Three square meals a day is a mantra that we’ve always held to be true. The main meals that most Americans emphasize are: breakfast, lunch, dinner. But of course, many of us have heard modern nutritionists talk about eating five or six small meals throughout the day rather than three larger courses. So which is best?

One perk to eating more often throughout the day is that it keeps your metabolism going. This means consistently burning calories. Plus, your energy levels also stay up throughout the day as your body consumes and applies the nutritional benefits of your meals. And eating every three hours or so keeps you from every getting really hungry—a factor that often leads to grabbing not-so-smart snacks.

However, others argue that three meals per day is a satisfactory amount for giving us all of the food we need and that our bodies are able to process, store and redistribute calories in a perfectly healthy way. Studies have been largely inconclusive, and dietitians often flex eating schedules according to a person’s lifestyle.

Ultimately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all diet that applies to every individual. You may need to try a few options before settling on the plan that best adheres to your dietary needs and daily schedule. However, all nutritionists agree that if you increase your number of meals, you must decrease portion size and limit your caloric intake.

Of course, every food schedule is best complemented by a physical exercise routine to help you stay in shape and feel great. Those who are working out and burning more calories should be sure that they intake enough calories within a properly balanced diet to sustain the energy needed for a more physically active lifestyle. To add fitness to your daily diet plan, check out the membership options at our gym in Greenville.