How many meals should I eat each day?

There is a lot of contradictory research right now about mealtimes. Some people say you should eat three meals a day, while others say you should eat five or six. For many people, three square meals don't work anymore. These days, many of us wake up at 5:00 am and stay up until midnight. Plus, we work harder and expend more brainpower, which uses up fuel. You need to eat every three to four hours to control ghrelin (hunger hormone), so depending on how many waking hours you have, you may have four meals or you may have six.

Research related to meal frequency has been inconsistent. There's no strong evidence to support any one meal pattern. Until more studies are conducted, individuals should choose a meal pattern that helps prevent feelings of hunger. Waiting too long to eat between meals can lead to overeating at the next meal. A plan that works for you may include three meals a day or several small meals. A registered dietitian can work with you to develop a personalized eating plan.