What we eat matters, but when we eat is just as important. Research has told us that eating every four hours helps our metabolism
work better, controls blood sugar, and reacquaints us with our body's natural hunger and fullness signals. And now there appears
to be another good reason to regulate your meal timing–eating every four hours actually decrease cancer tumor development.
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), "meal anticipation" alone plays a role in breast cancer. In
a study in which one group of rats was fed every day at the same four hour interval and a second group at random four hour
intervals, the animals that could anticipate their meals every four hours had an increase in glucocorticoids, hormones that
help direct glucose regulation. Studies have previously shown that an increase in glucocorticoids is positively connected
with a decrease in tumor development. Also, only in the group that knew when their meals were coming (every four hours) did
glucose decrease and insulin increase before each meal, preparing the rats' bodies to consume calories appropriately.
Why is this important? According to Dr. Deborah Clegg, one of the study researchers, if the body is not prepared to consume
calories, "those calories are packaged away as fat". This new finding indicates that if meals can be eaten at regular intervals
and your body can prepare for those meals, it subsequently leads to greater protection against cancer, and leaner bodies as
a result, since calories will be used versus packaged away as body fat.
More Healthy Meal Planning Tips:
- 7 Secrets to Easy Meal Planning
- Easy Freezer Meals
- Breakfast Benefits
- Pack a Lunch with a Healthy Punch
Tammy Beasley, RD, CSSD, CEDRD is a registered, licensed dietitian, spinning instructor, and certified specialist in sports
nutrition and eating disorders. She is the author of Rev It Up-The Lifestyle Diet That Puts You In The Driver's Seat.