Well, you need to be reasonable and not over do it. Technically, I just looked it up on the IRS site, you are suppose to be away from home overnight or to the point that it requires you to rest. I still see people everyday claim meals (within reason) as business expense. I guess the way they look at it is.....who is to say you weren't meeting with a potential client or buying lunch for one. In the audits I have been involved with, as long as the deduction looked reasonable there wasn't a problem. But, that changes from accountant to accountant, so I'd be sure to check with your tax advisor.