Support Energy and Weight Loss with Small, Frequent Meals – Here’s How

Alex Brecher

Are you trying to lose weight and prevent regain? If you’re the type to skip breakfast, grab an apple for lunch, and chow down at dinner, you’re not doing your metabolism any favors. You’re actually asking for your body to go into “starvation” mode to conserve energy and burn fewer calories.

You can speed up your metabolic rate by eating more often. Having 5 or even 6 small meals and snacks a day can lead to more calories burned. Just keep your portion sizes in check and go for healthy options. It’s not that hard, and it’s even easier with a little help from BariatricPal.

Control Your Portions

Remember that “eating more often” is not the same as “eating more!” Keep those meals and snacks portion controlled to make sure you don’t end up with too many calories over the course of the day.

Luckily, that doesn’t mean you need to cook small portions 6 times a day. One way to prepare your proper serving sizes is to cook a big batch, then pre-portion it so you can eat it later. Freeze or refrigerate small portions in baggies or small containers so they’re ready when you are.

Or, skip the measuring and food prep altogether and get pre-portioned packets of protein foods. Instead of running out the door without breakfast, rev up that metabolism for the morning with a packet of cocoa, cinnamon, or honey nut Protein Cereal. Grab an instant single-serve portion of Soup or an Entrée for lunch and dinner, and fill in your day with some snacks like a bag of Protein Pretzels, Cookies, or Bars

Don’t Get Caught Empty-Handed

You probably know all too well what happens when your stomach growls and you have nothing healthy to fill it. There are two likely outcomes. One is that you’ll stay hungry and your metabolism will slow. The other possibility is that you’ll end up with an order of fries from the local hamburger joint or a candy bar from the vending machine.

Don’t do it! Plan ahead, and you’ll have no reason to even consider these bad options. Stock your pantry, fridge, office, car, and gym bag with the healthy foods you’ll need for this week, plus some extras for just in case. Canned tuna, nuts, roasted beans and soybeans, and cheese sticks are all good emergency choices with protein and other nutrients.

You can also go for BariatricPal bars as a dependable anytime snack or meal replacement. For a more substantial snack or a meal, try our instant meals. They’re shelf-stable, and all you need to make them within minutes is some water and a microwave or stove. Count on them being calorie-controlled and high in protein.

Choose Delicious and Satisfying

Depend on bland and boring food, and you’re setting yourself up to fall off the bandwagon. That doesn’t mean hitting up the ice cream parlor or pizza place, though. Opt for treats that satisfy your cravings while keeping your calorie count in check. You could go for Meat Snacks, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cheese Snacks, or any of our other delicious options, and be assured that you’re keeping the sugar and fat down while getting in your protein.

If burning more calories without effort sounds good to you, you’re in luck. Try eating smaller meals and snacks and eat more times per day, and you may get good news when you step on the scale.

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