For many of us, it's just too hard to get through the day without nibbling on something. If you have issues with your blood sugar being too low, or you are simply hungry during the day, snacking can be second nature. While snacking generally gets frowned upon, grazing is typically recommended for many diets. The key is finding the right balance so that you don't get overly hungry and you still feel satisfied throughout the day.

First, you need to set limits for your grazing behavior. It's one thing to graze on peanut butter cups all day, and it's another to graze on unbuttered air popped popcorn. One contains loads of fat and calories, the other has approximately 31 calories for a whole cup. You can really fill up on popcorn without filling up on calories. Figure out how many calories you are allowed each day and then how much you use for your regular meals.

That will give you the amount left over that you can eat while grazing. It is best to stick to a very low calories amount so that you don't end up sabotaging your diet. For example, instead of a candy bar, try low calorie string cheese. Instead of a bag of chips, have some crunchy vegetables. By making the right food choices when you're grazing, you'll have better luck at losing weight.

If you do find it necessary to graze because you are starving, you may need to address what is causing this. Are you not eating enough during your regular meals or are you eating the wrong balance of foods? If you're not getting enough protein, then you will be left feeling hungry after your meals. By getting the right balance of carbs, fats and proteins you can reduce those cravings that make you graze.

It is almost important to remember that if you are doing a lot of brain work, you are going to be hungrier during the day. Your brain uses more than 30% of your body's blood sugar just to run and when you're really using it, you'll burn through your supply quite quickly. Just find low calories fuel to keep you going in this situation.

Snacking and grazing can be too different things. Some of us get into the habit of the afternoon snack or late night snack and we are so routinized that it doesn't matter if we are hungry or not - we're going to eat that snack. Learn to recognize true hunger as opposed to "my brain is telling me it's time to eat."

Grazing is not necessarily a bad idea and when utilized properly it can help you lose weight. You just need to make sure that you are using smart choices when it comes to the food you are grazing on. Eat small amounts of low calories and still keep track of what you eat each day to stay below you recommended amount. This is grazing at its best.

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Originally posted 2008-09-25 05:18:44. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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