Which is actually better to speed up metabolism, 6 small meals a day or 3 small meals a day?

Question

I've been trying to research information on this and I keep finding conflicting information. Some websites say 6 small meals a day and others say 3 small meals a day. Not exactly sure which one is better to speed up metabolism and I'd like to find out before I start dieting.

Answer 1

most definately 6.

The reason being that six small meals will provide your body a constant adequate supply of nutrients that you depend on to get through the day.

3 big meals (not small) will overload you with too many nutrients at once, storing them as fat, and not supplying you during the times needed in between meals. 3 small meals is practically starving yourself- which isn't good either.

With 6, you body is always working and digesting.

Answer 2

Definitely eating more than three meals a day is best. Breakfast kick starts your metabolism and gears your body up to burn calories all day. Eating three "small" meals makes your body go into starvation mode and retains more calories because it does not know when the next meal is coming. Eat four to six small meals, two to three hours apart throughout the day, rather than three widely spaced big meals.

And of course exercise helps increase metabolism as well. Good carbohydrates (wheat based or multi grain foods) should be eaten at breakfast and post workout because of insulin's anabolic effects, but for the rest of the day control your insulin by eating only leafy green, fibrous vegetables and lean proteins. Try reading the Sugar Busters book or visit theur website, it explains the insulin theory best.

Answer 3

In most of the diets people do these days eating 5-6 times a day will help you lose more weight. Regular healthy meals 3 times a day with 2 snack periods. The light snacks keep you from over eating at lunch and dinner. What matter's most is drinking the 8 glasses of 8oz. of water a day the makes the difference. It keeps you full more and keeps you from over eating. Try out what you will be comfortable doing. Don't think of dieting but healthy eating habits. Eating breakfast is very important if you want to lose weight. Make sure you start the day with something. Good luck.

Answer 4

Six small meals a day is better, and make sure you eat breakfast within 90 minutes of getting up -- people who don't are 450% more likely to be overweight than people who do. You need food to keep your metabolism up, but if you eat "three squares" a day your body will take any calories you don't need right away and store them -- as fat. Six small meals a day, eating the right weight-loss-friendly foods, and exercise can drop a lot of weight off your frame fairly quickly, but the great thing is it's 100% safe as long as you're not starving yourself.

Answer 5

6 small meals can help, although they must be healthy, nutritious choices. Eating a cheeseburger every 4 hours could be a problem, but a piece of fruit or a small candy bar can be a better choice. Also drink 64 oz of water a day and try to get 30-60 minutes of physical activity a day.

Answer 6

Personally i eat 6 small meals a day and i work out and it works fab for me.. but it all depends on your metabolism. Just make sure you have a little of all the food groups in all your mini meals to feel satisfied and get the most out of it.

Answer 7

Small meals every several hours but the balance of proteins, fats & carbs is the most important factor. For maximum fat burning and to minimize fat-storing, each meal is a separate metabolic adjustment. Goal is: 30% protein; 30% fats (good kinds) and 40% carbohydrates.

Or simply remember: When you are eating carbs, include some protein.
Such as peanut butter or cheese with snacks and a glass of milk with that cookie!
This tends to keep energy levels even; you feel your hunger is satisfied so you don't keep eating, and you will burn (not store) calories as body fat.

Answer 8

Usually, several small meals is best with the lighter ones being at night. It gets your body into energy burning mode rather than storage mode. If you just eat every now and then, your body wonders (of course it doesn't really think) when its next meal will come and tends to store the excess.

Answer 9

It's better to have the 6 small meals a day to keep your metabolism running at optimum levels. The best diet i, my family, & friends have found is ShapeWorks found at: www.DietSmart4U.com or call at this toll free number: 800-974-5673.

Answer 10

Three small meals a day will cause your body to conserve energy and fat reserves. (the body thinks it is starving)
Six small meals a day gives your body a consistant and ongoing source of energy and promotes a faster metabolism.