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What are the benefits of eating at the same times everyday versus when you are feeling hungry?
Asked by che1212 on Jun 03, 2008
in Weight Loss
Is it better to eat when you are hungry, not on a basic "eating schedule", or to eat at the same times every day on a very consistent eating schedule. What are the benefits and why, if all other things are held constant, such as the ability to not snack or overeat later)?
Answer
It is practical and beneficial to eat regular meals. Regular meals tend to be more balanced, they keep the blood sugar stable and they may help to prevent indiscriminate snacking. However, the size and timing of any meal should be adjusted if a person is not hungry. Hunger and satiety signals help to regular body weight, hence, they should be respected. If you experiment with eating when you are hungry and stopping when you are satisfied, and if you choose wholesome foods, your body should signal you to eat every 4 – 6 hours, which is consistent with a “regular” eating schedule.
