how do you eat

[akaye]

Hey everyone,

Just curious, but how does everyone split up their meals to obtain maximum weight loss and stick best to their caloric needs? Does three larger meals work best or 5-6 smaller meals?

Ashley

[runnergirl318]

I'm a 5-6 girl.  My problem is that I tend to forget the part about it being 5-6 SMALLER meals.  So I wonder if I'm better off with 3 regulars sized meals with some veggies for snacks in between.

[AlexandraM]

I don't think either is better or worse, really depends on your schedule and what works for you. During the work week I'm a snacker, so I tend to split up my food into 4-6 'meals'. On the weekends since I have more time to prep and less of a schedule, i'll generally eat two larger meals. When it comes down to it, it's calories in vs. calories out, so as long as your food fits into your plan I think you can be flexible. 

[JenniLacey]

The number of meals consumed has nothing to do with weight loss unless a certain schedule prevents you from overeating. Some people find that 3 square meals keep them better satiated and some people find they do better on mini meals spread out through the day. I've read that meal timing may play a small role in weight loss, apparently you burn more calories if you eat at the same times every day. I imagine it's effects are marginal at best and not worth setting your alarm to. 😉

I usually eat a late breakfast because I don't like to eat anything before I workout. I prefer a fasted workout in the AM. Breakfast for me is usually around noon. I have my lunch around 3-5pm. I have dinner at 8pm and a "dessert" (usually a healthy meal, I consider to be a dessert) at aroun 10pm. Sometimes if I have an earlier lunch I'll have a small snack or latte around 5-6pm. Works out to about 3 main meals and 1-2 snacks.