Looking to Lose Weight? Pre-Meal Snacking is Key

Growing up, it’s possible that many of us had parents who’d say something like, “Don’t eat that now, you’ll spoil your appetite!” Then, we’d move out of our parents’ homes, eat fanatically ahead of sizeable meals (because we could!) then wonder where all of the extra pounds came from.

However, what if we were to tell you that you could actually turn eating before a meal into a positive, dare we say, healthy endeavor?

According to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, you can actually help yourself lose weight by munching on high in protein foods ahead of your main course. Because protein-rich foods take longer than carbohydrates and fat to digest, snacking on something like a yogurt, bite-sized chicken pieces or a tall glass of milk, can make you feel fuller and not as physically interested in a consuming a huge meal.

If those types of snacks aren’t quite your speed, you can instead opt for high in protein nuts like almonds or pistachios. For seed lovers, lots of protein can be found in sunflower seeds and flaxseeds.

Of course, some of us naturally eat like birds and don’t require huge meals, or snacking designed to deter dinnertime stomach stuffing. But, if you’re one of those people who feel that big meals are making you shake your head while on the scale, this protein strategy may be worth giving a try.

-Adam Grant