INstead of trying to drastically change your entire meal pattern overnight, try to take it a bit slower. (I don't know your full story, so I may be off base here). Making smaller changes more slowly over time will help you to stick to them, and make it easier on your body. You say you're used to three large meals? Well, try continuing with three decent sized meals, slightly smaller than what you're used to, and fill in the spaces with healthy snacks.<br><br><br><br>
I'm not sure if you're trying to lose weight? If you are, you will want to cut back on calories slightly. To lose weight, you need to cut back your intake (or increase your expenditure, ie exercise) by 3500 calories per pound of fat. So if you have a calorie deficit of 500 calories a day for a week, you will lose one pound (in theory). This doesn't take into account water weight, etc. A really good site is <a href="http://www.fitday.com" target="_blank">www.fitday.com</a>. You can put in your food intake, and it will calculate how many calories you are getting. This way you will know if you are getting too much or too little. A week or two of doing that every day should give you a good idea of how much food to eat.<br><br><br><br>
Another thing you could do is to follow the <a href="http://www.dietitians.ca/news/downloads/vege_guide(EN).pdf" target="_blank">vegetarian food guide</a>. The guide lists portion sizes, as well as how many of each your should eat per day (keep in mind that calcium rich foods count for double: eg fortified juice counts as both a calcium rich food AND a fruit). Depending on your particular needs, you may need a serving or two less than is listed in the food guide - but it gives you a starting point.<br><br><br><br>
To keep yourself full, try to focus on foods high in fiber (though if you aren't used to fiber, you will want to add it gradually, and make sure you drink lots of water). Extra fiber in your diet could be affecting your digestion, but it will pass <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="
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Someone mentioned paying attention to your hunger. This is really important, and something so many people lose touch with. Listen to your body. You may have lost this ability over the years, but it should come back. Eat slowly, chew your food. You can even try placing your fork down between bites. It takes your brain about 20 minutes to get the message from your stomach that you are full.<br><br><br><br>
Good luck, I wish you all the best! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/pibo.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="
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