What do you consider grazing?

Just wondering what are your thoughts on the topic...I understand that if you're snacking all day then that is grazing, but lets take a small meal for example. I eat half, and then eat the other half 2 hrs later...am I grazing?

This is obviously a personal questions.  For me, I would consider that grazing. I eat my meal, I'm done. I eat three meals a day.   I started to snack, because everyone around me snacks.  I did the 5DPT and discovered that I do not need a snack, I wanted a snack.  For me, I need to be strict, I'm 3 years out.  Last week on my bday I went out to eat. I had half my meal and then a few hours later I had the other half.  That was grazing and it is not the norm for me.

Yes, it is personal, and I'm sure responses may vary based upon the individual. I agree with your take...only, I've just now come to the that conclusion at almost 3 yr out. Note to self: I DO NOT have to finish meals!!!! Thanks for your feedback.

Hey, Aliya! I eat something every 3-4 hours based on the clock.  Anything outside that is grazing for me. Hugs to ya, K

Kathy!! How is everything, how's Rich. I'm going to put myself on a clock. Gonna try 3 hrs. Still learning. Hugs back!

I'm pretty much the same as Kathy - I eat every 3-4 hours by the clock so I have several small meals throughout the day, but they are planned meals/snacks. Anything in between I would consider grazing for me.

Also I have a self-imposed rule that I must drink at least 8 oz (usually 16 oz) of water before I eat - that helps me with staying on top of my liquids too.

Bekah

For me, grazing is eating things I did not plan for or that I do not need from a nutritional perspective.  It's also eating things because they are there or because you have head hunger, not real hunger.  Some folks would call my entire eating plan "grazing,"as I eat 7-9 times per day, every 2 hours or so.   After much trial and error, I discovered that's what works best for my body.  I try to eat a combination of good carbs, protein, and a small amount of fat each time I eat, as that provides the greatest/longest satiation for my body.  I exercise quite a bit -- about 10 hours per week, combination of strength training and cardio -- and my resting metabolism was right around 2000 calories the last time I had it tested.  I think my high metabolic rate is based, at least in part, on the fact that I eat small amounts throughout the day at regular intervals.   I would not consider it "grazing" to eat half a small meal, then eat the other half in a couple hours.  Especially if you are eating the 2nd portion because you are truly hungry.  If you're just eating it because it's there, well, maybe it is grazing...   Good luck on your continuing journey -  Kellie

To me, grazing is unplanned eating all throughout the day.  I am like Kathy and  a few others.  I eat every 2.5 to 3.5 hours right by the clock every day because my blood sugar requires me to do so.  Those are scheduled, carefully planned meals for me and not mindless grabbing of snacks as I walk through the kitchen or breakroom.   Some people eat 3 times per day and that is it.  Some eat 5 or 6 small times per day.  It is really an individual thing, and we all just have to find what works for us with some trial and error.  I know that when I am planning my meals and I know that I am going to a particular restaurant I will eat 1/2 of my meal then and save the other half for my next planned time to eat.  Two meals for the price of one.  LOL.  Works for me.   Happy Day, Melissa   

I do better if I eat every 2.5 to 3 hours, so I pretty much eat all day, just try to focus on protein and fiber. But if something is right here at my desk, it somehow disappears, so I guess on those occasions I have a tendency to graze. A fine example is today - I made some of my should-be famous high-fiber trail mix, enough to last me 2 or 3 days, and brought it to work in Tupperware. I was supposed to eat 1/4 cup at a time, and I made the whole thing disappear in less than a day. I've got more gas in me than the Hindenberg, I'm nice and full of fiber and feel like I could just burst. I definitely do better to not only pre-plan what I eat, but measure it and individually package it.

Wanda, you are such a tease!  You mention your should-be famous high-fiber trail mix and then didn't post the recipe.  Would you, pretty please with Splenda on top?   Molly