Flexible Eating: When to Eat on Schedule or When You’re Hungry

"Hunger is an evolutionary mechanism that serves a critical purpose in our bodies by signaling when it's necessary to fuel up. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to force yourself to eat just because someone tells you to, such as having breakfast or eating when you are not feeling well. If you maintain a healthy diet, your body will naturally tell you when to eat.

Eating once a day can be perfectly fine if it consists of a healthy, low-carb meal. In fact, eating just one meal a day, often referred to as OMAD (one meal a day), is a practice gaining popularity. During the rest of the time, you are in a fasting state, which can bring numerous health benefits such as lower insulin levels, increased human growth hormone, and autophagy. Ensure that the single meal you consume is packed with all the necessary nutrients your body needs to function optimally.

On the other hand, eating several times a day to maintain your health is also important. As long as the food you consume is nutritious and includes vitamins, such as vitamin C, you will largely be covered. Avoid junk food, soda, and empty calories without vitamins to ensure you are consuming a balanced and healthy diet. Being vegan, I highly recommend a plant-based diet.

Having a consistent eating schedule can reduce the impact on insulin production. For example, I used to skip breakfast, have a medium-sized lunch, and indulge in a large dinner. This approach led to the development of type 2 diabetes. Nowadays, I have a small but healthy breakfast, then try to eat every three to four hours throughout the day. Regular eating habits teach your body when to expect food, helping it to anticipate hunger at specific times. However, it's important to note that this doesn't necessarily mean you are actually hungry. Your body may simply have become accustomed to this routine.

Consuming food only when truly hungry is crucial to avoid developing bad eating habits and the potential for diabetes. If your body is constantly fed at the same times, it might start to expect food at those intervals, even if you aren’t actually hungry. This can lead to erratic blood sugar levels and a series of unhealthy eating patterns. Conversely, tuning into your body’s hunger cues can help maintain balanced blood sugar levels and promote a healthier lifestyle.