“The day is divided into two important sections: Mealtimes and everything else.” -Merrill Markoe
I must admit, I’m not much of a snacker. I much prefer meals. This girl would never skip a meal…EVER! Even if it means I don’t get to eat lunch until 3 pm (let’s be real, life gets busy!) I will still eat myself a lovely lunch when I do finally get the chance. For me, snacks will never satisfy quite like a full balanced meal.
But what exactly does a ‘balanced’ meal look like? Mine always includes veggies, protein, healthy carbohydrates and some nourishing fat… and some fruit for dessert!
While I do eat some animal protein, I often like to eat completely plants based meals. Since I don’t eat soy, I fill up on beans/quinoa for protein, a potato or sweet potato for my starchy carb, and a whole mix of veggies!
Carbs, protein and fat are the 3 macronutrients, making them each an essential part of your diet (yes, I said carbs!!) When you combine these + lots of fresh veggies, you create a perfectly satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours! Eating balanced meals will seriously limit your desire to snack crazy or eat junk food.
So today’s healthy tip?? Don’t be afraid to eat more at meal times! When I eat a full lunch (like the ones pictured above and followed up with some fruit) I’m energized and satisfied.
How about you? Do you prefer ‘3 meals’ or do you like to snack and ‘graze’ your way through the day?
17 Comments
It’s all about the beans and quinoa in our house for protein 🙂
March 7, 2016 at 9:47 amAwwww yeah! Gotta love that plants based nourishment!! YUM!
March 14, 2016 at 3:10 amOh man I am TOTALLY a snacker. Because of my workout schedule I have to be though. My post-workout breakfast is typically large, but after an hour of weights and then HIIT, my body just needs more, more, more! And then of course there’s the afternoon snack, which mostly occurs because I’ve been sitting on my butt at the computer all day so I walk to the kitchen to stretch my legs and grab a scoop of nut butter 😉
March 7, 2016 at 2:19 pmHehe!! You’re SO cute Kat! And you’re SO active, you definitely need to snack!! Just make sure to have you’re balanced meals too! 😉 Yay for healthy fuel!!
March 14, 2016 at 3:10 amI eat three meals a day AND snack twice throughout the day. 😉 I am insulin resistant so about every 2-3 hours my blood sugar will bottom out if I don’t eat something. But I definitely love to sit down to an actual meal. Just snacking throughout the day wouldn’t be enough for me.
March 7, 2016 at 7:26 pmSame! I think it’s good to have a balance of both! Only for me, I could skip a snack and be fine, but I never like to skip meals… I’m so busy though that I usually end up eating super late… but hey, better late then never, right?!
March 14, 2016 at 3:09 amI literally never snack either because I’d rather have larger meals to fill me up instead! Love how your plates are filled with ALL the veggies 🙂
March 7, 2016 at 9:56 pmHehe, I’m a veggie lover and I cannot lie!! <3 and sameeeeee! Sometimes I'll have a little snack in the afternoon (if I'm hungry), but I'm definitely more of a meal person!!
March 14, 2016 at 3:07 amBalanced meals are key! I never skip a meal either, and I usually have at least 1 snack too – sometimes 2. I like to eat small meals every 3-4 hours.
March 8, 2016 at 3:27 amSounds good to me! It’s all about balance and finding what works for you! You eat so well Nicole, I know you’ve found that happy, healthy balance! 🙂
March 14, 2016 at 3:06 amI’m a huge snacker because I’m quite active, but I love my meals too. I’m always looking forward to my next eating time. I love how snacks allow me to sneak in extra fruits/veggies or sweet things (ahem chocolate). I think eating more satiating fat and protein has helped decrease my consistent snacking though!
March 8, 2016 at 1:45 pmIsn’t it amazing the power of nutrients?!? For so long I focused on protein and healthy carbs (like fruits and veg), but now that I eat more fat, I feel SO much better and more satiated and satisfied!! …and yay for meal and snack love! <3
March 14, 2016 at 3:05 amIt’s funny I used to snack so much more than I do now, I feel like I’ve almost had to train myself to graze less! I definitely like my three big meals but I also need some fruit in between 🙂
March 9, 2016 at 11:47 pmI’m right there with ya Liora! I love my meals and then usually have a little snack if I’m hungry in the afternoon!!
March 14, 2016 at 3:03 amI have a real problem with eating proper meals both in terms of eating enough at a sitting, and eating on time. I’m just being so honest! I let the day get so busy then forget to eat lunch. Unfortunately it caused a stomach ulcer problem with me so I’m trying to learn from it. It’s a habit I’ve been trying to break out of, and it’s getting much easier to remember to eat on time etc etc. I find always having leftovers aka fully cooked dishes really helps. Love the dishes you put together!
March 11, 2016 at 9:51 amYay for trying! I think you’re doing great! I know for me, I often don’t eat lunch till 2 or 3… or don’t get dinner till 8pm! Life can be SO busy, but it’s all about finding balance and what works for you!!
March 14, 2016 at 3:02 amTheoretically, you could call me a snacker. Well, I am. But real meals are still key for me. I was reminded of this just yesterday when I was out and about, hence missing a proper lunch. Not good. Not good at all.
March 19, 2016 at 6:24 pm