How many hours can elapse between the first and third meal of the day?

The maximum time that can elapse between the first and third meal of the day is 15 hours. This allows for a flexible meal schedule while ensuring that the individual can maintain a regular eating pattern.

For instance, if the first meal is consumed at 7 AM and the third meal takes place at 10 PM, that accounts for exactly 15 hours between those two meals. This spacing is beneficial for digestion, metabolic function, and energy management throughout the day, supporting optimal performance and wellbeing.

This timeframe provides a balance that prevents excessive fasting periods while also allowing for adequate digestive processes and periods of satiety between meals. The other options, such as 10, 12, and 18 hours, do not reflect the typical parameters for healthy meal spacing as effectively as 15 hours.