Eating Like a Thin Hobbit

Aragorn: Gentlemen, we do not stop till nightfall.
Pippin: What about breakfast?
Aragorn: You've already had it.
Pippin: We've had one, yes. What about second breakfast?
[Aragorn turns and walks off in disgust]
Merry: I don't think he knows about second breakfast, Pip.
Pippin: What about elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about them, doesn't he?
Merry: I wouldn't count on it.

--The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Lately I eat frequent small meals--a sort of hobbit diet, except perhaps smaller portions and healthier food choices. I find that the Seattle restaurants we frequent serve meals literally twice the amount I eat in one sitting. I'm glad that restaurants in Seattle, unlike restaurants in Paris, will provide a doggy bag.

I've heard from my doctor and read that frequent small meals aid alertness, improve digestion, increase metabolism, lower cholesterol, maintain weight, and--more important to me--reduce heartburn from large meals and reactive hypoglycemia from blood glucose and insulin variation. Consequently I think my half-meals and snacks throughout the day at home and the office are healthy.