Dangerous Weight Loss Myth: How Many Meals Should I Be Eating?

Here is another way to get fat long term; Feed your face 4-6 times daily (graze).  I was convinced at the word “graze” and its instant portrayal of fat farm animals. But this fails to deter fit hopefuls.

The grazing myth grew from the erroneous idea that eating boosts metabolism.  And it does.  It’s called diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT). I learned about it in 9th grade, along with all the other outdated, simple-minded personal training drab found in muscle magazines. After three meals per day, the metabolic effect of DIT diminishes. Duh. My 5-year old calls it “eating too often.”

With respect to controlling weight, excessive meals only work for people who are severely restricting calories, addicted to exercise, or injecting steroids like a ‘roided out bodybuilder. These three actions counter the fat inflating side effects of “eating too much” because they force the body to compensate via starvation, energy output, or hormones, respectively. But anyone else adhering to the multi-meal myth is doomed, as proven with post-meal blood tests, DNA studies and the real-life outcomes of being better equipped to kick ass athletically.

After a week or two of grazing, the body adapts to meal overload by pumping out the fat storing hormone insulin while simultaneously lowering fat crushing hormones like glucagon, testosterone and human growth hormone (hGH). This is a metabolic nightmare for people who dream about looking good naked.

Starting a career in figure competitions, my wife Lea-Ann and mom of two dabbled in the dogma. She soon learned about weight gain rebound, what bodybuilding cronies refer to as post competition bloat…

In contrast, studies on low meal frequency, where food intake is restricted to about every 5 hours, show that our DNA function is better preserved. The outcome is astounding because it leads to the exact opposite of multi-meal intake – low insulin and high amounts of the fat crushing, muscle building hormones glucagon, testosterone and hGH. And that’s a metabolic dream come true…The benefits can be verified in the real world with positive changes in lean body mass and increased athletic performance.

Applying low meal frequency to her training and supplement protocol, Lea-Ann was able to experience the benefits by winning the Arnold Amateur in 2009, without the nasty rebound. Sticking to the easy-to-follow protocol, she carries the same great physique today, with little sacrifice.

Many have used the minimal-meal principles to transform their physique, fast, like 90 days fast.

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They won’t be on the cover of Men’s Health, but that’s not the point. They’re fit, healthy, and their lives no longer revolve around constant weight gain and spiraling health.

To verify the negative outcomes of the multi-meal myth first hand, attend a bodybuilding event where the belief runs deep. Pay attention to the ex-participants.

Scurrying around in tight shirts, rolled up sleeves, and pants that won’t let go of their thighs to save their life, they’re traditionally overweight, especially in the gut and chest area where multi-meal insulin overload “weighs heavy.” It usually gives rise to the spare tire hanging form the waist and “moobs” slung low from the chest, now popularized by famed ‘roider and bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The cultural dogma among the bodybuilding community and its long term side-effect of obesity and accelerated aging is a poignant reminder that muscles and health don’t always go hand in hand, and that small meals throughout the day don’t spark metabolism. Learn more about getting your best body and health in 90 days at www.ampmfatloss.com