Snacking...

This may seem like an odd question but is snacking important??


      I am 3wks post-op and I am allowed to slowly incorporate mushies as tolerated... But in the sample menu I have from the nutritionist it shows I should be eating a "snack" 2x a day. Eating 3x a day is a chore for me and Ive been pretty good @ sticking w/ that but idk if I can find the time or the proper snack to fit in an extra 2x a day... Is it really that important?? I drink LOTS of water is that enough??

 I also have a hard time getting a snack in.  My teaching schedule is quite full and I do not have time to eat in between meals and I do not like to eat in front of the kids, so I do not snack.  I am satisfied with my three meals.  The nutritionist told me as long as I get my protein in I am fine.  I would not worry about it, but if you eventually get hungry I would suggest a healthy snack to hold you over until the next meal.  

As so often happens, professionals disagree! Some people are told never, ever snack!

So the sensible thing to do is to follow to the letter every instruction given for safety...... When to eat or not eat solids, for example, not to eat so much you over stretch your pouch etc..

And then eat the way that works or you. I have always snacked. Some people sometimes do, some people never do!

Kate

If you're getting in your daily protein don't ever eat if you don't feel like it.  I believe breakfast is critical, in fact my Dr. recommends getting 20 g of protein in within an hour of waking to jump start your metabolism and start your day feeling full and satisfied.  After that, they say either 3 meals a day or 6 smaller meals throughout the day.  I lost my weight on a strict plan of 3 meals a day and one PLANNED evening snack.  Unplanned snacking is what always gets me in trouble.  Also, don't eat past 8:00 at night.  It's a tough habit to break if you're a night time snacker but it will make a big difference in your WL and will help you if you tend to get reflux.

My suggestion is to eat when you feel like it but ALWAYS make sure you are getting 60-80 g or protein and ALWAYS plan what you're going to eat.  Everytime I'm caught without a plan I make a bad choice! 

Best~
Lisa O.

Well --- I will give you my opinion on this.

I was supposed to eat about 1,000 calories a day.

I was also supposed to eat small, careful meals.

I could not do both of those things within the confines of 3 meals ---- it was too much food (when I chose lean protein and produce as my foods).

so, I ate
water -- first thing in the morning, about 16 ounces of water before any food
B -- 6 oz of greek yogurt (or less -- sometimes I did not eat it all)
wait an hour -- then more water

S -- small piece of fruit, or 100-calorie applesauce, etc
1 hour later -- more water

L -- 3 oz of tuna wiht a little mayo, sliced cucumbers or tomato, a few whole-grain crackers
an hour later - more water

late afternoon snack --- piece of string cheese
an hour later -- more water

D -- 3 oz of lean protein, some veggie, a few bites of baked sweet potato, or brown rice
an hour later - more water

S -- piece of string cheese, or a pudding snack

Personally, I could not stand protein drinks, so I stopped those about 2 weeks post op when I could consume enough protein through my food  --- but those can be a 'snack' option in place of some of the water.

I found it more important to eat SMALL meals and get used to that type of portion control, than it was to avoid snacking.

Some doctors tell people to eat 3 meals and not snack at all -- I don't agree with that.

We all have our opinions and 2 cents. So here is mine:

I believe in eating when you're hungry.

I believe in eating breakfast - if you're not hungry, this is the only time, I say, eat anyway.

I believe in tracking - when you get hungry AFTER your last meal. If I am getting hungry after eating my dense protein meal - prior to the 4 - 5 hour mark, then I know I am getting ready for my next fill.

If I snack, then I'm never really hungry and not really sure if it's time for a fill. I prefer to feel that hunger and to know - okay my tummy is empty -

I wanted to learn to eat only when I was hungry - so snacking has been something I've worked hard to not do. (I'm a born snacker) - I often times eat 4 small meals. I work nights as an RN and being up all night - I usually get hungry one extra time a day.

I believe in doing what works for you, but looking as your past and seeing if there were habits that got you to your highest weight. For me, it was eating when I wasn't hungry - just bored and snacking.

Lastly, I have used www.fitday.com since 2008 and I usually get 1000 to 1200 cals in a day - 120gms of protein and less than 50gms of carbs.