Eat More-Lose Weight | Diet and Exercise | Real Life Fitness | PhitZone

The following is a guest post by IFBB Professional Athlete, Amy Lee Martin.

The Benefits of 6 small meals vs. 3 large meals

Often times when people are trying to lose weight they make the mistake of slashing their calories and eating fewer meals.  The good news is that the opposite is true.  In fact increasing your number of healthy meals per day will ensure faster weight loss progress.

So why does cutting calories hurt you?  Here is the chain reaction:

• Restricted calories = Slower Metabolism
• Slower Metabolism =  Starving Body
• Starving Body = Very little Calorie Burning

When calories are restricted your metabolism slows down and kicks your body into starvation mode.  When your body is starved it cannot burn any extra calories; it thinks it needs to hold on to all of them just to survive!

So what is the solution?  That’s easy, healthy meals, more frequently.  Eat 6 small meals per day instead of 3 large meals.  (Keep in mind that I am suggesting dividing the food from your 3 larger meals into 6 smaller meals).  Eating more frequently has all of the following benefits:

1. Increases your Metabolism and allows your body to burn more calories.  Bonus:  If you remember to include healthy high protein foods like lean meats at each of your meals you will find that your metabolism goes into overdrive!
2. Increases your energy levels and helps you maintain hunger cravings.  Eating more frequently helps your body maintain a balanced blood sugar level which helps prevent hunger attacks.
3. Helps build and maintain muscle especially when paired with cardio and strength training.

To summarize

Make eating 6 healthy meals a priority and ensure yourself faster weight loss progress!

About the author

Amy Lee Martin is an IFBB Professional Figure Athlete; Nutritional & Training Coach, Fitness Model

Amy has always considered health and fitness a big part of her life.  Growing up she excelled in gymnastics, cross-country and track and field.  After organized sports Amy began leading group fitness; teaching classes like step, bootcamp as well as strength and resistance programs.  Seeking new challenges Amy began competing in NPC figure competitions.  Competing only briefly as an amateur Amy earned her IFBB professional status in July 2008 at the USA Championships in Las Vegas, NV.  With her strong background experience in fitness, training and nutrition she is determined to EMPOWER WOMEN to achieve their fitness goals.  Amy currently provides fitness tips, training advice and nutritional coaching. She is also available for appearances, photo shoots, and spokesperson opportunities.  More information can be found by visiting amyleemartin.com, and be sure to follow her on Twitter.