The more often I eat, the faster I burn food. Is that really true?

By André Mostard
There is an assumption: If we eat more often, we would burn fat faster. Is that true?
Or the assumption: Your metabolism becomes slower because you have fewer eating moments. Is that really true?
Anyway, what’s right?
Kcal intake
There is no difference in the number of times you eat. 3, 4, 5 or 9 eating moments per day, it doesn’t matter. It is not about the number of eating moments, but about the amount of calories you eat during these eating moments. Suppose you should receive around 1500 kcal per day. Then you eat 4 times 500 kcal, so you are well above your daily amount of recommended kcal.
Then what
When you burn a lot of calories, due to physical work or greater efforts, there is more need for new fuel. This fuel ensures that your fuel engine keeps running. When you have little to no effort, the fuel engine will burn less. You can then keep it up for a longer time with your fuel.
How should you eat then
You know the number of eating moments that suit you well. If you’re used to eating smaller portions more than 3 times a day, that’s good for you. Then continue to do it this way. Do not change the number of eating moments. Your body otherwise no longer knows what to expect at what time. If you eat 3 times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) then you should do well to make these portions slightly larger. Make sure you get the minimum amount of required calories. If you want to know exactly what you need in kcal, then you can get a scan via ODS. This scan not only calculates the amount of kcal required, but we also look at the desired fat mass and muscle mass.
Less often is not always good.
It is important that you know exactly how much you should eat and when. Eating by the time you get hungry is too late. So always eat before the moment of hunger. If you skip meals or eat when you’re hungry, the choice of food is often not a healthy choice. The temptation is too big. So do not eat less often, eat at the right moment. Proteins can support a balanced diet. However, an excess of proteins is not good for your body. If you eat too many proteins, these must be broken down in your body. In addition, proteins also contain kcal and they simply count in your total daily intake of kcal.
Can we eat something delicious in the coming weeks?
Sure you can! In the last few weeks I have made some delicious couscous recipes. Couscous is best known as a good source of carbohydrates and is widely eaten by Muslim people. Couscous is healthy and you can make hot and cold dishes with it.
Requirements for couscous dish:

• 1 pack of couscous (whole grain)
• 1 bunch of spring onions
• 1 pack of peas (frozen)
• 1 bowl of tomatoes (yellow / red / orange)
• 1 cucumber
• 1 packet of raisins
• 1 pomegranate
• 1 cube of herb broth

Instructions:

1. Put a pan of water on the fire. Once the water boils, add the frozen peas and let it cook according to the instructions. Then drain the peas in the colander.
2. Put a pan of water on the fire and add the herb broth. Read the information of the preparation time of the couscous on the packaging. Once the water boils, put the couscous in and turn the heat down or off. The couscous will be ready in about 6 minutes. Drain the couscous immediately, otherwise it becomes a sticky.
3. Wash the spring onion and cut it into small pieces. Cut the cucumber and tomatoes as well. Mix it and add a handful of raisins.
4. When the couscous has drained well, mix it with the peas and small sliced ​​tomatoes, cucumber, spring onions and raisins.
5. Cut the top of the pomegranate (3 cm under the crown). Now you see the parts of the pomegranate (white). Cut the pomegranate into pieces over the white lines. Remove the seeds. If you do this well you will be ready with the pomegranate within 1 minute. Sprinkle the pomegranate over the mixture.

Alternative: You can add fried chicken fillet, feta, crushed walnuts or almonds.
André Mostard is a sports nutrition coach and has been active in the sports world for more than 30 years. André regularly writes an article for ODS with useful practical tips to make you feel good!
Sports nutrition coach André Mostard