small frequent meals MYTH?!?

[ryder44]

guys, i seriously feel like someone just told me santa claus wasn't real... i just read SO many articles on the small frequent meal plan being a MYTH... i personally feel so healthy and focused on my diet when im getting in 4-6 meals b/c i've heard its key for revving up metabolism. but basically every google search calls it a myth and says it keeps blood sugar consistently high and always has your body in a "fed state"

anybody have any feedback on this??

usually ill have oatmeal, fruit, cheese, veggies and hummus/PB, protein shakes, chx with veggies, salad, tuna as typical meals on their own throughout the day. i just feel a lot more energized with small frequent meals than the typical sluggish feeling after a big meal... maybe its all just personal preference?

[Marius_Ursus]

I look at it like this. If it's working for you, and you're happy with the regimen and the results, keep doing it.

Just like training, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[dizzzane]

guys, i seriously feel like someone just told me santa claus wasn't real... i just read SO many articles on the small frequent meal plan being a MYTH... i personally feel so healthy and focused on my diet when im getting in 4-6 meals b/c i've heard its key for revving up metabolism. but basically every google search calls it a myth and says it keeps blood sugar consistently high and always has your body in a "fed state"

anybody have any feedback on this??

usually ill have oatmeal, fruit, cheese, veggies and hummus/PB, protein shakes, chx with veggies, salad, tuna as typical meals on their own throughout the day. i just feel a lot more energized with small frequent meals than the typical sluggish feeling after a big meal... maybe its all just personal preference?

See bolded

[ko300zx]

guys, i seriously feel like someone just told me santa claus wasn't real... i just read SO many articles on the small frequent meal plan being a MYTH... i personally feel so healthy and focused on my diet when im getting in 4-6 meals b/c i've heard its key for revving up metabolism. but basically every google search calls it a myth and says it keeps blood sugar consistently high and always has your body in a "fed state"

anybody have any feedback on this??

usually ill have oatmeal, fruit, cheese, veggies and hummus/PB, protein shakes, chx with veggies, salad, tuna as typical meals on their own throughout the day. i just feel a lot more energized with small frequent meals than the typical sluggish feeling after a big meal... maybe its all just personal preference?

If you feel more energized on small meals, continue eating small meals, but you are correct in that it is a myth that those small meals will increase metabolism.

[Skullbreaker]

personal preferences

[Cumulonimbus]

Total daily nutrition is what determines bodycomposition. There have been several studies showing that the TEF (Thermic Effect of Food) and metabolic rate is determined by overall calorie intake and macronutrient structure, not meal frequency. I personally eat 4 meal because it is convenient. Breakfast, after my workout, dinner and before bed. Keep it simple and hit your daily macros and calories.

Feeling "healthy" by eating many meals or eating clean is neurotic. Get that out of your mind before you start battling an eating disorder/having an unhealthy relationship with food.

[ryder44]

If you feel more energized on small meals, continue eating small meals, but you are correct in that it is a myth that those small meals will increase metabolism.

any idea whether results are better/faster with either method? or is daily cals/macros the only thing that really matters?

[Cumulonimbus]

any idea whether results are better/faster with either method? or is daily cals/macros the only thing that really matters?

No, they are not better. As mentioned, daily calories determine body composition.

[dizzzane]

any idea whether results are better/faster with either method? or is daily cals/macros the only thing that really matters?

Refer to Cumul's post above yours

[ko300zx]

any idea whether results are better/faster with either method? or is daily cals/macros the only thing that really matters?

Well faster results would imply that there was an effect on metabolism which there is not, so no, neither is faster. It can be better if it has a positive effect on your mood and energy, but in terms of weight loss, Mr. Zoolander answered that.

[BIGOGW90]

I don't see why this is an issue. Eat when you want but hit your macros. /thread

[MikeK46]

any idea whether results are better/faster with either method? or is daily cals/macros the only thing that really matters?

daily cals/macros are the only thing that really matters. meal frequency does not increase metabolism.

it's personal preference because you should be eating in a way that optimizes your exercise performance, because exercise does increase metabolism (calorie burning!).

[MajorTwang]

daily cals/macros are the only thing that really matters. meal frequency does not increase metabolism.

We all keep saying that, but are we missing something at an individual level.

Some people seem to get a rise on both their BMR and activity levels once they get more than 12hrs into a fast - so IF timings can increase the 'calories out' side.

It wouldn't surprise me if people who don't get on well with fasting & actively prefer small frequent meals are getting a small but significant metabolic boost from the regular input of calories, whilst big infrequent meals made them sluggish & bloated.

So while there is no general effect of meal frequency, an individual's metabolism may be served better by some specific protocol.

[MikeK46]

So while there is no general effect of meal frequency, an individual's metabolism may be served better by some specific protocol.

I did indicate that one should eat in such a way as to optimize activity/performance so as to increase thermic effect of activity, but how do you reckon that meal timing can increase basal metabolic rate?

[FattyBastard]

I ate 6 meals a day, and lost around 2lbs per week for almost a month.Then i got bored, searched the forum and found out about "if it fits your macros".eating 2 meals now, breakfast and dinner, and losing weight just as fast as i did with 6 meals. Yea i guess it's a myth after all AND i am more relaxed.That "holy ****!i am 5 minutes late!MUST.EAT.NOW!" stress is gone