Table 3.

Intentional Approach to Eating

Develop an intentional approach to eating that focuses on the timing and frequency of meals and snacks as the basis of a healthier lifestyle and improved risk factor management

Understand the patient’s frame of reference in how he or she may define meals and snacks

Recommend distributing calories over a defined portion of the day

Recommend eating a greater share of the total calorie intake earlier in the day to have positive effects on risk factors for heart disease and diabetes mellitus

Promote consistent overnight fast periods

Link eating episodes to influence subsequent energy intake (eg, place snacks strategically before meals that might be associated with overeating)

Include intermittent fasting approaches as an option to help lower calorie intake and to reduce body weight

Use added eating episodes to introduce a wider variety of healthful food options and to displace less healthful foods

Use planned meals and snacks timed throughout the day to help manage hunger and to achieve portion control