minored in Marketing.