Most of us are accustomed to eating three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This routine can be traced back to historical practices, where meal frequency was often dictated by social status, availability of food, and the agricultural calendar. Some claim this pattern is a modern construct, designed to fit around the 9-to-5 workday, rather than being based on nutritional science or our bodies’ natural needs.
It isn’t clear when or why the three-meals-a-day structure became the norm worldwide, but it’s evident that this pattern isn’t the only way to fuel our bodies.
We can choose to eat just two meals a day, which is a form of intermittent fasting (IF). Research on IF suggests eating within a shorter time frame may contribute to various health benefits (9). The most obvious benefit is weight loss, but there may also be other advantages.
Here’s all you need to know about the 2-meals-a-day diet:
The two-meals-a-day (2MAD) diet is a type of intermittent fasting that involves eating only two meals within a specific time frame each day. This pattern is similar to traditional IF, where individuals fast for extended periods, such as 16 or more hours per day. With the 2MAD diet, you’ll consume your meals within an 8-10 hour window and fast for the remaining hours of the day.
Not all forms of 2MAD are the same, and some people may opt for a more strict approach by consuming all their daily calories in one meal. Others may have two smaller meals throughout the day within their designated eating window.
However, others may not stick to a fixed eating window but rather choose to skip one meal entirely, often breakfast. This approach overlaps with the 16:8 method where individuals fast for 16 hours and then consume all their daily calories within an 8-hour window.
You can lose weight eating 2 meals a day if your total daily calorie intake is lower than your body’s energy expenditure. In simple terms, if you consume fewer calories than you burn throughout the day, weight loss is likely (1).
The 2-meals-a-day diet may be an effective approach for those who are looking to lose weight as it naturally reduces overall calorie intake by limiting the number of meals consumed. The extended fasting period can also lead to a calorie deficit, further promoting weight loss.
Research has suggested that intermittent fasting may be just as effective for weight loss as traditional calorie-restricted diets, if not more. A review of several studies found that individuals lost 0.8-13% of their body weight within 2-52 weeks on an IF diet, and the subset of studies that compared IF to calorie restriction found similar results between the two (6).
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You should aim to lose approximately 0.5-1kg (1-2 lbs) per week. This is in line with the recommended safe rate of weight loss according to health experts. Losing weight at a gradual pace is more sustainable and reduces the risk of negative health effects (7).
However, the amount of weight you can lose with this diet depends on various factors, including your starting weight, body composition, and physical activity level.
Those at a higher starting weight may see more significant weight loss at the beginning of their journey, while those closer to a healthy weight may experience more gradual changes. Having a higher muscle mass can also promote weight loss as muscles require more energy to maintain than fat. Being physically active can also enhance the effects of the 2MAD diet and result in more weight loss (10).
Eating 2 meals a day has the following benefits:
Counting calories is one way to lose weight, but it’s not the only way. Restricting your eating window and reducing the number of meals you consume can lead to a natural calorie deficit, which makes it easier to achieve weight loss goals (1).
Using 2MAD as a weight-loss approach also means you don’t need to constantly think about and track what you’re eating throughout the day. Instead, you can focus on making nutritious choices during your two meals.
Intermittent fasting has demonstrated promising results in improving metabolic health markers such as insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. By reducing overall calorie intake and promoting weight loss, 2MAD can potentially help improve these markers (3).
Some animal studies have suggested that intermittent fasting may have anti-aging effects, which include increased lifespan and improved cognitive function (5). While more research is needed in humans, these findings suggest that intermittent fasting regimens such as the 2-meals-a-day diet may have additional benefits beyond just weight loss.
Some people who practice intermittent fasting report increased focus, alertness, and productivity. When you follow the 2MAD diet, your body is in a fasted state for an extended period, which you may find leads to improved mental clarity and concentration (9).
One of the greatest benefits of 2MAD is its flexibility in terms of meal timing and composition. As long as you stick to your designated eating window and consume nutritious, balanced meals, you can customize this diet to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Eating just two meals a day means less prep work and clean-up in the kitchen. It can also save time during the day, as you won’t need to take breaks for snacks or mealtimes. This convenience factor may appeal to individuals with busy schedules or those who are looking to simplify their eating habits.
We’ve detailed recipes to help you prepare meals that won’t affect your progress in our intermittent fasting recipes blog.
Read more: A Beginner Intermittent Fasting Meal Plan To Fit Your IF Journey
Skipping dinner to lose weight can be an effective strategy, as long as your daily calorie intake is still within a healthy range and you get all the necessary nutrients from your meals.
In fact, skipping dinner to lose weight may have some advantages over skipping other meals:
The 2-meals-a-day diet may be an effective weight loss approach for some individuals, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
There are a few groups of people who are advised not to try such a diet plan:
Eating disorders are serious health conditions that tend to negatively impact your health. Although most people may think they’re not fatal, these conditions are severe and affect your body’s ability to get nutrition. The most common eating disorders include bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and anorexia nervosa.
People with diabetes must get their daily nutritional needs to maintain proper blood sugar levels. Some diet plans may not meet such nutritional needs. Medication use and meal timing must also be taken into consideration. For this, you should consult a healthcare provider before you make any dietary changes.
The 2-day diet plan is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. This is because they need to eat more in order to meet their daily nutrient requirements. If you want to lose weight while breastfeeding, talk to your doctor. Never take matters into your own hands without first seeking professional advice.
If you want to gain weight, this meal plan isn’t for you. While weight loss requires you to maintain a calorie deficit, weight gain requires a calorie surplus. This means consuming more calories than your body burns.
Consuming an extra 300 to 500 calories than your body burns should ultimately result in weight gain. Eating two meals a day may restrict your calorie intake, which will lead to weight loss instead of weight gain.
Our vegetarian intermittent fasting guide article details a fasting plan tailored for vegans.
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To successfully follow the 2-meals-a-day diet, here are some tips to keep in mind:
With only two meals a day, it’s essential to make each meal count in terms of nutrition. You should aim for meals that are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied until your next meal (8).
Drinking enough water is essential for overall health and can also help curb hunger and cravings (4). Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day, particularly during your fasting period.
Zero-calorie beverages such as black coffee, tea, and sparkling water are also allowed during fasting periods.
If you’re new to intermittent fasting or have never skipped meals before, it’s best to start with a gradual approach. Start by extending the time between your last meal of the day and the first meal of the next day until you reach your desired eating window.
As you’re only eating two meals a day, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes to ensure you get enough nutrients without overeating. Furthermore, being aware of portions can help prevent potential binge-eating during meal times.
To get the most benefits from intermittent fasting, it’s important to know what breaks your fast. Foods and beverages that contain calories, such as milk or juice, will break your fast and may disrupt the effects of 2MAD.
Foods and drinks that are allowed during a fasting period include water, black coffee, and unsweetened tea. However, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before you make any major dietary changes.
The 2-meals-a-day diet doesn’t restrict specific foods or food groups, so it can accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions. However, for optimal results, it’s recommended to eat nutrient-dense meals that are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
Examples of suitable foods for this diet include:
Here’s a sample 2-meals-a-day diet meal plan for 7 days:
Are you interested in starting your own fasting journey? Try our 20-hour intermittent fasting plan.
Read more: Vegan Weight Loss Meal Plan and Prep Tips
You may lose 1-2 pounds per week following the 2-meals-a-day diet, depending on your overall calorie intake and activity level. Keep in mind that weight loss results may vary depending on how active you are and your body’s metabolism.
Eating once a day can reduce belly fat as it may help you consume fewer calories and enter a calorie deficit, which leads to weight loss. The results may be better if your meal is high in protein and healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Eating one meal a day is quite extreme, but there are plenty of other ways to create a calorie deficit and promote belly fat loss.
Whole, minimally processed foods are considered to be the best fat-burning foods to eat, including lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Consuming these foods can help promote satiety, which can prevent overeating and help with weight loss (8).
Some studies have suggested that certain foods such as green tea, chili peppers, and coffee may have metabolism-boosting effects. However, more research is required in this area.
The 2-meals-a-day diet is a popular fasting method that involves eating two meals during an 8-12-hour window and fasting for the remaining hours. It may offer several health benefits, including weight loss and improved metabolic health, but it’s important to follow a balanced and nutrient-dense meal plan.
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