Deciding how many meals to eat per day is a personal choice that depends on many factors, including your lifestyle, schedule, and dietary preferences. Some people prefer to only eat three large meals per day, while others find it more beneficial to eat more than three smaller meals throughout the day.
There are benefits and drawbacks to both approaches, and ultimately it’s up to you to decide what works best for you. If you’re interested in trying out the small frequent meals approach, this article will take you through the benefits, drawbacks, and give a sample meal plan.
Some experts say that eating smaller meals more often throughout the day can help boost your metabolism and keep your energy levels high (12). They argue that when your body is constantly digesting food, it’s working harder than when you eat three large meals per day.
Since a higher metabolism means you’re burning more calories, if this is true then eating small frequent meals can help with weight loss (7).
Eating smaller meals more often can help reduce feelings of hunger and cravings, which can lead to healthier eating habits overall.
Fluctuating blood sugar levels can lead to all sorts of problems, including mood swings, energy crashes, and cravings. Eating small frequent meals can help keep your blood sugar levels stable and avoid these issues (5).
Feeling energized and not weighed down by food is essential for productivity. When you’re not thinking about your next meal, you can focus more on work or whatever else you have going on.
Getting in all the RDA of essential nutrients is easier when you’re eating several small meals throughout the day (17). If you have a reduced appetite, early satiety, or increased nutrient needs due to illness, eating small frequent meals can help you get in all the energy and nutrients you need more comfortably.
People with gastrointestinal issues, such as IBS or GERD, often find that eating smaller meals more often helps to reduce their symptoms (10).
This is because large meals can aggravate their digestive symptoms and lead to discomfort (8). Bloating, stomach pain, and heartburn are all common issues that can sometimes be eased by eating smaller meals.
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Since you’ll need to have food available more often throughout the day, small frequent meals require a bit more planning than three large meals. This can be difficult and inconvenient if you have a busy lifestyle.
If you’re not careful, eating small, frequent meals can be expensive. opting for healthy, nutrient-rich foods can get pricey if you’re not mindful of your budget.
Since you’re eating several more meals, it’s easy to overdo it if you’re not careful. Some research associates increased meal frequency with an increased desire to eat (6). Be mindful of your portion sizes and make sure to eat slowly to give your stomach time to digest.
If you’re not careful about what you’re eating, eating small frequent meals can lead to weight gain instead of weight loss. Sometimes people who need to gain weight are recommended to eat small frequent meals to increase their overall calorie intake. Whether your goal is to lose, gain, or maintain, make sure to choose healthy, nutrient-rich foods and avoid overindulging in unhealthy snacks and treats (18).
Satiety is the measure of how full you feel after eating a meal. Some people find that they don’t feel as satisfied after eating small meals throughout the day, especially if they’re used to eating three large meals (6).
If you’re preparing and eating a number of small meals per day, it will take more time in the kitchen than if you were preparing and eating three large meals.
When you’re eating these small meals it can be harder to socialize around food. This might not be a problem for you, but some people enjoy eating out or spending time with friends and family over meals. You can still make eating with others work, it might just take a little more planning and forethought.
If you’re traveling and your schedule is disrupted, it can be difficult to stick to your small frequent meals plan. Be sure to have a backup plan in case of travel-related emergencies.
Some people find that they have trouble sleeping when they’re eating small, frequent meals (2). This might be since your body is working harder to digest food throughout the day.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, try spacing out your meals more evenly instead of eating several small meals in a row, and maybe don’t eat your last meal too close to bedtime.
For some people, eating small frequent meals can trigger disordered eating behaviors (4). If you have a history of disordered eating, be sure to speak with a doctor or dietitian before starting a small frequent meals plan or any change in eating habits.
It’s harder to make healthy food choices when you’re eating meals throughout the day. If you’re not careful, you might end up snacking on unhealthy foods instead of consuming a balanced diet.
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The benefits of eating small, frequent meals are many. Smaller meals can help to control blood sugar levels, which can provide more energy and help to prevent cravings later in the day. Eating frequently may also help increase metabolism.
There are some drawbacks to eating small frequent meals, however. If you’re not careful, you may end up getting more calories overall than you would if you ate only three larger meals. It can also be difficult to find time to prepare and eat small meals throughout the day, especially if you’re busy.
Eating small, frequent meals is more appropriate for some people than others.
Consider this eating plan if you:
Athletes need plenty of energy throughout the day to perform at their best. Eating this way can help them stay fueled up without feeling weighed down or overly full.
They should eat high-quality foods that digest quickly and easily.
Note that before workouts carbs are the best energy source. After workouts, protein is essential for muscle growth and repair (16).
If you’re trying to gain weight, eating small frequent meals can help by increasing your overall energy and nutrient intake.
Sometimes a poor appetite or digestive issues makes eating larger meals uncomfortable, so eating small frequent meals can be very helpful. Dietitians often recommend this approach to those with an illness that affects appetite and who have lost weight unintentionally.
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If you have diabetes, it’s important to control your blood sugar levels. Eating small frequent meals can help by preventing spikes and dips in your blood sugar (5).
You’ll want to include foods that are high in fiber and protein which can help to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates (1).
You’ll want to talk to your doctor or dietitian about how many meals are right for you and what types of foods will help keep your blood sugar stable.
If you’re pregnant, you need to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients for both you and your baby. Eating small frequent meals can help to ensure that you’re getting the nutrients you need.
You’ll want a variety of healthy foods in your diet, including lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dairy (14).
You should also avoid foods that could be harmful to you or your baby, such as raw fish, unpasteurized dairy, and deli meats (9).
Eating small frequent meals in the third trimester may help relieve heartburn caused by indigestion (11).
As the baby takes up more room in your abdomen, you may find it difficult to eat large meals.
If you have a busy schedule, it can be hard to find the time to sit down and eat a large meal. Eating small, frequent meals can help you fuel up throughout the day without taking up too much time.
You’ll want to choose foods that are easy to prepare and easy to eat on the go.
Fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds are all good options. You can also make quick and easy meals like smoothies, sandwiches, and wraps.
If you have gastrointestinal issues like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome, you may find that these smaller meals are easier to digest than the large meals (13).
You’ll want to choose foods that are gentle on your stomach and easy to digest.
Some people find that cooked vegetables, fruits, and white meat are easier to digest than raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fatty meats.
Talk to your doctor or dietitian about what types of foods are best for you.
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While there are benefits to eating small, frequent meals, there are some people who probably shouldn’t follow this type of eating plan.
You should not follow this eating plan if you:
People with a history of eating disorders should avoid small, frequent meals unless recommended by their care team. Any change in eating pattern can trigger unhealthy eating habits (4).
Most studies have not found any association between meal frequency and weight loss. What seems to be more important is the overall quality and quantity of food you eat throughout the day, as well as other factors such as exercise, stress, and sleep quality.
That being said, small frequent meals are often recommended to people who have poor appetites and are trying to gain weight, because it can help them eat more overall.
In the end, the choice is yours. If you are trying to lose weight, it probably doesn’t matter whether you eat 3 meals or 6. What matters more is what and how much you are eating.
One way to make sure you’re getting the right number of nutrients is to follow a sample meal plan that includes six small meals spaced evenly throughout the day. This plan includes a variety of healthy foods that will help you stay energized and satisfied.
Eating small frequent meals has some potential benefits including being easier to digest for some people, possible improved metabolism, and stable blood sugar levels. That said, there are also some drawbacks to consider such as increased calorie intake and the need for more planning.
Ultimately, whether or not small frequent meals are right for you depends on your lifestyle and preferences. If you think you would benefit from eating small frequent meals, try the sample meal plan provided above and see how you feel.
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