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When and How Often You Should Eat

We have all heard that you should eat three times a day. However, some of us may not know why. The frequency and time of day we eat plays a role in our health and our weight. It is so important that our bodies are getting the right amount of food throughout the day. Here is what you need to know about when and how often you should eat.

How Often to Eat

Everyone should be eating at least three meals a day. Some can even afford to eat four meals a day. According to Harvard Medical School, people who do not eat enough meals each day are more likely to be obese. This may seem backward, but there is a reason for it. When people do not eat enough meals each day, their bodies become hungrier, causing them to overeat. When people eat their meals throughout the day, their bodies are more likely to feel full faster. This helps your body digest food better.

Snacking a couple of times during the day can also be beneficial. However, it is important to make sure your snacks are healthy and nutritious. Unhealthy snacking will do your body no good. A few healthy snacks include:

  • Mixed nuts
  • Peppers
  • Fruit
  • Yogurt with berries
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Cucumbers with humus
  • Vegetables
  • Protein Shake
  • Boiled Eggs
  • Popcorn

Times of Day to Eat

girl eating soup in when and how often you should eat

The time of day you eat is also important. Food should be eaten within a 10-12-hour timeframe each day. Breakfast should be eaten within the first two hours after waking up. This is a big problem for many people. A lot of people either do not like breakfast food or do not have enough time to prepare it every morning. However, it should be a priority if your goal is to have a healthy body. Waking up earlier in the morning is a great way to give yourself time to eat breakfast. Your body will thank you for giving it the energy it needs rather than trying to get an extra 10 minutes of sleep.

Halfway through the day, or earlier if you start feeling hungry, your body needs lunch and then dinner. Since breakfast should be your largest meal, dinner should be your smallest. One study found that people who ate their largest meals before 3 p.m. were able to keep their weight down better than those who saved their largest meals for dinner.

Overall, make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs. Our bodies are all different and need different amounts of food to stay healthy. Some bodies digest food faster than others and may need more food. Others may be overeating and need to break their meals down into smaller portions throughout the day. One way to make sure your body is getting the vitamins and nutrients it needs is by taking a supplement. Check out our liquid vitamin supplements that offer better absorption of the vitamins and nutrients you need.

Sources

https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/news/nutrition/meal-timing-and-frequency-meals-and-snacks-optimal-health/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/29-healthy-snacks-for-weight-loss#section14

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