Everyday Systems

Hi,
Has anyone successfully split their 3 meals into 4?
I have breakfast at 6.30, lunch is at 12.30, and then dinner is often not until 9pm because of exercise classes etc. That is a long time to wait.
I have experimented with delaying lunch until 3.30pm, which works ok, but can be hard when everyone else is eating lunch. Strangely, waiting 9 hours to eat lunch is much easier than waiting 9 hours to eat dinner - I’m not sure why! It might be because my days are so busy and it takes my mind off the hunger.
I have also tried splitting lunch into 2 parts: 12.30 and 4pm - so the amount of food is the same, it is just spread out. However, this feels as though I am not eating enough food at either mealtime.
I would welcome thoughts and suggestions.

That's what I would do if I had to wait so long between meals. If you are eating the same amount, split into two dinner meals, then that could work.

There is no reason not to plan four meals instead of three. I think the important part is the planning. So, it's fine to say, "I have four meals on days I go to the gym" and plan out those meals in a reasonable manor that suits your needs. It's not ok to say, "I'm extra hungry today so I'm going to have a an extra plate of impulsivity chosen food eaten at this random time."
Go ahead and make a moderate plan that fits you. Overtime you'll probably tweak and adjust it somewhat but if you establish firm habits you'll find your way.

Maybe delay breakfast till 10 or so? Or (not canon) eat two quite large meals during the day and skip dinner?

I second ginger pie!

I do this on Wednesdays when I have yoga which means I leave the house at 6:30 pm and am not back til 8:30 pm. I don't want to have a full stomach at yoga so I have a small plate of food about 5, and then a small plate of food at 8:30 when I get home.

I eat 4 small meals everyday. I tried and tried eating 3 meals but had a really hard time. I started this after reading about a woman who ate 4 small/half meals a day and lost over 40 pounds. I have lost 20 pounds doing this. But I eat like this everyday even on weekends. And I eat exactly what I want. I just use small plates.

And I do follow the no snacks no sweets no second principles daily

I eat 4 meals. My 4th is around 8:30 pm and is always a yogurt.

I'm nursing though and need the calories or my milk supply drops. I'm still slowly losing weight, so it works for me.

I also have 4 mealtimes, but the first two are very small.

Fruit with coffee early am, then a savory breakfast midmorning, lunch, dinner.