The Perfect Meal Meal Times for Losing Weight

When it comes to weightloss, you should know by now that 5-6 small meals are better than 3 larger meals. By eating every 2 1/2-3 hours, you are keeping your metabolism fired up and soaring high, in turn burning more calories. By eating this way, you are also likely to stay pretty full throughout the day and are less likely to indulge in mindless eating habits.

However, the times at which we eat our meals and snacks can also do us some good. Here are the best times to eat your meals and snacks to gain the most benefits:

7:00 a.m. : Breakfast or Meal #1

Ex: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal (1/2 cup oats, 1/2 apple cubed, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp Stevia, 1/2 cup almond milk), 2 slices of turkey bacon

9:30 a.m. : Snack or Meal #2

Ex: Avocado Toast (1 piece Ezekiel bread, 1/2 avocado, 1 tsp. lemon juice, salt/pepper), 2 boiled eggs

12:00 p.m. : Lunch or Meal #3

Ex: 1 tilapia filet, baked, 1/2 cup couscous, 1 cup steamed green beans

2:30 p.m. : Snack or Meal #4

Ex: 2 tbsp. hummus, 10 baby carrots

5:00 p.m. : Dinner or Meal #5

Ex: 4 oz. pork tenderloin, 1 small sweet potato, 1 cup broccoli

7:30 p.m. : Snack or Meal #6

Ex: 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 5 strawberries

Obviously the EXACT times won't work for everyone, but you get the idea of how spacing should occur. Apply the meal times to better suit your lifestyle, occupation, and goals.

Some general tips to remember:

• Never skip breakfast.
• Eat within one hour of rising.
• Make breakfast your biggest meal and dinner your lightest.
• Do not eat within an hour of bedtime.
• Add protein at every meal.
• Eat within an hour post-workout.
• Never weight train on an empty stomach.