Number of meals per day - is it important?

[gtbmed]

A lot of people contend that 5 meals per day allows nutrients to be spread more evenly throughout the day - makes sense, but I've heard there's nothing that really supports the idea that 5 meals per day is more beneficial than 3.

I'm a student and have been in the habit of getting 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner). Now that it's summer, I have a bit more time, but I'd prefer not to have to cook 5 meals per day. So is there anything to support this idea that 5 meals per day is more beneficial than 3?

 

[Hench]

A lot of people contend that 5 meals per day allows nutrients to be spread more evenly throughout the day - makes sense, but I've heard there's nothing that really supports the idea that 5 meals per day is more beneficial than 3.

I'm a student and have been in the habit of getting 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner). Now that it's summer, I have a bit more time, but I'd prefer not to have to cook 5 meals per day. So is there anything to support this idea that 5 meals per day is more beneficial than 3?

2/3 meals a day is fine. However IMO is still important to get the correct nutrients pre and post workout. How you get your calories outside this time is irrelevant.

 

[gtbmed]

Alright, so what things are important pre and post-workout?

 

[TitanUnleashed]

If you're planning to gain mass/build muscle. Aim for 5-6 meals a day. We all know that muscle growth is maximized in the state of rest. So fuel your body with the essential nutrients to grow. Space out your 5-6 meals evenly so you won't get bloated. Train hard, EAT RIGHT and grow fast!

 

[Built]

^ It surely does make it easier to overeat than it would be on 3 monster-meals, but ultimately it doesn't matter, just so long as you're able to do it. Go with whatever's comfortable.

 

[rantorcha]

Ok...I'll chime in! It all depends on what your goals are. If they are to build muscle, 2-3 meals ain't gonna cut it. Now, if you can get in 2-3 meals, PLUS 2-3 shakes, then you're in the game.

Plus know that there is certainly more than one way to skin a cat. And what is optimal for some, may not be optimal for you. Try it both ways and see which way works best for you. Good luck!

 

[danzik17]

Ok...I'll chime in! It all depends on what your goals are. If they are to build muscle, 2-3 meals ain't gonna cut it. Now, if you can get in 2-3 meals, PLUS 2-3 shakes, then you're in the game.

Plus know that there is certainly more than one way to skin a cat. And what is optimal for some, may not be optimal for you. Try it both ways and see which way works best for you. Good luck!

And why is that? The only time I can think that 5-6 meals a day is significantly superior is in elite bodybuilders, and that's only so their stomachs don't become massively bloated from eating 2000-3000 calories per meal.

Not that it matters to me, I eat 5-6 purely out of habits from when I first started dieting

 

[Built]

Ok...I'll chime in! It all depends on what your goals are. If they are to build muscle, 2-3 meals ain't gonna cut it. Now, if you can get in 2-3 meals, PLUS 2-3 shakes, then you're in the game.

Your body will grow on a surplus, and you'll drop weight on a deficit. Meal frequency won't impact upon this - but ya' gotta admit, when you're trying to overfeed, it's a LOT easier to pace yourself through the day than it is to gorge three times a day.

Unless you're me. I can really, REALLY pack it in! <burp>

 

[Built]

And why is that? The only time I can think that 5-6 meals a day is significantly superior is in elite bodybuilders, and that's only so their stomachs don't become massively bloated from eating 2000-3000 calories per meal.

I'm sure that was what he meant, danzik - you can get mighty bloated when you're trying to consistently overeat.

 

[danzik17]

Unless you're me. I can really, REALLY pack it in! <burp>

Oh I challenge you. My record for food is at Olive Garden:

A full bowl of salad
5 bowls of breadsticks
A full baked ziti meal

 

[Built]

You and me, we gotta hit up a Vegas buffet one day!

 

[OneWheyOrAnother]

Your body will grow on a surplus, and you'll drop weight on a deficit. Meal frequency won't impact upon this - but ya' gotta admit, when you're trying to overfeed, it's a LOT easier to pace yourself through the day than it is to gorge three times a day.

Unless you're me. I can really, REALLY pack it in! <burp>

Same here

Once a fat-bottom, always a fat-bottom at heart