You've heard it all. Eat three meals a day. Don't snack. Snacking is bad. No, snacking is good. Eat six small meals a day. Drink a LOT of water. Don't drink soda. Limit your coffee. Actually, don't drink any coffee. Drink tea instead. Avoid alcohol. Have a glass of wine each day. The suggestions, advice, recommendations ... they are enough to make almost anyone dig into a carton, bag or box of (fill in the blank) your favorite food.
From our perspective, the best way to maintain your energy, positive mood and metabolism, as well as avoid consuming the first thing you can find when you are starving, is to eat every two to three hours.
Breakfast is a must. And depending on your day and your schedule, lunch and dinner may not always come at the 'regular' time. The most important thing you can do is prepare for your day ahead of time.
Mr. Bell probably wasn't talking about snacks. But if you think about it, his words ring true when it comes to food. The more prepared you are - whether for a long day at the office, being out of the house all day running errands, and more - the more likely you are to succeed in making nutritious, wholesome food choices throughout the day.
There are some key factors when it comes to planning ahead. It's gotta be quick, it definitely needs to be easy, and it should be healthy.
All these different suggestions are terrific. It's just important to remember there's a need for moderation. You can have all the bell peppers, carrots and celery you want. But if you're going to pile it with Almond Butter, dried fruit or hummus, be mindful of how much you're eating. Those foods can certainly blow through a significant portion of your personal caloric needs for the day quickly.
If you don't already have a box of plastic bags, or even better re-usable containers, get some today! The best way to create your own portion control is to bring the right amount with you. That way, if you're grabbing a snack while making phone calls or working at your desk you're not mindlessly eating more than you should.
As discussed at our recent "Night of Nutrition" workshop, Larabar's are one of the best options for a quick snack. Keep one in your purse, bag or briefcase for a mid-morning or late afternoon snack as a healthy option.
It's Friday....most of us are headed to the grocery store in the next 48 hours. So when you're making your list, think about adding some healthy snack options to it. You'll find next week goes a whole lot better.
