When Should We Eat?

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Today I want to clear the confusion around when we should eat. Are you a breakfast person? 1 meal every 2 hours? 2 big meals a day? Oh the options…

The truth is it depends…And thats okay! Everyone is different.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you consumed a sufficient amount of calories with a macronutrient profile that aligns with your goals. For those who are not breakfast people you may do well with only eating lunch and dinner. People who are grazers may do better with eating several small meals a day.
The point being is that if you can keep the quality and quantity of your nutrition consistent then the timing of your meals will have only a small impact on reaching your goals.

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Here are a few things to help keep you on track:

1. If you want to do intermittent fasting it is best practice for men to fall with in roughly an 8-hour window and women to have a 10-hour eating window.
   
2. If you are fasting, then the only thing acceptable is water and black coffee; anything else will break your fast and defeat the purpose.
   
3. Only fast if you can consume enough calories during your eating window
   
4. Try to stop eating at least 60 minutes before bed (90+ minutes being ideal)
   
5. Pay attention to how your body is responding to your eating habits.
   

There are no general rights or wrongs with meal timing. Do what works best for you, eat real food, and consume ample calories. ​

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Andrew Cataldo, CSCS OPEX CCP
Director - Performance Division 
E: [email protected]