Should I have that mars bar? Should I have that packet of crisps? Should I have a piece of fruit or a sausage roll. Should you snack or should you not? Have you ever wondered how to snack sensibly and still lose weight?
These are questions that have troubled me on many occasions. Sometimes the urge to have a snack is so strong that I cave. Sometimes, I know that if i have a snack its going to open the floodgates. I won’t be able to stop until i stare in horror at the crumbs all around and the empty packet of biscuits strewn at the side. Then I’ll be kicking myself because I knew it was going to happen! Anyone ever have these battles?
So, what’s the solution? Should you have 3 square meals a day or is it ok to snack? is it possible to snack sensibly?
There is no right or wrong answer, we are all different.
It depends on what you are trying to achieve and what is going to satisfy you. At the end of the day, if you are hungry, you are hungry. You have exhausted every other possibility, drank water, tried to distract yourself. Unfortunately, chances are its your body trying to tell you that you are hungry!
I don’t think its a bad thing to snack. Weightloss and maintenance is more difficult when you are hungry. Besides, where’s the fun if you cannot treat yourself to the odd sausage roll or Kit Kat from time to time.
As with anything that I do, I try to do it in moderation, but also I am super aware of what I’ve been eating in the day.
Here’s 3 things to consider:
Pick a healthy choice (Snack sensibly!)
Easier said than done! Of course, fruit should be the go to if you are to snack sensibly. But remember, these also contain calories! So, eating a whole honey dew melon will smash your calories for a whole meal! Not to mention the amount you will be on the toilet from all the water in there. Sometimes though fruit just don’t cut the mustard! Have an alternative in mind, nuts, slices of cold meat or a boiled egg! If its a choice between a scotch egg or sausage roll, I’d go scotch egg every time! In fact, just this week I was faced with this conundrum. I ended up going for one of the best prepacked scotch eggs I’ve ever had, by the Jolly Hog. It was so good I have to share it with you!
Check it out here, I would 100% recommend them!
Eat more to snack sensibly
Yes, Thats right! I love this one and it worked well for me… there is a catch though. You need to reduce your meal size.
If you know that you are a snacker, try to reduce the amount of calories in your meals so that it gives you more to snack on. I generally break down my day like so: 500cal per meal (1500) +300 cal for snacking. There was a time when I was having around 6 meals a day. I reduced the amount I was having at main meals and bulked up snack times. It doesn’t mean you can snack on chocolate though! I would use nuts, porridge or a small sandwich to fill the gaps.
It’s not always easy to snack sensibly. So, If you are going to have that doughnut, then make sure that you are making up for it else where if its going to send you over. If not in the day, then at other times in the week. Its all about thinking ahead
Be prepared
Make sure that you have healthy snacks prepared or to hand.
When I was working 9-5, i would quite often take into work 4 containers. A boiled egg and piece of toast for breakfast (Tip: eat that egg in the car or on the way to catch the train! Your colleagues or fellow passengers will thank you for it!). A portioned breakfast of porridge for mid morning. A lunch pot, usually an extra portion of last nights dinner. Then a pot of nuts or fruit to have around 3pm.
Sistema do a great range of pots for any occasion. I still use them today. They are great to take to work, microwaveable and brilliant to keep your fridge organised too!
Trial and error
For me, preparing stuff was the most difficult. You have to think ahead and prep stuff so that its accessible. I used to chop and prep veggies on a Sunday night for the week! But, once you get into the habit, it becomes a breeze and becomes second nature.
Now, if I have 5 -10 mins i could be popping a chicken breast into the oven or boiling some pasta. It makes it sooo much easier to make healthy choices if they are already done. Especially if pushed for time.
Try them all, see what works for you. Once you find something that works then try and stick to it. Always bear in mind your calorie intake. Keep on tracking!
Other stuff if you already snack sensibly
Are you comfortable with your snacking habits but want to develop other great ways to help you achieve your goals? check out this post i wrote about 7 habits for you to try.
Perhaps youve nailed this but suffer from a lack of motivation? Check out the 5 things I do when this strikes