The only time you should ever skip a meal is it’s recommended by your physician – for example, if you are going to be getting surgery or having blood work that requires you to fast.
A few years back, studies were done that took a look at what happened in individuals who skipped meals vs. those who didn’t. The biggest change found in individuals who skipped meals were significant changes in metabolism as well a delayed insulin response, which put them at risk of developing diabetes. By skipping meals, you’re also going to have a decrease in nutrients that your body requires for optimal health, such as vitamins and minerals, proteins, and essential fatty acids. Other studies have also shown that people who skip meals were more likely to snack on junk food and avoid physical activity.
In order to maintain good health, our bodies need food to survive. If you happen to work long hours and find that you simply don’t have the time to eat or cook after a grueling day at work, try preparing your meals in advance. Websites like SimpleMost and Pinterest offer a wide variety of quick (but healthy and delicious) meal-prep ideas such as chicken fajita bowls, salads, and even oatmeal. Many of these recipes can be frozen, which not only makes them easy to cook when you get home, but also easy to take on-the-go.
By eating three healthy meals per day, you are more likely to make a variety of meal choices and get the essential nutrients that you need to ensure your health is properly maintained. For more information on dieting and why healthy eating is so important, follow Dr. Ali Ghahary on Twitter at @DrAliGhahary.