Hey docs,
I just listened to today’s Q&A podcast segment on why grazing is not an ideal eating pattern. A decent chunk of the discussion focused on the negative effects muscle protein synthesis, and there was some discussion about being in a constant post-prandial state and insulin resistance concerns. I wanted to clarify: are the downsides of frequent eating/grazing mostly applicable to protein intake?—that is, ensuring protein boluses are spread out ~3 hours? Do these concerns still apply if grazing simply meant, for example, having a banana or some strawberries 90 minutes between larger meals, or smaller carb doses pre-workout before an afternoon workout too late after lunch but too early for dinner?
I had never realized that grazing was suboptimal. It’s easier for me to stick to a regimented dietary pattern with more frequent eating (I’ll admit, this is probably to avoid that hunger feeling as the time between meals wanes on, which is its own topic to consider.) But if consolidating meals more insularly is best, even in terms of snacking, I’ll make the switch.