A fitness expert says eating less food more often might help get Iowans on the road to their desired weight. Several studies suggest putting aside “three squares” a day in favor of four to six smaller meals to help control weight.
Dietician Jennifer Nelson says there is a catch. Nelson says “If you are eating more often but not paying attention to what you’re eating, you can get yourself into trouble. On the other hand, eating more often and eating less or eating more of the healthful things can control appetite and keep you on your weight-management plan.” She says it’s a relatively simple plan — if you eat more often, you must eat healthful foods and stick to a regular schedule.
Nelson says “If you have a lot of chaos in your eating habits — one day you’re eating three squares, the next day you’re skipping two meals and eating one huge meal, the next day you’re snacking all the way through — that does have a downside effect.” She says many people can successfully maintain a healthy weight by eating healthful foods four or six times a day, but she adds, it’s easier said than done.
She says “Unlike some of the other unhealthy habits such as smoking or alcohol, eating habits are something that you have to practice. Whereas smoking you give it up, drinking you give it up or you limit it. Eating — you have to face it every day.” She says the key to weight loss and maintaining an ideal weight is pushing aside foods that are high in fat and calories.