Is 5-6 meals a day the way to go?

[laxmom]

I have often read/been told that it is best to eat 5-6 small meals a day. Unfortunately, it is not completely plausible for me due to my work schedule. Does it make a real difference? Has anyone compared how they eat?

[kaelarenee7]

I personally don't eat 5-6 "meals" a day. I will eat 4-6 different times during the day, but the times in between the typical breakfast, lunch, and dinner I consider snacks. I'll usually do something simple for snacks, an apple with peanut butter or some veggies.

I started an active job a few years ago and then adding exercise to my routine, I find that I get hungry every few hours or so and by having my snacks in between meals, I'm less likely to go for seconds at meal times.

I think it ultimately is up to you and what works for your schedule and your body, but snacking has definitely help me to not overeat. I find that if I wait longer in between eating, I'm more likely to eat more when I do eat because I've been hungry for awhile.

[bklynite]

Hi laxmom. I find that 5-6 meals keep me full and stops me from over eating. When I feel hungry I eat more than necessary. The meals in between Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are typically smaller and all contain some sort of protein. When I am on point I have an easy day. When I am off, I watch the clock looking for something eat and often eat the wrong thing. I also find that it helps keep my metabolism churning. I have a low metabolism to due my anemia and I have to find ways to keep it firing on all cylinders. If you are busy I would suggest bringing your lunch and snacks with you. Pack a lunch bag and prep your meals. Just make sure that you are eating enough and drink your water. This is what works for me. There are people who can eat less times a day and are just fine. I hope you get more input.  

[MikeBuck]

It is not always easy but having 5-6 meals a day appears in my case to help with my weight lose.  Just smaller meals like a small salad, a piece of chicken, a couple of carrots, piece of cheese and an apple, and my favorite cootage cheese and an tomato (like candy for me).

[Heybales]

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@laxmom wrote:

I have often read/been told that it is best to eat 5-6 small meals a day. Unfortunately, it is not completely plausible for me due to my work schedule. Does it make a real difference? Has anyone compared how they eat?

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Personal preference.

Studies have shown that outside that - there is no strict benefit to weight loss one way or the other.

If it helps you adhere, great. if it doesn't, then don't worry about it.

If attempting it makes you miss a normal sized dinner, then don't do it.

If doing it keeps you from overeating at dinner, then attempt it.

[josephz2va]

Nah. I combined mine into three. Mini snacks to the sidelines. If I'm hungry, Apple (2) and carrots and celery. Three favorite foods. Low cal veggie dip either FF ranch or that supposed vegan dip.

[Knowledge]

The 5-6 meal "myth" has been debunked before. The idea was that more meals would stimulate your metabolism and prevent your body from slowing down. Studies have now shown that your metabolism actually increases in the first 24 hours of a food fast and that simply going 6-12 hours between meals won't hurt you. The 5-6 meals may help you lose weight though because it keeps you full and prevents you from binging on one meal. For others though it may bring up more cravings so its really a personal preference.

So don't do it just becuase you think you will lose weight more by eating more often. Do it because you prefer to eat more throughout the day rather than eat a few larger meals.