Eating multiple times a day vs. 3 times; effect of caffeine and weight loss

[ap0258]

hey,

I have tried looking for a clear thread on this topic and failed to find one. Sorry if this question is redundant.

Is it better to eat multiple times a day or 3 times a day. Calorie count and the proportions would be the same either way. With the multiple times, you would just be eating less every meal compared to the 3 meals. Hope ya'll can understand the question.

Also, I know that caffeine is a good fat burner however I have been hearing that its not good to be caffeinated and work out..anyone have any knowledge on this?

I'm 5'10, 194 lbs and am trying to reach my goal weight of 180 lbs. I started off at 205 and over teh summer lost 10 lbs and then since school started my motivation/nutrition has gone down the drain. I mean i still work out but i am not seeing a difference. I know my nutrition is a little off but its hard eating right with school and midterms and work. any advice? good meal plans?

Thanks

 

[PaperAirPlanes]

I look at it this way......eat whenever you want, as often as you want, just don't go over your calories. And if you blow through your calories by Noon, then you're stuck. Rework it. You'll find your own balance. Everyones different. Somedays I needa eat more often, somedays less often.

 

[Steve]

This has been discussed to death around here regarding meal frequency. It really comes down to personal preference. Once calories and macros are accounted for, it's really not going to matter all that much if at all in the long run.

Do what fits your schedule best and keeps you most satiated.

 

[gbone]

I look at it this way......eat whenever you want, as often as you want, just don't go over your calories. And if you blow through your calories by Noon, then you're stuck.

All calories gone by noon what a killer its happened to me once.I like to eat a lot later in the day so I always leave 1000 cals or more for between 5pm and midnight.

I tend to have 2/3 smaller snack type meals at work then 3 proper meals at 5pm 8pm and 11pm.

 

[Darth Pooh]

I leave about 1100 calories myself for dinner and then after wards... Popcorn, Egg sandwich, Waffles, Cereal, Protein shakes, almonds... you name it, I save cals for it.

 

[Yoga RD]

This has been discussed to death around here regarding meal frequency. It really comes down to personal preference. Once calories and macros are accounted for, it's really not going to matter all that much if at all in the long run.

Do what fits your schedule best and keeps you most satiated.

There is some research that supports the 6 meal pattern (including a study I coordinated), that indicates it may be better than a 3 meal pattern. You may burn more calories digesting food (aka DIT) with the 6 meal pattern.

That being said, whichever one works for you is best.

Brian Dean MS,RD
Collaboration Coordinator, NutriYoga LLC
NutriYoga.com

 

[Steve]

There is some research that supports the 6 meal pattern (including a study I coordinated), that indicates it may be better than a 3 meal pattern. You may burn more calories digesting food (aka DIT) with the 6 meal pattern.

That being said, whichever one works for you is best.

Brian Dean MS,RD
Collaboration Coordinator, NutriYoga LLC
NutriYoga.com

Links to the research please?

I have a pretty good number of sources that say differently.

Of course, as with most any facet of research, there is research supporting both sides of the story. The research is pretty heavily weighted from what I've seen in favor of meal frequency not mattering once calories and macros are accounted for.

When all else fails, look to anecdote. Anecdote would strongly agree that it doesn't matter.

 

[shae]

There is some research that supports the 6 meal pattern (including a study I coordinated), that indicates it may be better than a 3 meal pattern. You may burn more calories digesting food (aka DIT) with the 6 meal pattern.

That being said, whichever one works for you is best.

Brian Dean MS,RD
Collaboration Coordinator, NutriYoga LLC
NutriYoga.com

Well it certainly works better for diabetics who need to control their insulin levels. And grazing is what our bodies are meant to do. Hunt, gather, collect, eat, etc.

 

[Steve]

Well it certainly works better for diabetics who need to control their insulin levels. And grazing is what our bodies are meant to do. Hunt, gather, collect, eat, etc.

Fat loss and controlling insulin are different universes.