The simplest nutrition “hack”

Everybody loves a good “hack” when it comes to nutrition.

Well, here’s a simple one for you.

It doesn’t require you to follow any particular diet or purchase any supplements—in fact, it’s completely free.

It’s especially pertinent for weight loss, but it also applies if you want to improve your health in any way, shape or form.

Here it is:

Stop snacking.

Simple, right?

Although admittedly not necessarily easy if you’re somebody who loves snacking.

To be clear, I’m talking about the mindless in-between meal snacking, grabbing extra bites here and there, eating when bored, eating because you’re watching TV, etc.

Most people do best eating three main meals per day—but you can eat more or less to suit your needs.

Just keep in mind that the more meals you eat, the more calories you’ll likely be consuming unless you’re being very intentional or tracking your food in some way.

What about calories?

Most people don’t love the idea of tracking calories.

I get it.

But calories still exist and need to be controlled to lose weight, even if you’re not intentionally “counting” them.

Sometimes when my clients hit a wall with their weight loss, particularly when it appears they’re eating healthy, I’ll have them experiment with tracking their calories for a few weeks.

It’s almost always the case that they don’t realize they’re eating more than they thought.

They’re often quite shocked to find out how quickly some of those little “extras” can add up—whether it’s the dessert, crackers, handful of nuts, second glass of wine, or not paying attention to how much olive oil they’re drizzling over their salad.

Be intentional and make a plan.

When it comes to typical “snack foods,” I’m not saying don’t EVER eat them.

But be intentional with them.

Make a plan to enjoy them—and in a reasonable amount.

You might even experiment with having them as a part of your meal.

For example, you could try building your plate around veggies and protein (at a minimum), then include an appropriate serving of your favorite snack food as an accompaniment.

Depending on what it is, you might replace the starchy carb or some of the added fats you would have typically eaten at that time.

And listen, if you do need to grab an in-between meal bite because you’re truly physically hungry and can’t wait until your next meal, then opt for a whole-food-based one.

There you have it!

Skipping the in-between meal snacking might just be the simplest strategy there is for health and weight loss—and this is especially true if you don’t want to track calories.

~Elaine

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If you’re ready to permanently lose weight, resolve overeating/emotional eating, and enjoy a more peaceful and freeing relationship with food, my signature 1:1 coaching program might be a great fit.

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