The second factor to consider is saturation. It occurs when the feeling of hunger is satisfied, accompanied by excitation of the ventromedial nuclei of the hypothalamus according to the principle of an unconditioned reflex.
Characteristic for saturation:
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Mechanoreceptors of the stomach are irritated 15-20 minutes following the start of the meal;
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During eating, the level of nutrients in the blood rises, the ventromedial nuclei of the hypothalamus are excited. This occurs following 1.5-2 hours from the start of the meal.
Therefore, there are no clear standards for what should be eaten every 2 hours or every 5 hours; Each organism is individual, you need to rely on feelings of hunger and satiety.
And one more important point: do not stretch the duration of the meal – remember that the feeling of fullness does not come immediately. BUT saturation of the body occurs 2 hours following eating, that is, it is normal if you want to eat following 2 hours or more.
But if less than two hours have passed, then look for the reason: stress, chewing on your favorite TV series, the meal was unbalanced.