Good question. I suppose the answer is somewhat relative. I mean there are rules and principles at play here. Every diet has rules or there would be no diet just a free-for-all where you can eat whatever and whenever you want. I have tried to make this plan detailed, but simple, and principle based. I have set this up by design to allow you to eat 5 or 6 times a day. But you do need to follow my plan and the rules of the diet to succeed, as with any diet. And this diet really works!!!