I started a diet this month and I'm trying to do 5 small meals instead of 3 bigger ones, but I'm confused about whether that actually helps or if it's just marketing. Some people say eating fewer times is better for your metabolism, others say 6 small meals is the right way.
What really matters is the total calories going into your body, not how many times you eat - it can be 3, 5, or 6 meals if the end result is the same. That whole thing about "speeding up your metabolism" with multiple small meals is honestly more marketing than science; your body doesn't work that way. What makes the difference is picking a pattern that keeps you satisfied and without the urge to snack between meals - if 5 small meals keeps you more in control, stick with it, but if you prefer 3 bigger ones and can stick to them, that works perfectly too.
I've already tried this in practice and people are right about total calories being the main factor, but meal frequency works differently for everyone. When I ate every 3 hours I'd feel less hungry throughout the day and wouldn't give in to the temptation of eating junk between meals, while other people I know can get by eating just 3 meals without any issues. The truth is the best amount is whatever you can stick to consistently without being starving or craving everything in sight - if 5 small meals help you control your total intake and leave you satisfied, great, but if you prefer 3 bigger ones and can stick to it, that works too.
I agree that total calories are really the main thing, but what nobody mentioned is that meal frequency has to do with how satisfied and energized you feel throughout the day - if you get hungry eating just a few times and end up snacking on junk afterward, then 5 smaller meals might work better for you, even if the total is the same. The opposite works too: if you can stay satisfied with 3 bigger meals without raiding the pantry, there's no reason at all to change. Try one approach for a few weeks and see which keeps you more stable, because the best diet is the one you can actually stick to without suffering.
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