Does it really matter how many meals you eat a day, and what time?

Claire caught up with Hilary and Jeremy on Seven Sharp to talk about whether it really matters how many meals you eat each day from a nutrition perspective, and whether the timing of your meals makes a difference.

The key message? There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

How much and how often you eat can depend on your age, stage of life, activity levels, appetite, health needs, routine and personal preferences.

That said, our bodies generally aren’t designed to pick and nibble all day, or to eat large meals too close to bedtime. Both can affect the way your digestive system functions, your energy levels, your sleep and how well you feel day to day.

On the other hand, if you are not eating enough across the day, you may miss out on the nutrients your body needs to function well and thrive.

Claire’s top tips:

Experiment and notice what works best for you. Tune in to your own body, energy, hunger, digestion and lifestyle, rather than getting caught up in what works for someone else.

Where you can, try to eat at least some of your meals with other people. Sharing food is not just about nutrition - it can also support connection, enjoyment and mental wellbeing.

Related reading: 5 tips to eat well when life is busy

If you would like personalised advice to support you with your eating habits and getting the nutrition your body needs at any age or stage of life, our team of Nutritionists and Deititians at Mission Nutrition would love to help.