Just Talk Discussions / Five small meals a day
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mamajama
Posts: 643
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# Posted: 1 May 2008 17:43 - Edited by: mamajama


You read all over the place how much more healthy it is to eat 5 small meals a day rather than 3 big ones. But I'm wondering if there is anyone out there that actually does this? How do you do it? And when do you find the time to eat that often?


Jenns
Posts: 157
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# Posted: 2 May 2008 13:56


I sort of did this in college. I had so little time between classes that instead of visiting the caf at lunch I'd visit the canteen and grab things like apples and bran muffins and other storable portables and eat them while I walked. It did pretty much turn out to be about 5 meals a day.

Once babyjama is eating more finger foods you can do this by simply eating when she does. Most peds recommend 3 meals plus 2 snacks. And the snacks should be structured like a meal: fruit/veg, protein and carbs. There's a cool graph in Ellyn Satter's "CHild of Mine" that shows how the different food types (fat, protein, carb and sugar) provide energy at different times and if you have them all in a snack then there is no energy spike or crash.


stacyf
Posts: 8
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# Posted: 2 May 2008 18:23


im trying this approach out slowly but surely- ive been working with a personal trainer since i had my second child 5 months ago and this is the schedule that she is trying to keep me on. Really the only way it is working for me it to put it on my calendar. i bring a bunch of healthy snacks to work with me and i just plug in times on my work calendar everyday- so when the reminder pops up i know its time to eat! now ive only been doing this for maybe 2 weeks- so far so good, im looking forward to the day my metabolism kicks back in to high gear!

good luck!


hw0809
Posts: 3
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# Posted: 2 May 2008 19:24


I did it for a while I was on south beach diet and I feel it worked best for me. It required lots of planning. I prepared my meal plan for 2 week duration. I tried to keep snacks easy and healthy like a piece of low fat cheese, nuts, carrots a piece of fruit.

Sample meal plan
Breakfast: apple (no prep just a quick grab out of the fridge)
Snack: walnuts
Lunch:


hw0809
Posts: 3
Post History
# Posted: 2 May 2008 19:27


oops sorry, i posted my message too early

Sample meal plan
Breakfast: apple or any fruit (no prep just a quick grab out of the fridge)
Snack: walnuts
Lunch: salad with low fat dressing and grilled chicken
snack: low fat yogurt
Dinner: Rice, a type of lean meat or fish and veggies
Dessert: weight watcher's dessert or anything not too fattening without any work

I kept my meals consistant so I didn' t have to think much and I got used to the routine. Both my husband and lost weight.


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