So you’ve heard me mention this briefly and Ive gotten some questions on it, so it’s probably a good tip to throw out there with a little expansion on the topic. Eating 6 small meals per day is one of the best ways to keep your metabolism stimulated. This concept has been highlighted in many books, magazines and diet programs (such as The Cover Model Workout, Body for Life, etc). However, this concept has been around for decades (way before Amazon or Barnes and Noble were around). Although this concept has been around that long in the bodybuilding arena, it has only recently hit mainstream. Over the recent years, many universities have done studies about, doctors have endorsed, and dieticians have recommended the 6 meal per day concept.
On the other hand, you’ll find studies that argue that it doesn’t matter and that the overall calories consumed per day is the key measurement regardless of three or six meals. Well, I know what worked for me, and it has for over 10 years at keeping it off. So take a guess at what you think which one I believe. <wink>
So how does this six meal concept work? Most folks in the U.S. have been taught since they were children that you should be eating three meals per day. This has resulted, along with the typical 9-5 job, in people going sometimes up to 6 hours between meals. Not only does this allow your metabolism to come to a screeching halt between meals, it also means you are ravished before you eat. Once you sit down to the table, you end up gorging on a huge feast until you are completely stuffed. Then as you are lying on the couch like a beached whale, your body starts to store what it can’t burn.
Eating 6 smaller meals means that your metabolism is constantly “fed” and your body is burning the calories rather than storing them. Basically, make the three meals you eat now smaller, and tack on 3 snack times. This means you’ll be eating every 2-3 hours (See Tip # 2).
It’s not an easy task switching your lifestyle over from 3 to 6 meals. However, sometimes in order to change the way you look, you need to change the way you live.
BUT, you can’t just eat junk. Your meals have to be nutritious and “clean”. This means, yes, you guessed it, Lean meats, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Grains are important too, but try to limit refined ones. Need some ideas for meals? Check out my posts from 10 years ago. My meals are still very, very similar today.
Another overlooked factor is the exercising. You need exercise to complement the clean eating habits to be successful. But that’s a topic for the next couple of tips. Anyone want to start talking exercising and goals?
See you tomorrow for Tip number 7.
Marcus
About: 10 Fitness Tips in 10 Days is designed for me to share my experiences with you to help you lose weight (if necessary), get into shape and improve your fitness (always necessary). I am, by no means, an expert, nutritionist, or doctor. Instead, I am simply another normal person, such as yourself, that didn’t want to figure it out with trial/error on my own. Instead, I gathered great information from successful athletes, coaches and other professionals. Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program or making any changes to your diet.
Speedy Lizard 