Eating every two hours is a popular diet strategy. Bebo’s flat belly came from there. But is it suitable for every one? Nutritionist Anjum Shaikh from Mumbai deconstructs the diet celebs -- and others -- swear by.

When you want to lose weight, you would always be advised to eat frequent meals, says Shaikh. But it may not be the thumb rule for fat loss, she adds.

First, says Shaikh, one needs to understand how eating frequently helps fat loss.

Indians by and large have the habit of eating fewer but larger meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Maybe a meal or snack in between if they are hungry.

Long gaps in their diet, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, drop their metabolism. This in turn leads to gradual weight gain over a period of time, even if the daily caloric intake is less than 2,000 kcal.

In the case of such persons, splitting three or four big meals into five or six smaller meals ensures that:

• There are no long gaps.

• Portions are controlled, hence there is no further storage of excess fat.

• BMR is improved, which further aids in fat loss.

However, this formula may not suit every one. While some individuals need to be fed every two to three hours to lose fat, we do come across people who do well with three to four square meals and do not gain weight. This can be due to their ectomorphic body type or great genetics or higher physical activity. Or they are just plain lucky!

On the other hand, eating frequently can backfire. People who cannot control their hunger can end up eating larger portions frequently. They will put on weight.

It may be too stressful to eat every one hour or two hours for some. Some persons may be tempted to choose empty calories and junk food for mid meals.

So how frequently should you be eating?

The best you can do is to leave this job to the experts and consult a qualified nutritionist who has a post-graduate, or at least graduate, degree in Applied Nutrition or Dietetics.

ALOE VERA MAGIC 

As the mercury soars, the very thought of applying cream on your face at bedtime makes you squeamish. But here’s something that may make you change your mind.

Try this DIY aloe vera night cream. Aloe vera — our very own ghritakumari from Ayurveda — is a magic plant. It cools, soothes and protects your skin with its antiseptic and healing qualities. It also keeps the skin moisturised.

You need:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel

• 1 tablespoon of jasmine, or sandalwood, or ylang-ylang, or rose, or lavender oil

• A few drops of honey

Mix well together. Keep in an air-tight jar, in the refrigerator if you want, and apply on your face every night.