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And that’s not the only benefit of this eating style.
While the vast majority of people eat three meals a day, experts suggest that some might be better off eating six to ten times a day—but in smaller portions.
The question of how much and how often a person should eat has long been a topic of discussion among dietitians. American nutrition specialist Lindsay DeSoto recently said that for most people, three meals a day is perfectly normal.
She pointed to epidemiological data from recent years showing that, overall, a balanced three-meal pattern is most closely associated with a healthy weight and a lower risk of disease.
However, DeSoto says there are plenty of cases where smaller, more frequent meals are better.
What are these cases?
The same conclusion was reached by a team of dietitians at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School in Boston. Researchers say people who feel full after only a small amount of food, or people trying to lose weight, should consider eating six to ten times a day.
This approach is also recommended for individuals suffering from gastroparesis—a rare condition characterized by delayed stomach emptying.
Patients with conditions that cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or bloating, are also advised to eat more frequently and in smaller amounts.
Nutritionists say more small meals can boost metabolism and aid weight loss.
Another anticipated benefit of this eating pattern is maintaining stable blood sugar levels. This, in turn, helps regulate energy levels throughout the day and curb cravings for sweets.
Experts say frequent, smaller meals can also benefit athletes.
At the same time, more research is needed on this eating style.
