Question:
Should we worry about snacks if we are snacking on protein bars?

All protein intake is good.... yes???? I have two snacks per day.... mid morning, 1/2 protein bar and I usually finish it mid afternoon. Is that okay?    — Eleanore Davis (posted on September 18, 2003)

September 18, 2003
I follow the mini-meal approach (suggested by my dr) and eat every 3 hours or so. I think it has been instrumental in my success in both losing weight and maintaining that loss. It does a couple of things for you: It helps keep your metabolism steady throughout the day, it keeps you from overeating (which can happen if you wait too long between meals), and it helps you stick with your healthy eating habits. I find it very easy to eat healthy now because I don't feel deprived. As long as you stick with protien first, then fruits & veggies, then other stuff if you have room, the snacking or mini-meal concept will work fine. If you stick with a protein bar or other good protein food, you should do great!
   — ctyst

September 18, 2003
Hi there! I read your profile and I think that your weight loss in one month is great! Although I also surely know the desire to have it gone NOW. Oh, well - keep doing what you're doing, and it will come off - and I hope other things ease up in your life, too. In answer to your question about protein bars for snacks - that's exactly what I do - I have a half a bar in the morning and the other half in the afternoon while at work. It really keeps my blood sugar on an even keel and keeps me from getting TOO hungry (unlike a lot of people, I was hungry from the start - even in the hospital). It seems to be working though. I'm now down about 83 pounds and I'm 7 1/2 months out. Happy, happy, that's me!! Take care, keep your chin up, and keep up the good work!
   — johanniter

September 18, 2003
It sounds like a reasonalbe approach to me, just be sure your surgeon is OK with it. They all have different programs for different reasons. I eat four times a day (breakfast, lunch, late afternoon snack and dinner) because that's what works best for me. Without that afternoon snack I'm way too hungry when I get home from work, and will graze my way through the kitchen while I wait for dinner to be ready. However, I am sure to plan that snack in with my daily totals of protein and calories. Where we can get into trouble with snacks is when they are not planned, and just add more calories to our intake than intended for the day. (And, while protein is first, and you should get in the amount required by your doc every day, an all-protein diet is not good for you. Be sure to get some veggies, fruits or whole grains in every day, too. You need the nutrients, fiber, and the ready fuel for your heart, brain and lungs.) You're doing great! Keep on keepin' on.
   — Vespa R.

September 18, 2003
I am a huge protein fan--- snacks for me have to be about the protein. They help to reduce hunger while helping you to boost your protein intake. Once I could tolerate the bars, I started using them as my snack of choice.
   — SteveColarossi