One of the healthiest habits we can make is to graze all day. Not only does grazing help boost your metabolism to run all day but grazing helps with portion control. This is because when you eat every 3-4 hours, you tend to be satisfied with a true portion, and it is impossible to stuff or gorge oneself 5-6 times a day.

Many people claim they cannot possibly eat all day long. The truth is they do not want to take the time to prepare healthy snacks/meals. Eating large meals often puts you to sleep, just as you feel drowsy after a Thanksgiving meal. Eating small meals and snacks throughout the day balances diet and energy levels. Some people say they do not have time for anything other than 1-3 meals a day, but truthfully, most people eat 5-6 times a day whether or not they "prepare" for it.

Case in point...the following scenario:

Running out the door I grabbed a pop tart.

1.       I ate half on my way to work (minus the sprinkles that fell in my car) and the other half I stuffed in my mouth while browsing through my morning emails.

2.       Later I had half a donut during the staff meeting.

3.       I had a telecon before lunch so I grabbed a handful of M&M's off the admin's desk on the way to mine.

4.       Lunch was a sandwich and bag of chips from the cafe.

5.       A couple hours later my stomach grumbles and I decided I need a cup of coffee to give me energy for my afternoon workout. While at the coffee pot, I notice there are some twizzlers and I help myself to two.

6.       Dinner is grilled fish and veggies.

7.       About 8ish I have a small bowl of cereal during my favorite show.

It is not uncommon for people to eat 6-8 times day. Often times we forget how snacks and handfuls here and there add up. Therefore, if we "prepare" healthy snacks either the night before or even taking time out on Sunday we can easily plan around these surprise hunger attacks.

Keeping snacks on hand, such as veggies and dip, fruit, yogurt, low fat cheese prevent you from over-eating and can provide you energy, without the crash you get from sugary treats.

Benefits of grazing:

• Lowers your overall caloric intake
• Increases your metabolism
• Increases the efficiency of your body (organs/digestion run more smoothly)
• Prevents fatigue
• Lowers cholesterol levels and heart attack risks
• Prevents over-eating
• Encourages portion control

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