If you’re trying to lose body fat, you’ve probably heard that eating small, frequent meals is “good for the metabolism.”

However, as with many topics in the field of nutrition, this is a complicated matter, and the current literature suggests that we avoid snacks if we want to lose body fat. Because the body remains in fat-making mode as a result of the constant influx of food, frequent snacking leads to increased fat gain. As a result, for optimal health, we should avoid eating in between meals. This turns off our fat-making processes and allows our bodies to begin burning stored fat.

Here’s some of the science behind why we should avoid snacking, as well as how you can put it into practice in your own life:

Snacking could be a problem

Our Body’s fat-making process never stops

If we eat continuously throughout the day without a break, our body’s fat-making processes will continue to operate. When we eat something, our pancreas releases insulin, which performs two important metabolic functions: it aids in the absorption of sugar from our blood into our liver, muscle, fat, and other tissues, and it signals these organs to convert some of the sugar to body fat. This process can last up to 2 to 3 hours after we eat, and it happens every time we eat. As a result, as we continue to snack, our bodies remain in fat-producing mode.

What we can do to break the rule

• Take at least three hours during the day where you do not consume any calories.
• If you don’t want to give up your snack food, simply eat it right after your meal, rather than an hour or two later. You get your snacks, but you also get a break.
• Make sure your meals are nutrient-dense and filling so that you can enjoy this three-hour break. Eating enough healthy fats, protein, and fiber will keep you full between meals.
• If you’re having trouble going a few hours without food, drink some black coffee. It contains no calories and acts as an appetite suppressant.

From what we know now, the idea that frequent snacking is better for weight loss and metabolism is false.

In fact, frequent snacking leads to increased fat gain because the body is constantly in fat-making mode due to the constant influx of food. As a result, if we want to lose weight, we should avoid eating between meals. This causes our fat-producing processes to shut down and our bodies to enter a fat-burning mode.

If you’re trying to lose weight or improve your overall health, try to avoid snacking between meals.

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