Smoothy Slim
Photo by Michael Burrows Pexels Logo Photo: Michael Burrows

Is eating 2 meals a day healthy?

Based on research that shows eating two meals won't necessarily get you all the nutrients you need, though, I do recommend choosing three medium-size meals between 400 and 600 calories, plus one to three snacks at 150 to 200 calories per day for optimal nutrition and satiety.

What happens if you don't rinse sprouts?
What happens if you don't rinse sprouts?

Historically, sprouts have been targeted as a source of E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella outbreaks that caused a number of illnesses across the...

Read More »
What is the first thing you should drink when you wake up?
What is the first thing you should drink when you wake up?

water 1. Make over your morning glass of water. The benefits of drinking water (at least 2 cups) first thing in the morning are plenty. Besides...

Read More »
Fizzy juice “eats through” 59lbs of stubborn fat
Fizzy juice “eats through” 59lbs of stubborn fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Is it better to eat three square meals a day or five smaller meals? What about snacks? Should you skip breakfast? Meal frequency has been a debate for many years, with strong arguments coming from both sides. For the average person, it can all feel utterly contradictory and confusing. Thankfully, the Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (a collaborative guide developed by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services), addressed meal frequency for the first time in its update. Find out what the research says about how often you should eat.

What the Research Says

What to eat, portion size and meal frequency all come into play when it comes to taking in enough nutrients to keep you healthy. A traditional American diet consists of three meals per day—breakfast, lunch and dinner. These days, however, Americans report eating more than five meals or snacks every day. So which is healthier?

Eating more often tends to be due to snacks, however, the definition between a meal and snack still is not clearly defined. According to What We Eat In America and National Health and National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted between 1971 and 2010, American adults report eating an average of 2.8 meals and 2.3 snacks each day; today, data shows that Americans have on average 5.7 eating occasions per day. Although no amount of meals or snacks has ever been recommended, eating foods that are nutrient dense—which provide lots of nutrients for the calories they contain—has always been encouraged. The Scientific Report does point out that most eating occasions (meals or snacks) occur at noon or in the evening. About 64 percent of people in the U.S. report consuming three meals per day, while 28 percent report eating two meals per day. Ninety-three percent of adults in the U.S. snack about two or three times per day. What is most interesting is the late-night snacking, which tends to include alcohol, added sugars, sodium and saturated fats, all which are recommended to be eaten in moderation. Added sugars and saturated fat tend to add unnecessary calories and can also lead to putting on extra pounds if eaten regularly.

So How Many Meals Should You Eat?

Is it okay to drink vitamin C before sleep?
Is it okay to drink vitamin C before sleep?

What many do not know is that vitamin C plays a significant role in boosting sleep health. Studies have shown that individuals with greater...

Read More »
What hormone burns fat?
What hormone burns fat?

Leptin We've all heard the term 'fat-burning', but how does it really happen in the body? Fat cells in the body release a hormone that signals to...

Read More »
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

The Scientific Report concluded that there are many factors that play into how often you eat including your culture and family life. Whether you choose to eat five smaller meals per day because that works for you and your family or if you choose to eat three meals per day, both can be part of a healthy diet—if you're taking nutrients into account at every meal. As a registered dietitian, I encourage clients to find a meal plan that fits their individual needs. Based on research that shows eating two meals won't necessarily get you all the nutrients you need, though, I do recommend choosing three medium-size meals between 400 and 600 calories, plus one to three snacks at 150 to 200 calories per day for optimal nutrition and satiety. Creating a well-balanced meal is all about creating a well-balanced plate. When you lay out your meal, fill half your plate with vegetables, a quarter with whole grains or starchy vegetables, and one quarter with lean protein. Top it all off with some healthy fats—a slice of avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil—which have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and support heart health. The combination of fiber, protein and healthy fat will help keep you feeling satisfied for longer, which in turn keeps you from craving food items that aren't on par with your ultimate goals. And if you are someone who needs snacks between meals, plan for them! Schedule a filling snack that includes protein, healthy fats and/or fiber to tide you over after workouts or during the afternoon slump. Consider simple snacks like sliced pear and low-fat cheese cubes, vegetable sticks and hummus, or apple slices dipped in peanut butter. If you regularly go five hours or longer between meals, pre-planned healthy snacks such as these should be part of your plan. Remember, nutrition is individual and should fit your family culture and lifestyle, so do what is best for you, your hunger levels and your goals.

How do you make your own juice cleanse?
How do you make your own juice cleanse?

Here is how to get started building your juice cleanse: 1-2 large cucumbers. 1 large apple. 1 cup spinach. 1-2 celery stalks (they are pretty...

Read More »
Should I peel my carrots for juicing?
Should I peel my carrots for juicing?

Should you peel carrots before juicing? It's entirely a personal preference. There are no nutritional or practical considerations to worry about....

Read More »
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
Which juice is better in morning?
Which juice is better in morning?

No juice is more popular at breakfast time than orange juice – and with good reason! Orange juice is rich in vitamin C, and just one glass provides...

Read More »
Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat
Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
How can I get energy naturally?
How can I get energy naturally?

Many people feel tired and lack the energy needed to function at their best throughout the day. However, drinking enough water, following a...

Read More »