Multiple meals through the day?

**go4gold** · 07-25-2011, 06:21 PM

Hey there guys,

Just curious how many think that more meals throughout the day really helps with cutting. I'm thinking of putting myself on a 2 hour interval meal schedule. So 8 meals a day, that does include protein shakes meals. Just curious what your take is on this and if results are greater.

**NoCompromise** · 07-25-2011, 06:51 PM

In theory it would be better if you can manage to do it with regularity. One thing I would say is it def wouldn't hurt anything in the way of cutting.

**oscarjones** · 07-25-2011, 07:08 PM

With cutting it's easier to space meals out further apart because you have less calories to intake. I find that when I'm cutting I am more lax with meal timing. For example, I don't have to wake up in the middle of the night to eat a protein shake, or get home immediately from the gym and shove food down my pipe (even though most of the PWO meal timing is bro science, I still enjoy eating a good meal after working out except leg day).

However, typically I get into the habit of eating every 2-3 hours all year, and never deviate because that's exactly what it is, habit. It's just like how Jay Cutler weighs all his food, and eats very clean year in and year out, it's habit! Do what works for you, there's no concrete science.

**Str8Jakked** · 07-25-2011, 07:09 PM

More frequent meals does raise your metabolism but at the end of the day, it's total calories that matters- not the amount of meals that you consume.

**oscarjones** · 07-25-2011, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by Str8Jakked

More frequent meals does raise your metabolism but at the end of the day, it's total calories that matters- not the amount of meals that you consume.

Actually, this is a common misconception. Show me a study that says eating frequently speeds up metabolism, please?

Most guys eat frequently because, yes, they need to consume so many calories and therefore it's tough to get 200 carbs in 1 meal without storing excess as adipose tissue.

Also, if you are constantly feeding your body protein throughout every meal, it takes time for body to assimilate and break it down into amino acids to put to use, and therefore if you always have a supply being broken down, then you have a greater potential to remain anabolic .

I know Milo Sarcev talks about thermogenic rates, and eating frequently, but I've still yet to see a study that provides solid evidence of "eating frequently = increased metabolism".

**go4gold** · 07-26-2011, 09:45 AM

Well most cals will be coming from protein, But want to keep carb and fat intake to a minium each meal, these two will be seperated and make sure my macros for my daily intake are where I want them. But ill give it a shot. Pre cook meals and 2-3 hour eating times I think I can manage. Your right oscar, I want to make it routine and a habit. Main goal is to evenly seperate the amount of protein intake and keep digestion in process all through the day. I will take cesein protein at night before bed.

**gbrice75** · 07-26-2011, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by oscarjones

Actually, this is a common misconception. Show me a study that says eating frequently speeds up metabolism, please?

Agreed. Meal frequency hasn't been proven to have any bearing on metabolism.

Originally Posted by oscarjones

Most guys eat frequently because, yes, they need to consume so many calories and therefore it's tough to get 200 carbs in 1 meal without storing excess as adipose tissue.

^ ^ this.

Originally Posted by oscarjones

Also, if you are constantly feeding your body protein throughout every meal, it takes time for body to assimilate and break it down into amino acids to put to use, and therefore if you always have a supply being broken down, then you have a greater potential to remain anabolic.

I'll disagree with this point. Not that it's a bad point, only that lesser frequency (and therefore larger) meals will simply take longer for your body to break down. 30g protein in one meal vs 120g protein - people always parrot info saying your body can only process X amount of protein per sitting, etc which is complete BS.

I know Milo Sarcev talks about thermogenic rates, and eating frequently, but I've still yet to see a study that provides solid evidence of "eating frequently = increased metabolism".[/QUOTE]

The bottom line is that 2500 calories (for example) is 2500 calories. It requires the same amount of metabolic activity to process it regardless of how it's taken in, more or less frequently.

**jimmyinkedup** · 07-26-2011, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by gbrice75

Agreed. Meal frequency hasn't been proven to have any bearing on metabolism.

^ ^ this.

I'll disagree with this point. Not that it's a bad point, only that lesser frequency (and therefore larger) meals will simply take longer for your body to break down. 30g protein in one meal vs 120g protein - people always parrot info saying your body can only process X amount of protein per sitting, etc which is complete BS.

The bottom line is that 2500 calories (for example) is 2500 calories. It requires the same amount of metabolic activity to process it regardless of how it's taken in, more or less frequently.

I fully agree.....