In which I encourage frequent eating

Snacking, the archenemy of diets everywhere, is my friend.

I love snacking because:

I don’t over-stuff myself at mealtimes

I can keep my blood-sugar levels in check

I have energy all day long when I snack

I’m not a nutritionist. Not. Even. Close. But, I have had a fair deal of experience being frustrated with how much/what/when I eat (or don’t eat, as the case may be).

So, partly for fun, and partly because I wish someone had told me this years ago, I’m sharing my personal rules for the eating a little bit, frequently.

Rule 1 of snacking: Eat what you like.

This doesn’t mean every snack you eat should be junk food. May it never be! But, if you really want chocolate, eat chocolate! I find that if I want chocolate and eat carrots instead, I feel (mentally) unsatisfied and end up binging later. Just don’t forget rule #2…

Rule 2 of snacking: Portion, portion, portion!

When you do indulge in that chocolate craving, keep it to a small (and smart) portion. Just ’cause you’re craving chocolate, doesn’t mean you should eat that half pint of Triple Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream stashed in the back of your freezer. Instead, opt for a few dark chocolate covered almonds, which have an abundance of flavor but also provide antioxidants, vitamin E, protein, and fiber.

Rule 3 of snaking: Don’t eat just because you’re bored.

Just don’t. It wreaks havoc on the waistline (and I’m speaking from personal experience here…)

Rule 4 of snacking: When you’re hungry (or bored), drink a glass of water.

If you’re craving a snack, drink a glass of water, wait 20 minutes, and then see if you still need that snack. Why? because it’s hard to distinguish between being thirsty and being hungry (read more about this here). You might just need a nice, cool, calorie-free glass of water!

And that’s it!

…now go get yourself a snack! I’m going to.

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