Which Is Better? 3 Meals Or Many ?

[meggspeggs 0]

3 meals a day or several small meals? I was sleeved 8/26 and have only list 30lbs. I have been doing several small meals totaling between 800-1200 cals a day. I work out and drink a ton of H2o. Thinking I better try 3 meals and cut my carbs way back. Any input?

[NikiS 31]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I think you losing 30 pounds is absolutely wonderful!

I get hungry but it's rare and for that reason I barely eat 3 meals a day. I think the more you consume - meaning small meals - it causes your metabolism to kick into gear at least that's what I've been told.

How are you making out with your Protein? And are you watching your carbs?

[RickM 1,747]

I don't know if there is a "better" overall, but there may be a better for you at this time. If you aren't satisfied with your loss rate, or if you are stalling a lot, then try a change and see if that shocks your system into action. Initially, I needed six small meals a day but as I have progressed and could eat more different things, and more of them in a sitting in some cases, I have dropped one or two of those smaller meals to keep my daily calorie count in line.

Smaller meals have classically been used to smooth out the insulin spikes during the day and to keep from getting too hungry and over-eating. Changes in intake or exertion are often used to break stalls; some find that upping their calories for a short term breaks a stall, fooling the body into thinking that it's no longer starving; trying the very low carb diet for a while, if you haven't already been doing so may do it - the shift into ketosis mode may tell your body that you're serious about this. Or try the other way around if you have been doing low carb and try adding carbs (preferrably complex carbs rather than twinkies!) - I have found that adding complex carbs in my meal (like some whole grain toast along with some meat and cheese) before a workout allows me to workout longer and with greater intensity than when I have a lower carb salad and meat.< /p>

Another thing to look at is your workouts and exertion level. Simply changing a routine can often help, or varying the intensity of exertion. I found at around this three month time that my condition had improved enough that my exertion levels weren't taxing me as much as they used to - walking as fast as I could without breaking into a jog previously would get me into that 80% max heartrate zone (around 130+ at my age) that's often recommended for optimum cardiac and calorie burning effect but by the third to fourth month that same pace could barely get me to break 100 - it didn't feel all that much easier, but my body could sure tell the difference.

Lots of things to try, good luck in ramping it up!

[feedyoureye 3,087]

rick has said it all. I prefer more small meals...you may want to try less and see how you feel.

[meggspeggs 0]

Thanks! Great ideas!!!!!

[Indymom 132]

I had my surgery a few weeks before you and I'm at 58 lbs. I think you're doing great!

I do 3 meals with a snack sometimes . . . and a Protein drink in the morning. I average between 600 and 900 calories (sometimes I can spike up to 1000 if I make not-great choices). I don't necessarily limit carbs but I'm unable to eat too many, so they are limited automatically. I've consistently lost between 2-5 lbs/week with this. How is your exercise level?