Happy What I Ate Wednesday, friendly faces!
I know! I haven’t shared a full day of eats in forever (with “forever” being since June of this year), and to be honest… I kind of missed it! Not only because it’s nice to get a little more personal and chat about something other than random thoughts and recipes every now and again, but because I know you guys like these posts… and I like to give you what you like to read 😀
Besides! I’ve been tinkering with my diet a little bit (as is always the case), and that’s always fun to talk/read about, right? Right.
So without further ado, let’s jump right into it and take a look at what I ate on Wednesday some day in the past week. Maybe Thursday.
. – . – . – .
So I bet you’re wondering about the title of this post… Death to the snack monster? From a self-professed snacking fiend?! I’ve made it no secret that I love to snack, oftentimes forgoing actual meals in favour of eating a lot of smaller snacks throughout the day, and while I wouldn’t say that my inner snacker is completely dead and buried, I’ve definitely had to rein her in a bit.
Why? Well, it got to the point where I was literally eating all.day.long, and while that might sound fun in theory, it wasn’t all that great in execution… for a few reasons. And please keep in mind that this is all just theorizing based on my own personal experience.
[Breakfast:] 1 cup of oats with a banana cooked in. One scoop of vanilla rice protein powder, a heaping spoonful of almond butter, and copious amounts of cinnamon added post-cook.
First, small snacks, no matter how plentiful, are not overly satisfying… hence why they have to be so plentiful. With the exception of breakfast, which was always a meal meal, I’d usually go through the day grabbing a handful of this or a bowlful of that, which would last me about an hour before I had to go back and grab something else. And that was annoying because I would end up feeling hungry/unfocused way too often.
Second, the amount of snacking I was doing was probably a little taxing on my digestive system, since my stomach was constantly having to digest food and never really got a chance to rest and do whatever it is that stomachs do when they’re not otherwise occupied.
[Lunch:] whole wheat noodles and steamed broccoli topped with a “sauce” made from 1 small sweet potato, a spoonful of tahini, garlic powder, aaaaaand I forget <– not a recipe; I was just messing around. On the side, a cup of Pressed beet/apple/lemon/ginger juice that I came across in Costco.
So why the constant snacking? I mean, I’ve always gravitated towards it, but things definitely got a little extreme for a while there.
I think a lot of it was due to the fact that I work from home and have access to my kitchen all day, or because I’m literally in my kitchen all day when I’m testing recipes. Working on the computer gives me mad munchies, and recipe testing means I’m often eating muffins, cookies, or bars instead of an actual dinner. Plus sometimes I just get too busy and/or lazy.
SO! In an effort to curb the snack monster, I’ve been making it a point to eat bigger meals. That way I stay nice and full for a lot longer and don’t feel the need to snack all.the.time.
Sounds good in theory, but what about in execution?
[Dinner:] Amy’s mushroom and olive pizza, with the olives picked off because… NO.
So far, so good!
I never thought I would say this, but I might actually prefer the bigger meal route. Why? Because it feels nice to eat, feel 110% satisfied, and forget about food for a good handful of hours. Before I was constantly getting distracted by snack breaks, but now? Eat, enjoy, and don’t think about food again until the next meal. Love it.
That’s not to say that I never snack, because — let’s get real — I love snack foods and couldn’t get by without a daily dose of chocolate…
[Dessert]: Alter Eco dark cacao chocolate.
… but I’ve really been enjoying the bigger meals, and find that I don’t even feel like snacking as much when I eat them… at least on days where I don’t work out. Now hopefully I can stick to my guns and make this last 😆
Happy Wednesday, friendly faces! See you tomorrow for some Thinking Out Loud 😀
Are you big on snacking? Or do you prefer bigger meals?
What was breakfast this morning? What’s for dinner?
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I have definitely become more of a three square meals a day person in college. Partially because of time, but mostly because when I use a meal swipe for the dining hall, I am USING that meal swipe and eating a nice full meal. 🙂
Hahah! Love it! And I know I’ve said it before, but your dining hall is seriously impressive!
I’ve always been a volume girl. I need a solid amount of something or I will just not feel satisfied – so snacking has never been a huge draw for me. But definitely days when I’m busy, or if I’m home for many hours, and definitely when doing a lot of cooking – I can see how my days turn more into 5 or 6 “small meals” rather than 3 big ones + snacks.
Yay for meals! I know what it’s like being at home all day with access to a kitchen – but I used to do the opposite and not allow myself to snack at all, even if I was hungry. All good now though – I just listen to my tum tum and realise that everything in my cupboard is all good food so if I’m hungry then go for it!
Sweet potato and tahini are two of my fav combos… So whipping it up into a sauce sounds pretty awesome!
I love love love having a huge breakfast to kick off my day and hold off any hunger through lunch.
I’m definitely a fan of bigger meals for all the reasons you mentioned – I don’t like being distracted by my stomach all the time lol! That being said my meals usually aren’t big enough to tide me over for more than 3-4 hours, so I usually have smaller afternoon and evening snacks.
I like bigger meals for sure! That also makes the occasional snack or random cookie during the day more enjoyable, it doesn’t happen often so it’s a treat.
For breakfast today I had a pumpkin scone and pickles.
For dinner I am currently eating a PB&Cookie Butter sandwich with some broccoli on the side.
🙂
I have always been a breakfast lover so that is a full meal, but on weekdays I eat breakfast at like 6am which leads to hunger around 10/11am so I eat a snack then and usually eat lunch around 12:30/1 but then I still find myself being a snack monster in the afternoons at work. Trying to drink more water though which has been helping tons. On the weekend I usually eat more snack like lunches and make bigger dinners since I have time to prepare and eat earlier.
Snacking is definitely my downfall. I love it! Plus while chasing around a little dude, sometimes the opportunity for a full, sit down meal never really comes up.
Amanda, try as I might, I cannot seem to slay MY snack-monster! That thing keeps going and going and going like an Energizer bunny! I even tried depleting all it’s fuel – but that just lead to an uncontrollable case of the hunger pangs later! I’ve tried eating full meals but not at all 3 meals – maybe that should be what I try next! And no day can be counted for if it doesn’t have chocolate in it – IMO! 🙂
Maybe snacking just works better for you, Shashi! If it’s not causing you any problems, then I wouldn’t worry about it. You could always try the 3 full meals and see how you feel, though 🙂
I know the feeling. When I’m constantly eating, I find that I’m more prone to heartburn/indigestion/bloating. I prefer 3 meals and an afternoon snack. I’m hungriest in the morning and have found it works best for me to have an early lunch (around 11), then have a small afternoon snack to tide me over until dinner – which I usually eat around 7.
However, in the hours following a post long run, I’m definitely snackier! I feel like I have to take in smaller portions of food otherwise I get nauseas/feel full really quickly.
I’ve definitely noticed my stomach behaving a little better when I’m not constantly snacking. Although I’m not sure if that’s because of it being less taxed or because I’m not dealing with so much strange food combining.
im not a big snacker and i prefer to have 3 bigger meals instead and one snack later at night. Have 3 big meals keeps me fuller than having snacks too and snacking just makes more want more food! Breakfast today was my classic oatmeal with pb, chocolate chips, applesauce and pumpkin doused and cinnamon and dinner will be pancakes 🙂
That pasta looks awesome! And I am also a big fan of Amy’s pizza. I could definitely step up my oatmeal game… that bowl looks delicious. Happy Hump Day!
I think the snacking vs. bigger meals thing really just depends on the day! Some days I don’t snack at all, others I do all snacks. I think it just depends on proximity to food/what I feel like eating.
Breakfast: soooo I actually don’t eat breakfast every day anymore :-S with how late I sleep in these days, I tend to just go right to a big lunch. Definitely different, but like you’re doing – it’s an experiment.
Dinner: Mama Sprinkles and I will be grabbing some Mexican food. I think I need some tacos 😀
Skip… breakfast?!?! I hope you’re having breakfast for lunch 😛
Mmm. I’m trying to cut back on snacking too! I feel like I eat a big balanced breakfast and then just start snacking. I’ve been making an effort to get in 2 more balanced meals (especially dinner! I never ate dinner!) and so far I’ve been feel much better and less hungry.
Girl, I completely feel you with your sentiments about working for home and snacking. I find that my snacking is through the roof when I’m stuck at home all day and it really breaks up my workflow!
I have to admit, it’s strange seeing new eats from ya! 😉
I have also made a conscious effort to snack less.. and when I do snack I make sure to ask myself if I’m really needing it because I’m hungry or if I’m just bored (and snacks taste good!) I also find this kind of eating much more satisfying.. but to be honest it really does take some self control!
Oh definitely! Some days are a lot more successful for me than others! And it also depends on how tired I am, and how stressed/nervous.
I’ve noticed a similar trend for myself lately. I eat more food at my meals and I’m less hungry for the desserts, granola bars, etc. I still typically will have some popcorn in the afternoon at work, but it’s just enough to tide me over until dinner rather than becoming a whole meal in and of itself. Definitely not a bad thing!
How is it possible you make a messy bowl of oatmeal look so darn satisfying?
I prefer bigger, satisfying meals, and then having snacks in the midst of it all.
Breakfast: oatmeal, actually pretty similar to yours sans cinnamon!
I <3 snack foods, but also meals. Let's face it: I just love food. ?
In true snack-ish style, I had a bowl of cherry protein soft-serve this morning with some no bake chocolate snack bites. Oh and a mocha. ?? Dinner is shredded rotisserie chicken in a nacho dip sauce and roasted delicata squash (<- if you haven't had it, you really must try it…tastes like candy! ?).
Have a great day, Amanda! ❤️
I actually haven’t tried delicate squash! I’ve heard so many amazing things about it, but I don’t see it around so often. I’ll keep a better eye out!
… and just today I was wondering if you were going to join the WIAW party again at some time :).
Regarding the focus of your post: touché. I don’t skip meals but the total of my snacks is likely bigger than my main meals. It’s one of those lingering ED fears that I can’t seem to let go. There are exceptions when I’m staying with other people and I really really enjoy feeling full and not thinking about food for hours. If only it wasn’t for the daily routine when being home all day.
It’s definitely not easy to break out of those routines, and some days are a lot more successful for me than others. But it helps to take it in small strides and not necessarily change ALL your meals at once, ya know?
I TOTALLY GET THIS. I’ve been trying to do the same thing, and cut out all snacks but one per day. I was feeling so unsatisfied with snacks and my snacks started to resemble small meals and it just wasn’t working so I’m going with bigger meals and less snackage. I like it so far but it’s been an adjustment as far as timing goes for me. If I eat breakfast early then I struggle getting through both morning and afternoon without a snack but it’s a work in progress. 🙂 Love this post girl!! P.S. We never ended up grabbing coffee but Starbucks is always more fun during the Christmas season so I haven’t lost hope for our coffee date 😉
It’s definitely been a bit of an adjustment for me as well, and some days are more successful than others 😆 But we’ve GOT to do the coffee thing! Or go shopping 😉
I am a huge snacker! I wonder how my body would respond to bigger meals?!
Welcome back to the WIAW club my friend 🙂
I’ve actually switched up my diet recently and have started [kind of] counting macros. I was curious to see where I was at in terms of calories and macros and I was shocked when I discovered I’ve been eating LESS than I should. So my meals have turned into meals again, but I still have my morning and mid day snacks as well. I’m in such a great place with my body now, that all I want is to make sure it has the proper nutrients. PLUS my sister is living with me and she’s trying to lose weight and get healthier, so I feel like I need to be the best example I can!! Don’t get me wrong, sometimes a snack plate is all I want, but I’ve pretty much switched to solid meals now 🙂
That’s so awesome, girl! Have I told you how happy I am with all the positive changes you’ve been experiencing lately? 😀
SO with you on the olives!
And I think about the snacks vs. meals thing a lot. I actually do love bigger meals, but I find that if I’m working/studying, I still want something to munch on. I’d say my days are kind of split 50-50 between snacky and a little more structured.
Not snacking while studying or working on the computer it SO tough. And it gets even worse when browsing food blogs or Pinterest 😆
It’s funny, this is the same thing I have been wondering about lately. I’ve had a LOT of stomach problems develop, and I tend to snack all day instead of eating three squares. I was doing it way more over the summer prior to the issues I have getting worse. Now that I’m at work it sort of continues in that I am at a desk all day and not in my kitchen, so I can pack all my food (which I do) but then end up eating in little bits all day instead of pushing back my chair, setting aside papers, and focusing on the food just twice (I usually do breakfast/lunch at the office, another big change since I love breakfast and it’s difficult to do hot breakfasts like I am used to, other than never ending frittatas and my new quinoa bakes (since I was supposed to lay off the GF oats). I plan to start trying to go the big breakfast and lunch route in December, and as for dinner, the holiday season is tough to control, but see how it goes.
I’m not sure what kind of stomach problems you’re dealing with, Alyssa, but I’ve found that my stomach seems happier with me on the days I manage to keep the constant snacking at bay. I think a lot of it has to do with letting it rest instead of constantly giving it something to do.
I’ve had a pretty much permanent bloating/bump issue since September that I’m struggling to deal with. My doctor suggested eliminating all grains and dairy but even that didn’t seem to help much (I’m already GF because I have Celiacs so that isn’t the cause). I’ve been toying with trying a Whole30, but because of other allergies I would be VERY restricted, and I’ve realized when I chew gum and snack a lot it does get worse for several days…
Olives are one of those things that I wished I liked.. but find them to be worst food ever.
I’ve been snacking a lot more than usual and I think it is because I am not sleeping enough due to school/work. I find myself half hungry/half full and mostly confused when it comes to my appetite. I think maybe increasing my meal size and using snacks like apples or bananas could help. Though I don’t think I could give up my night snack!
I feel so much hungrier when I’m tired as well, so I definitely feel you on that one!
I know the feeling about continuously eating – I snack non-stop, and I’m not always hungry, I just love to eat. So I’ve been eating way more fat lately in the form of avocado and additional PB, and I think it’s helping! I’m curious about your “sauce” with sweet potato!!
It’s super simple, Sarah! All I did was a=take a roasted sweet potato, mash it up, mix in a spoonful of tahini and some spices, and thin it out with some almond milk until it was the consistency I wanted. I’d share measurements, but I didn’t take any 😳
I definitely understand the snacking dilemma. I like the idea of having a couple snacks, but when I find myself eating all day long, it ruins my appetite for meals, so I have to do smaller snacks in order to accommodate bigger meals.
Love this. I too have put aside snacking in favour of bigger meals. I love that food volume! 🙂
I was just thinking about this earlier this morning! For a while I was so good about just eating 3 big meals a day and not snacking, but now I’m eating two big breafasts, lunch, dinner, and a morning snack! Ha, marathon training has me out of control right now!
That definitely makes sense! I definitely find myself needing to eat a little more when I’m active, and I’ve never even come anything close to training for a marathon!
I definitely moved away from more snacking and got into the bigger meals. It’s nice to not think about food all day!
I had a delicious and big breakfast- bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast burrito. It was fantastic and I’m pretty sure I won’t be hungry again until lunch.
Bigger meals work better for me- that way I can still “sample” my baked goods without actually being hungry enough to inhale them! I do still need snacks, but they’re not the focus at all.
I’m a big snacker! I would much rather have 10 small meals/snacks throughout the day rather than 3 large meals. I get filled up so quickly that I can never enjoy big meals anyway!
I think it depends on the day for me. I really do like bigger meals but sometimes I want/need a snack in between meals. I think when I’m running a lot that’s when the snack monster is in FULL force.
Definitely! The more active I am, the more I need to grab an extra snack or two, otherwise the hanger beast will hit me HARD in a day or two.
Oh I am such a snacker too! Glad to see that the bigger meals is working for you. That pizza looks so good. But I’d keep the olives on 🙂
Great post Amanda! I used to eat tiny meals and be wanting to snack all day too but like you, increasing my meal size did the trick. I tend to do 3 full meals and then 1-2 snacks thrown in which works well for me. Breakfast today was a greek yogurt bowl and dinner will be a chickpea flatbread with some veggies, eggs and coconut chutney.
I only snack when I’m feeling peckish and I actually have snacks handy. Since the last one doesn’t happen often, unless you count apples and peanut butter right now, snacks are not high on my priority list righ. I will eat a snack plate as a meal though.
Happy WIAW and thanks for linking up.
You know I’m right there with you on the snack plate meals 😀
We both hate olives! Yes to getting the munchies while typing at the computer. And think yes I get hungrier working from home because the kitchen is always a step away. Bigger meals help me too as does making sure I eat within minutes after I run. If I don’t, my appetite is doomed for the day.