Snacking vs Big Meals

sunflowerinkashmir

Hey guys! So I'm someone who prefers to snack throughout the day because I get hungry often but I don't eat a lot when I'm hungry. I've heard mixed reviews on this, some saying that it's the correct way to eat (as opposed to 3 big meals) and some saying that it's not so good for weight loss. Is it ok to eat small snacks throughout the day, will that help with weight loss? Also, what are some of your guys' favorite filling snacks?

seltzermint555

I don't believe there is a correct way.

It matters more what works for you personally.

I know people who need to eat 6-8 mini meals every day, for health reasons or because it satisfies them best.

I prefer 3 regular meals and no snacking. When I try smaller more frequent meals I never feel quite "done eating" and it throws me off balance resulting in a weird feeling that I do not like. My body works best with breakfast around 7 am, lunch at noon, and dinner kind of early like 5-6 pm. I don't like to snack in the evenings, I would rather eat a snack/treat immediately after dinner consuming all of my calories then and considering my kitchen "closed" at 6 or 7 pm.

I don't believe my way is correct - many people don't like my way. But it works for me so that's what I do.

craftywitch_63

I have three "main" meals (~300 - 400 calories) with breakfast being the largest meal, and I have three snacks during the day (about 200 calories each) then snacks at 3 pm, 5 pm (just before I work out) and then dinner is my smallest meal. If I miss a snack, I tend to get weak and shaky and binge.

I agree with seltzermint. There is no correct way. As long as you hit your macros, stay within your calorie allowance, blah, blah, blah, snack if you want, eat three meals a day if that works for you. As with anything, it's not one size fits all.

dancephysics

I'm like you. I love to snack. In my ideal world I'd just always be constantly eating a little something. I prefer to think of breakfast/lunch/dinner as large snacks. I think I like it because of the variety. Instead of eating 3-4 different things each day, I get to eat 6-7 different things. It doesn't make a difference for weight loss.

Protein and fat are the most filling, so recently I've been trying to eat more protein-heavy snacks.

Some of my favorite snacks:
protein bar
beef jerky
apple + peanut butter
apple + goat cheese
popcorn
grapes
string cheese
Cheez-Its (a guilty pleasure)

craftywitch_63

I'm like you. I love to snack. In my ideal world I'd just always be constantly eating a little something. I prefer to think of breakfast/lunch/dinner as large snacks. I think I like it because of the variety. Instead of eating 3-4 different things each day, I get to eat 6-7 different things. It doesn't make a difference for weight loss.

Protein and fat are the most filling, so recently I've been trying to eat more protein-heavy snacks.

Some of my favorite snacks:
protein bar
beef jerky
apple + peanut butter
apple + goat cheese
popcorn
grapes
string cheese
Cheez-Its (a guilty pleasure)

OMG! I thought I was the only one that liked apples with cheese! Goat cheese, string cheese, cheddar cheese . . . Try slicing the apples, heating them a little bit (Until warm, not hot) in a skillet and adding a dash of cinnamon (I add a couple of tablespoons of splenda too sometimes but that can actually be left off), and eat them with the cheese. It's like a crustless apple pie. The cinnamon and (if you use it sweetener) melts a little bit - YUM!

laineybz

I snack little and often. I have a desk job and out of boredom, I feel the need to eat. So I bring little pots of fruit, a selection of teas and hot chocolates, soup, rice cakes etc. My days usually consist of 10 - 12 hours a day at work.

dancephysics

I'm like you. I love to snack. In my ideal world I'd just always be constantly eating a little something. I prefer to think of breakfast/lunch/dinner as large snacks. I think I like it because of the variety. Instead of eating 3-4 different things each day, I get to eat 6-7 different things. It doesn't make a difference for weight loss.

Protein and fat are the most filling, so recently I've been trying to eat more protein-heavy snacks.

Some of my favorite snacks:
protein bar
beef jerky
apple + peanut butter
apple + goat cheese
popcorn
grapes
string cheese
Cheez-Its (a guilty pleasure)

OMG! I thought I was the only one that liked apples with cheese! Goat cheese, string cheese, cheddar cheese . . . Try slicing the apples, heating them a little bit (Until warm, not hot) in a skillet and adding a dash of cinnamon (I add a couple of tablespoons of splenda too sometimes but that can actually be left off), and eat them with the cheese. It's like a crustless apple pie. The cinnamon and (if you use it sweetener) melts a little bit - YUM!

I don't especially like cinnamon or apple pie, but melting the cheese onto the apple looks like a game changer! Some sliced apple with some melted brie or Laughing Cow wedges... I think I'll have to eat this very soon.