smaller, more frequent meals and metabolism

Question
so even if it's just some celery sticks, it'll keep my body from gong into "starvation" mode?
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Followup To

Question -
Hi. I know it's better for some people to ea smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, and was just wondering, if the purpose is to keep up your metabolism, what is the minimum amount of food or calories needed at these meals? would it work the same to eat a couple average sized meals but snack on celery or something with very few calories throughout the day? thanks,

JB

Answer -
Jackie,
There are a few reasons for that.  Eating smaller but more frequent meals can keep your metabolism going.  In addition, it can help you from getting so hungry in between meals that you over-do it at meals.  Another words it can help you to stay in better control with what and how much you eat.  It can also help you to get more of the good food groups in like fruits and veggies, that people usually have a hard time getting in because it gives you more eating opportunities during the day to get those foods in.

There is no minimum amount of calories and it would really depend on what YOUR calorie needs for the day are.  Eating any type of healthy snacks between meals will work.  They don't need to be full meals!

Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net

Answer
What keeps your body from going into starvation mode is not how many times a day you eat but how many total calories you eat per day.  Your body will not go into starvation mode if you are eating enough calories each day for your body.  How you split up those calories can just help to keep you feeling better, more energized and keep your body better fueled throughout the day.  That in turn can help keep your metabolism going.
Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net

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