meal patterns

[/miːl ˈpætərnz/]
noun
padrões de refeições
1. the regular schedule and frequency of meals consumed throughout the day
Meal patterns vary significantly across different cultures and socioeconomic groups.
Os padrões de refeições variam significativamente entre diferentes culturas e grupos socioeconômicos.
2. the typical composition and types of foods eaten during regular eating occasions
Modern meal patterns have shifted towards more frequent snacking and fewer formal sit-down meals.
Os padrões de refeições modernos se deslocaram para mais lanches frequentes e menos refeições formais à mesa.
3. behavioral and nutritional habits related to when and what people eat
Researchers study meal patterns to understand dietary habits and their impact on health.
Pesquisadores estudam os padrões de refeições para entender os hábitos alimentares e seu impacto na saúde.
The concept of 'meal patterns' is increasingly important in both Brazilian and American health discourse. In Brazil, traditional meal patterns include breakfast (café da manhã), lunch as the main meal (almoço), afternoon snack (café/lanche), and dinner (jantar). In the USA, meal patterns have become more varied with breakfast, lunch, and dinner being standard, but increasingly disrupted by grazing and irregular snacking. Research on meal patterns has become central to understanding obesity and nutritional health in both countries.
NYC Slang
eating schedule; food routine
Synonyms / Sinônimos
eating habitsdietary patternseating schedulesfood consumption patternsfeeding schedule
Antonyms / Antônimos
irregular eatingrandom consumptioninconsistent diet

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
padrões de refeições
standard term used in nutritional and dietary contexts
Rio de Janeiro
hábitos de alimentação
common alternative emphasizing eating habits
São Paulo
padrões alimentares
slightly shortened form commonly used in academic contexts
Portugal
padrões de refeições
same as Brazilian Portuguese; also 'hábitos alimentares' used colloquially

Related Words

nutritiondietary habitsfood culturebreakfastlunchdinnersnackingappetite

Related Idioms & Phrases

break the pattern
set a pattern
establish eating habits
fall into a routine
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