Snacks constitute almost a quarter of a day’s calories in U.S. adults and account for about one-third of daily added sugar, a new study suggests.
Researchers analyzing data from surveys of over 20,000 people found that Americans averaged about 400 to 500 calories in snacks a day—often more than what they consumed at breakfast—that offered little nutritional value.
Though dietitians are very aware of Americans’ propensity to snack, “the magnitude of the impact isn’t realized until you actually look at it,” said senior study author Christopher Taylor, professor of medical dietetics in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State University.
For me, I don’t have a fuel guage in me. I don’t mean it to be a smart ass. I mean like, I’m always hungry until I am full. That’s my food fuel guage and it sucks. If I’m not full, I’m hungry. I dropped 60lbs over a year or two by dieting. Not necessarily eating healthy, but reducing my calorie intake to 1200-1800/day. That’s it. I dropped so much weight and was able to fit in my old size from high school. Here’s the kicker. I was hungry the entire time. I refused food, but I was hungry. I woke up hungry. I went to bed hungry. I wouldn’t call it gluttony because I didn’t ever enjoy it but I don’t have the same thing you do. My body doesn’t tell me, “that’s enough food” until it’s screaming, “too much food!”
It’s been my whole life. I can lose the weight. I can gain it back. I can diet, I can control it, but I also will never do it comfortably. I will never be able to eat a small portion like my friends and say I’m good. I always feel like I’m the odd one out.
To all those who feel like I feel, you can do it! It sucks the entire time, but it’s possible. 1200-1800 calories per day. Don’t dive in. Just make adjustments until you get there. You never would’ve realized how many calories you’re putting in. Also, I lost the weight not going to the gym. I fucking hate the gym. Going to the gym is good for you heart, but to lose weight, it’s calories.
Keep it up, friend. You can always message me if you need help.or inspiration.