The Perils of Grazing

Most of us try to eat healthy. We push back from that second helping at the table, guzzle sugar free or diet pop and do our best to keep our portion sizes under control. After all, portions that are too large are causing the obesity craze sweeping the nation – right?

According to new research, there’s a new culprit in town that has surpassed portion size as the contributing factor to weight gain: it’s grazing! Grazing (eating frequent small portions) used to rear its ugly head in December each year as holiday parties and open houses abounded. It turns out, it has spread into a regular phenomenon throughout the year and researchers at the University of North Carolina have found that all those extra calories are making us pack on the pounds.

Before you swear-off snacking, and battle the long, hungry hours between regular meals, be advised that not all snacking is bad. Snacking should be a conscious decision (not a mindless nibble) that incorporates a source of protein (think yogurt, cottage cheese or nuts) and some carbohydrates (veggies, fruit or crackers). If it’s part of your plan, and it’s healthy, it’s not so bad. It’s the afternoon forays to the vending machine, or the slice of leftover cake you happen upon in the lunchroom that can work against you. The bottom line: beware of the perils of mindless grazing.

Source: Canada.com