Main Navigation

A Healthier U

[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-9″]MEAL FREQUENCY You may have heard that some diets recommend eating several small meals throughout the day instead of three larger meals. Some diets boast significant health benefits with eating smaller meals throughout the day. The International Society of Sports Nutrition published their position stand on meal frequency in 2011. Here are the […]

[bs_row class=”row”]
[bs_col class=”col-sm-9″]MEAL FREQUENCY

You may have heard that some diets recommend eating several small meals throughout the day instead of three larger meals. Some diets boast significant health benefits with eating smaller meals throughout the day. The International Society of Sports Nutrition published their position stand on meal frequency in 2011. Here are the findings:
appetizer mini burgers with tomatoes, lettuce and meat balls

  1. Body composition

Increased meal frequency does not play a significant role in decreasing body weight or improving body composition.  Studies of overweight and normal weight individuals found that calories consumed in one meal versus three or five meals did not make a difference in body composition.  At the end of the day, weight loss or weight gain depends entirely on caloric balance.

  1. Blood markers of health

Blood pressure, total and LDL cholesterol, and fasting glucose levels significantly decrease with increased meal consumption.  Additionally, serum insulin levels are decreased, which may decrease body fat deposition.

  1. Metabolism

Even though there is an increase in thermogenesis and fat utilization with the consumption of smaller, more frequent meals, increasing meal frequency does not statistically elevate resting metabolic rate.  However, additional calories are burned in the actual consumption and digestion of additional meals.

  1. Hunger or satiety

Increased meal frequency does decrease feelings of hunger and, consequently, may result in decreased calories consumed in subsequent meals.

  1. Protein metabolism

Protein content of meals is more important in preserving muscle mass than the number of meals consumed in a day.  Research suggests that skeletal muscle mass preservation is optimized at 20-30 grams of high quality protein or 10-15 grams of essential amino acids, per meal.  It is also important to spread protein consumption evenly throughout the day.

 

La Bounty, et al. (2011) International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: meal frequency. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 8:4.[/bs_col]

[bs_col class=”col-sm-3″][bs_well size=”lg” ]HealthFeed

STAY SAFE ON AND OFF THE SLOPES
slopes
Hitting the slopes over the holidays? Make sure you are taking steps to avoid injury while you ski — and once you get home for the day.

Learn more here.

CAN YOU GET LASIK SATISFACTION?
lasikLately, it seems like ads for LASIK are popping up everywhere — DJs are talking about it on the radio and newscasters sing its praises, especially if they didn’t like wearing glasses on camera.  And it’s no wonder. The technology is incredibly precise, the operation is quick, and people are happy with the results. But still, it’s not for everybody, and not every “deal” is really a good value — we are talking your precious, one-of-a-kind eyes, after all. So before you jump in, make sure you look for a board-certified ophthalmologist who explains every consideration.

Click here to read the story.

For more expert health news and information, visit healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed.[/bs_well]
[/bs_col]
[/bs_row]