How Long To Adjust To The Two Meal Plan?

by RC
(Tampa, FL, USA)

How long does it take for your body to used to eating 2 meals a day? When does it just become a natural way of eating without that urge to want to eat more?

Michelle says: Hi RC,

I tried sending an email back to you a couple of times, but each time I got an error message. So, I'm posting your Q and A here instead, hoping that you'll see it. :-)

Now to answer your question. How long it takes to adjust to eating two meals a day really depends on the individual. Some people adjust right away and for others it takes much longer.

The key is to eat enough food at each meal so that you're satisfied and not constantly thinking about food between meals.

You'll want to be sure to eat foods that are high in fiber and protein, because these foods will keep you feeling fuller longer.

Also, it's important to drink enough water between meals. A lot of times that feeling of "hunger" is really thirst.

If you're consistent and eat your meals at the same time every day, it will take less time (than if you eat at random times) for your body to adjust to your new way of eating.

Hope that helps!

Michelle

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How Long To Adjust To The Two Meal Plan?

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Hi RC
by: Ivy - New Zealand

RC, I believe because I increased how much I ate at breakfast, I adjusted immediately. I also believe that eating what I call "whole" foods helped also.

As an example, do not eat what I call "quick" cereals - these type of foods are empty calories. Also, if you are eating toast, choose a good quality wholemeal, grainy bread.

I hope this advice is helpful.

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Hypoglycemic?
by: sunrise

I have found the two meal a day diet is hard because of how addicted to sugar I am. I was told to do the six meal plan by my doc.

I have read in articles that it's because we'll go all hypoglycemic if we don't and we will feel sluggish because our metabolism won't be working right. But I think they are just throwing around a term that should only be labeled on people who have the serious medical condition.

I think the reason we feel like our sugar is low even though it is not is because of our addiction to eating frequent meals and getting an over excess of sugar because of it. I was eating six small meals a day, and was constantly bloated. I had cramping, my allergies became worse, and I began gaining weight.

Some say, "Then stick to three meals!" But I would have to say this is still not the best as it fuels an addiction, but isn't realistic toward staying healthy.

Making or buying and cleaning up three meals or more a day is unhealthy and seems to take up most of our day when there are better things to be doing. I still would feed the kids a light lunch, but they are growing up, I'm not. :)

Michelle says: Thanks for your comment Sunrise! Sounds like you've had a terrible time with eating 6 meals a day. Have you noticed any positive changes in how you feel now that you've started the two meal plan?

It does take some time to get used to just two meals a day, especially if you are accustomed to having 6 meals a day. Your body may tell you that you're hungry when in fact it's just used to taking in food at certain times.

You can help to make things easier for yourself by making sure that each meal you eat is nutritionally balanced with proper amounts of protein. Sometimes people crave sweets when they are not getting enough protein. Raw nuts and seeds (in moderation), and beans and legumes are great sources of protein that help to keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours. It also helps to drink lots of water between meals.

All the best!

Michelle

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Two Meal Plan
by: sunrise

Thanks, Michelle, for your comment. I have been having fun eating healthy and experimenting with my own recipes. I have been using a wider variety of foods and my stomach problems are already completely gone.

When I feel hungry water helps quite a bit. I have been adding a whole spectrum of flavors to my meals and I have been having fun with that.

I went to the store and bought beans, lentils, brown rice, split peas, and pearl barley. I have been using healthy oils like olive oil and flavored vinegars, and spices. My food has been sweet, sour, bitter and a little salty with some spice to it.

I never knew craving sugar was really because I need more protein. I will keep that in mind and eat something with beans in it when I am really feeling like having something sweet. I am actually quite surprised to find out that whole grains have some protein in it, too.

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Thanks
by: Anonymous

Whole grain toast is now my favorite kind of breakfast along with a fresh piece of fruit. It is sooo yummy! Thanks for the advice. I have found that if I want to stick with the diet I absolutely have to have something better than cold cereal, or I will just be torturing myself! Oatmeal is a good one for me, too. I also have some barley on hand.

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