12 Tips of Christmas: #5 Put it on a Plate

If you are a snacker, you probably know it.  But when does snacking actually turn into grazing? What's the difference?  Well, snacking is having a small meal between meals when you are actually hungry.  Grazing is eating small amounts all day long, possibly due to cravings, boredom, stress, some hunger, etc.

Snacking may be a good idea.  It will give you that little energy boost in between meals.  Grazing, however, may actually cause you to consume MORE calories than you would by eating regular meals.   Eating little amounts all day long may never trigger your satiety cues, leading you to constantly feel like you are hungry.

So what do you do if you ARE a grazer?  I say "Put it on a Plate".  Make an occasion out of eating.  When it is placed in front of you on a plate, your portion may appear larger than if it was something that simply traveled from the bag to your mouth via your hand.  Putting it on a plate may also cause you to think before you eat.  What is the reason why you are eating?  Hunger should be your answer (there are exceptions).

To get out of the habit of grazing, try having three basic meals.  Make them balanced, then assess your HUNGER between meals.  If you are hungry, try a small snack AND...............put it on a plate.