Are Three Squares a Day the Only Healthy Way?

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dinner meal eating Three meals per day is the eating pattern you have been taught since childhood. But, is three the ideal number of times you should eat every day? Not necessarily. In fact, for some people, eating 5-6 times a day keeps their blood sugar more even and can help with weight control.

What Is a Mini Meal?

It is important to know the difference between a mini meal and a snack that is high in fat and carbohydrates. A mini meal should be well balanced—containing fiber, protein, and small amounts of fat. This combination can help you to feel fuller longer. In contrast, people who snack on sweet, fatty foods consume more calories and have a higher likelihood of being overweight.
Make sure your mini meal includes a variety of food groups. This will also help to ensure that you are including vitamins and nutrients in your diet.
Here are some examples of mini meals that you can try!
Suggested Mini Meals Nutrients
6 ounces low fat yogurt; ¼ cup raisins; 2 tablespoons peanuts Calcium, iron, protein, vitamin E, monounsaturated fats
½ whole wheat pita, 2 tablespoons hummus, 1 slice roasted red pepper; 1 piece low fat string cheese Fiber, vitamin C, calcium, protein
1 whole wheat English muffin, 2 ounces canned tuna fish, 1 ounce Muenster cheese melted on top; ½ cup baby carrots with light dip Fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin A
If you need more ideas to create your mini meals, visit the Choose MyPlate website, which lists healthy foods from the five food groups.

What Works for You?

Everyone’s needs are different based on physiology and lifestyle. Finding an eating pattern that gives you the nutrients and energy you need is key to a healthy and active life.
If you currently eat three meals a day but find you go into a mid-morning slump, smaller, more frequent meals may be right for you. Or, if you find yourself constantly hungry and grazing throughout the day, three substantial meals with fiber, carbohydrates, protein, and a small amount of fat may be the answer for you.
When deciding on a new eating pattern, make sure to stay on the new schedule for at least two weeks to let your body adjust. And, no matter which eating pattern you adopt, try to be consistent.

RESOURCES

American Dietetic Association http://www.eatright.org

ChooseMyPlate.gov http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canada’s Food Guide http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index%5Fe.html/

Dietitians of Canada http://www.dietitians.ca/

References

Berteus Forslund H, Torgerson JS, Sjostrom L, Lindroos AK. Snacking frequency in relation to energy intake and food choices in obese men and women compared to a reference population. Int J Obes. 2005;29(6):711-9.

Farshchi H, Taylor M, MacDonald I. Beneficial metabolic effects of regular meal frequency on dietary thermogenesis, insulin sensitivity, and fasting lipid profiles in healthy obese women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005;81(1):16-24.

Waller SM, Vander Wal JS, et al. Evening ready-to-eat cereal consumption contributes to weight management. J Am Coll Nutr. 2004;23(4):316-21.

What it takes to lose weight. The Family Doctor.org. website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/food-nutrition/weight-loss/what-it-takes-to-lose-weight.html. Updated December 2010. Accessed November 21, 2011.

Wing RR, Phelan S. Long-term weight loss maintenance. Am J Clin Nutr . 2005;82(1): 222S-225S.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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