Is it healthier to graze throughout the day or eat three meals?
Ask the doctor
Q. Which is healthier: eating little bits throughout the day or eating three meals a day?
A. The number of meals you have in a day does not determine the healthful qualities of a diet. The makeup of the diet, especially the total number of calories and the types of carbohydrates and fats you eat, is what matters most.
There are several circumstances where I'd recommend eating smaller amounts — four or five times a day. For instance:
- Some people are very sensitive to swings in their blood sugar. They feel better when they avoid simple carbohydrates. Instead, they should eat smaller quantities of a mix of whole-grain foods, some protein, and mono- or unsaturated fats.
- People with esophageal (acid) reflux also may benefit by eating less at each sitting. Also, they should decrease their fat intake because fat stays in the stomach longer than carbohydrates and protein.
- People who have had stomach surgery, such as stomach stapling for weight loss, need to eat smaller meals. They also should eat less fat to avoid bloating and indigestion.
For most people, eating more frequently during the day runs the risk of taking in too many calories. But as long as you keep this in check, you can choose what most comfortably fits your lifestyle.
Image: © Dougal Waters/Getty Images
About the Author
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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