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What Works Best For You - 3 Square or 5 Small? |
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It is important as we evolve into healthier versions of ourselves to be continually open to dialog and even disagreement at about which health practices provide the best results. I recently had to play referee between two women at the gym who go into a heated debate (thankfully neither resorted to use of their cardio kick combat skills) over eating three meals a day versus eating six meals a day for weight loss. I helped ease the tension by emphatically stating that they were both RIGHT.
Yes, both were right because they were reflecting on their firsthand experiences, eating preferences and the individual results they experienced. There is no “right” or “wrong”, and I have seen that both types of eating schedules can and do work for clients. But, I should add, they only work IF the total calories consumed at the end of the day are less than the number of calories expended. This is a big IF and It is one we all need to be conscious and aware of as we go through our day.
Eating 5-6 Meals A Day Eating smaller meals is frequently recommended for weight loss due to the concept that the metabolism works more efficiently if you eat more frequently. It is also recommended because some feel that eating smaller meals at more frequent intervals prevents overeating. Those that oppose the “5-6 small meals” concept argue that there is no “metabolic” benefit to eating smaller meals more often and that it may even cause weight gain due to underestimating the actual calories in the “mini meals”.
Eating 3 Meals A Day The proponents of three square meals a day argue that people underestimate the “snack” calories they are consuming and that “grazing” on smaller meals throughout the day is counter productive. It has also been argued that three meals a day are easier to plan the caloric intake and portion control of the day as well as providing a socially standardized eating regime that allows for shared meals.
When determining what works best for us, I feel our energy is best spent observing and listening to our own bodies closely. We can all learn from the successful practices of others, but ultimately, we are responsible for our weight and waistline. So maybe the question shouldn’t be five small or three square? Maybe it should be do you accept responsibility for what you choose to consume and how you choose to move? By accepting this responsibility you will become more in tune with this wonderful and healthy thing called you!
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