Nutrition Handbook: Part 4 - Meals Per Day and Meal-Timing

Optimally, someone will eat 3 balanced complete meals per day. During daily activity the body requires nutrient density within the diet on a continuous basis every 4-6 hours for best functioning of body, emotions, and mind.

The body begins fasting from food and nutrients when someone does not eat for more than 6-8 hours, such as when sleeping. The body will lose the capacity for optimal functioning during periods of nutrient restriction and fasting which will lower physical, emotional, and mental performance.