Snacking between meals, which seems to be harmless and usual, has become a big concern, particularly for people attempting to lose weight. However, in addition to complicating weight loss efforts, doctors warn that this behavior may be damaging to one’s health.
Snacking between meals is usually linked to poor stress and anxiety management rather than hunger. And studies show that this impulsive behavior, which leads us to consume unhealthy meals high in saturated fats, sugar, and salt, is more frequent than we think.
According to the findings of a poll, one out of every four persons of normal weight snacks between meals. Some evidence suggests that snacking between meals is more common among obese persons, with one in every two admitting to doing so.
Experts claim that hunger isn’t the sole factor that causes us to eat and inhibits us from losing weight. Others may hide behind the peck at times. Because the stomach is said to be our second brain, certain feelings like nervousness, grief, or even boredom might cause us to snack in between meals.
It’s what’s known as emotional hunger, which ‘forces’ us to consume harmful and calorie items nearly immediately. Hyperpalatable meals promote dopamine production in the brain, resulting in a pleasurable experience and a vicious cycle.
Tricks To Avoid Snacking Between Meals
Although it is not always easy, and it is necessary to distinguish between true hunger and emotional hunger, there are several strategies for avoiding snacking between meals:
Drink Water:
Drinking water is not only necessary for being hydrated, but it may also help us resist the need to eat. Water fills you up without adding calories to your diet.
Stay Active:
Boredom is one of the feelings that makes people want to snack in between meals. Hours spent doing nothing or in your recliner tempt you to raid the refrigerator for something to eat. If you want to ‘cheat’ emotional hunger, attempt to be as busy as possible.
Complete Meals:
Experts suggest eating five meals a day, and if you’re trying to lose weight, evenly spread your calories by beginning the day with a hearty breakfast and gradually decreasing the amount until you reach a light supper. Don’t miss any meals and make sure you’re happy with the three major ones (breakfast, lunch and dinner). It’s important to remember that three to four hours should elapse between meals.
Schedule The Snack:
Improvisation has the potential to lead us astray. To prevent it, decide on a mid-afternoon or mid-morning snack ahead of time.
Have Healthy Snacks On Hand:
Snacking between meals might become a problem if you spend time away from home throughout the day. Because it is difficult to obtain nutritious snacks in general, it is suggested that you bring a piece of fruit, yogurt, or almonds from home to eat when you are hungry.
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