Here’s a topic that I know is confusing to a lot of you: snacking! For example, if you’re trying to lose body fat, is it good to eat ‘three squares’ a day and avoid snacking all together? Or should you eat every 2-3 hours during the day? You’ve probably heard both things – so here’s the truth:
Snacking is bad if the ‘snacks’ you eat are unhealthy. But eating frequently – every 3-4 hours – is good. It keeps your metabolism fired up, prevents hunger, and a whole host of other things.
The average woman is going to have to eat about 5 times per day, and the average man 6 times. So 2-3 of those ‘meals’ will probably look like a smaller-portion sized ‘snack’.
I think it goes without saying that chips or a candy bar is not a good snack. But, here’s a little-known fact: something like yogurt or a granola bar, by itself, could be bad, too.
The key to healthy snacking, besides keeping your portions down like we already covered, is a proper macronutrient balance. So, the reason why the yogurt or the granola bar could be bad is not because these snacks are too high in calories, it’s because they are typically composed almost entirely of highly processed carbohydrate.
Here’s an example of what a healthy snack might look like:
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 apple
6 almonds
1 orange
3 macademia nuts
1 oz string cheese
You see: we’re balancing protein, carbs, and fat with every meal, while keeping the portions moderate. These portions could obviously be adjusted up or down depending on your daily caloric need.
So, just rememer, snacking is good for you – if you do it right. Good luck with your health and fat loss efforts!