Eating Regularly: You Need To Know Why It Is Important

Regular eating has somewhat become taboo in our world today. We are too distracted by the outside world—work, friends, holidays—that we forget to look after ourselves.

I often hear phrases like, “I haven’t eaten today yet,” “I ate a ‘large’ meal, so I can’t eat anything else,” “I didn’t have time to eat today,” or “I only had a 10-minute slot for a quick lunch.” And to be honest, I am sick and tired of hearing it!

I understand the struggle of a busy schedule, but finding time to eat is so important. What I don’t understand is why people feel the need to mention that they haven’t eaten.

Sometimes, I can see the pride on their faces when they tell me this, as if not eating is a huge accomplishment, a testament to their ability to ignore hunger signals.

Regardless of a busy life or the habit of skipping meals, the importance of eating regularly is a topic that needs to be discussed. In this article, I want to show YOU (yes, you) how important regular eating is and the benefits it brings.

What Does Regular Eating Look Like?

Regular eating isn’t about skipping meals; it’s about providing your body with energy every few hours throughout the day.

In today’s fast-paced world, where maintaining an eating schedule can be challenging, regular eating might simply mean having a meal or two a day. However, it’s important to note that regular eating is not synonymous with irregular timings, distracted eating, emotional eating, or a lack of variety.

People have different eating habits: some may have three meals and no snacks, others might prefer four larger meals, while some might opt for two meals supplemented with several snacks.

The key point is that we are all different.

Despite these differences, research indicates that consuming 3-6 (or more) meals and snacks a day is essential for maintaining good health. Here’s why:

Regular Eating Benefits

1. Prevents Food Preoccupation

Busy Schedule Scenario:

You start your day with a hurried coffee, rushing out the door to catch your train. By mid-morning, your stomach growls, but you’re too engrossed in back-to-back meetings to notice. You grab a granola bar from your drawer, eating it on the way to your next appointment.

Lunch is a blur. You find yourself obsessively scrolling through food delivery apps, unable to decide. You finally order a salad, which you eat hastily at your desk while answering emails. The taste barely registers as your mind races with work tasks.

By 3 PM, hunger strikes again. You reach for a bag of chips, snacking mindlessly while preparing for a presentation. The sugar rush gives you a brief boost, but soon you’re counting down the minutes until you can go home.

Evening arrives, and your preoccupation with food peaks. You order take-out—comfort food you’ve been craving all day. As you wait, you snack on crackers and cheese, unable to resist. When the food finally arrives, you devour it quickly, not pausing to enjoy the flavours.

Post-dinner guilt sets in as you reflect on your day. You resolve to eat better tomorrow but find yourself reading diet articles and planning meals late into the night.

Does this sound familiar?

Eating regularly throughout the day provides your body with constant energy, reducing the urge to binge eat by evening. When your body gets what it needs, you’ll end the day with a satisfied stomach, free from the cycle of food obsession.

2. Greater Nutritional Variety

Eating regularly allows your body to receive a broad range of nutrients from different foods. This includes not only macronutrients (protein, carbs, fats) but also essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).

To maximize the benefits, it’s important to eat a wide variety of foods. Mixing things up and not restricting yourself—especially when it comes to foods you crave—helps you achieve a balanced and nutrient-rich diet.

3. More Energy

As someone in recovery from an eating disorder, the idea of more energy is often linked to higher calorie intake, which can feel synonymous with weight gain. However, it’s important to understand that consuming more calories doesn’t necessarily lead to immediate weight gain.

Our bodies burn calories throughout the day, even at rest. By eating regularly and providing your body with sufficient energy, you can combat tiredness and improve concentration, supporting your overall well-being.

4. More Joy in Life and Memory-Making

My favourite benefit of eating regularly is knowing that if I enjoy something, like my favourite snacks that make me say “damn, I love my life,” it means that I don’t have to wait for ages to feel satisfied and happy again.

By joining in on meals or having a spontaneous snack, we open ourselves up to making new memories. Sharing food with friends and family enhances our social connections and can make everyday moments special. Plus, regular eating helps maintain our energy levels and mood, making it easier to fully enjoy these experiences.

5. Helps with Concentration

By eating regularly, you provide your body and brain with steady energy. This helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, which prevents the fatigue and brain fog that can hinder concentration. With a constant supply of glucose, your brain can function better, making it easier to focus and make decisions throughout the day.

What Might Life Look Like Eating Regularly?

It’s simple, you will feel…

• Happier
• Energized
• Productive
• Nourished
• Focused
• Clear-headed

(and your belly will be delighted)

Overcoming Anxiety

If eating regularly is anxiety-provoking, it’s time to look at it in a different light. Regular eating is simply giving your body—your home—the energy and fuel it needs to function properly.

The feeling of guilt will subside, but until then, it’s important to practice self-care by eating regularly.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What specifically about regular eating causes you anxiety?
• Are these fears based on facts or assumptions?
• How has skipping meals affected your overall well-being?
• How would your life improve if you didn’t worry about meal times?

I hope this article has helped you understand how regular eating is so beneficial for your physical and mental well-being.

I hope to see you next time!