When you lived at home, your mom or dad probably made the majority of the meals you enjoyed. You probably didn’t even realize how nice it was to have someone else decide what to make, prepare and cook the food, and take care of any leftovers or cleanup. Now that you’re in college, however, you’ve suddenly discovered that you’re in charge of feeding yourself all the time. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s important to eat three meals a day or why you should, then keep reading to learn some of the science behind this.
Providing complete and full meals for yourself isn’t as difficult as you might think. The good news is, that you don’t have to worry about what you are going to eat everyday, because Upper Crust Food Service has you covered! Our college catering services ensure your chapter house has three delicious meals ready each and every day. We can also cater special events that your fraternity or sorority hosts, as well as provide you with healthy late-night snack options. Contact Upper Crust today to learn more about our reliable kitchen services.
Weight and Frequency of Eating
Research seems to indicate that there is an inverse association between a person’s weight and the frequency with which they eat. In other words, the heavier someone is, the less often they eat. In America and other industrialized nations, the standard of three meals per day is the norm. Eating three structured meals per day compared with fewer meals appears to help with controlling appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
Optimal Calorie Distribution
If you are not a morning person, then it may be difficult for you to get up and grab breakfast before heading to your first class. With that in mind, it’s important to make sure that you are spreading your calories across your day as evenly as possible. This helps you to feel more satisfied after a meal so that you can avoid getting too hungry between meals and overeating.
Meals and Bedtime
It’s also important to think about your level of activity throughout the day so that you make sure not to eat too heavily before you go to bed. If you know that you will be very active in the afternoon, then you should aim to make your largest meal be your lunch. Eating a large meal before bed is something you want to avoid for several reasons. Your body will be digesting the food while you’re trying to sleep, which could lead to shallow and interrupted sleep, causing you to feel worn out when you wake up in the morning. Another reason to avoid eating large meals before bed is that your body won’t have the necessary energy to fully break down everything, which can lead to weight gain.
Meal Quality vs Quantity
You probably already know that the quality of what you eat is an important factor in controlling the quantity you consume. Not only will a nutritious meal make you feel full right away, it will keep you feeling full for longer, which will help you to avoid tempting and nutritionally deficient snacks and desserts. Skipping meals is a habit you want to avoid, as it will make it hard to get the variety of nutrients your body needs. When you eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner you are likely to choose different foods at each meal, providing a good variety of vitamins and minerals.
To Snack or Not to Snack
While it’s important to eat healthy meals three times a day, it’s also important to listen to the needs of your body. If you’re hungry, then a healthy snack is a good option to ensure that you maintain good energy levels and avoid foods that are deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. With that in mind, there are a number of snacks that you can choose from to keep you track with healthy eating. Carrot sticks, hummus, whole grain crackers, string cheese, and whole fruits are all great options to pack and carry with you through your day.
Your Top Rated National® Food Catering Choice
At Upper Crust Food Service, we know your parents aren’t around to make sure you stay active and eat right, which is why we offer fresh and healthy food options through our college catering services. Our sorority and fraternity chefs provide the food you need to stay nourished and satisfied. Contact Upper Crust today, and we’ll be happy to bring our college food services to your campus.