3 Squares a Day

[sunnyside]

Three meals a day works better for me too for many reasons. On mini meals I was always hungry and never satisfied which of course meant I was always in danger of making a bad choice. I also found it just wasn't practical to eat so often. Plus I enjoy sitting down to meals with my husband way too much to give it up. For years I chose to work weekends rather than an evening shift just so we could have dinner together. Now that we are working both working from home we sit down for lunch too. I get up earlier than him so breakfast is a solo meal. I know there is no scientific evidence to back me up but I believe that today's obesity problem is partially due to the fact the people don't take time to eat together anymore. Food is about more than just calories. There is something about sharing it with others that nurtures us in ways that can't be explained.
In a WW newsletter a few months back there was a study that showed that people who ate multiple mini meals on average consumed more calories and their metabolism did not increase. I really think it's all about what works best for you. I lost more weight and kept it off better since I stated consuming three meals plus an occasional mid afternoon snack. I'm happier and I can think about something other than food for at least part of my day.

I like what you had to say, especially this part; "Food is about more than just calories. There is something about sharing it with others that nurtures us in ways that can't be explained."

I've also found that it is impractical for me to eat mini meals all day. I try and stick with 3 meals and sometimes a couple of snacks. Mini meals lead to obsession for me and I find that I'm forcing myself to eat food I don't even like, just to get a meal in. I don't like to think about food that much and I when I have done the mini meal thing, my body looked no different than when I've eaten 3 squares a day, so why torture myself with all the planning? To make a difference in my body, it all comes down too cutting out the junk food and eating good healthy food, not meal timing.

 

[SirenSongWoman]

I can see where, if you're food obsessed, constantly eating could become a problem. I'm surprised so many women here do much better on 3 squares but what works works. I'd be obsessed with 3 squares. I eat my breakfast, go to work and munch on something for first break, eat lunch, munch on something for second break... I usually work overtime and munch on something for one or two more breaks. I've taken to eating vegetables first, every time I eat, followed by some form of protein (12 nuts, for instance). I used to have a problem fitting in vegetables but not anymore. My job is labor-intensive and I need fuel to function, plus the fiber keeps me satiated and eating this way keeps my blood sugar stable. I can definitely see where if you have a desk job, for instance, what I'm doing would be overkill. Still, sometimes, when I sit down to a yummy dish of green beans with no added salt or flavorings I really miss looking forward to eating. I miss the enjoyment factor.