Deciding how best to eat your allotted daily food intake can be a bit confusing if you're dieting. Some experts say to eat a big breakfast; some say a big lunch is better. Some advocate three square meals and no snacks. Who knows, maybe those that say five or six small meals are right. Let's take a look.

Every nutritionist the world over will agree that starting your day off with breakfast is a must. Breakfast jump starts your metabolism and helps your body get in the calorie-burning mode. But, just how big should your breakfast be? That depends.

BREAKFAST

If you're day has a lot of activity in store eating a good-sized breakfast is a good idea; unless of course you'll be able to replenish your supply of nutrients burned up with activity as the day progresses. If you're destined to sit behind a desk for the majority of the day, a big breakfast isn't really a good thing. Your lack of activity means you won't be burning many calories. A big breakfast will only add more calories that you'll need to burn off in order to keep up with your target diet goal.

LUNCH

Eating a big lunch falls pretty much within the same criteria as breakfast. If you're going to be fairly active after eating, go for it. If not, not only do you stand the chance of falling asleep from the full-belly syndrome, those calories will simply pile up on top of each other.

THREE SQUARE MEALS

Many of us have been trained since childhood that three square meals is the proper way to eat. The truth is, as long as you get the proper amount of vitamins, nutrients and exercise throughout the course of your day it really doesn't matter if you achieve it with three squares or five or six small meals.

FIVE TO SIX SMALL MEALS

Many people have tried this style of eating and have found it fits well with their lifestyle. Let's face it, most of the world is running at full pace much of the time. Five to six small meals throughout the day staves off hunger cravings and keeps your metabolism more active with each small meal, which means you'll burn more calories.

No matter what eating style you find appropriate for yourself, do not skip meals. When you skip meals your metabolism slows down as it attempts to conserve energy, which will defeat all your dieting efforts.

Keep your body nourished with plenty of fruits and vegetables; they're best eaten in between meals as they'll regulate your blood sugar and help reduce cravings. Avoid unhealthy fats and drink plenty of water. Water also helps you feel full, and it aides in flushing your body of toxins and waste, as well as keeps you hydrated. Eat fiber-rich foods and get in some exercise. Avoid sugar and stop eating at least two hours before bedtime. (Your metabolism slows down as the day progresses).

Remember, your body is a complex organism. You can't neglect one part, and expect the other parts to continue functioning properly. Play around with these different eating techniques and see what works best for your life style.