Mini Meals + Many Snacks

on November 24, 2009
in All Posts

Lately I feel like my eyes are too much for my stomach.  I hate wasting food!  I only made it through about 1/2 of lunch, and I’m not sure why.

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I did eat both delicious mini quiches, which consisted of 2 eggs, cheese, milk, spinach, and spices:

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And I tried to choke down this broccoli – but you guys know how I feel about veggies to begin with (I don’t like veggies in general; I just eat them because I know I should).

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I ended up eating 1/2 this bagel, which was topped with apple butter:

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I’m making an effort lately to pay attention to my hunger cues instead of just eating whatever is on my plate.  Over time, I’ve discovered that I prefer to eat smaller meals + more snacks than just three large meals.  Snacking helps keep me awake from 3 PM to 6 PM, which is when my attend tends to wane, anyway.

 

Another observation about snacking:  I snacked so much more before I left my old job.  I think I was snacking out of boredom more than actually following my hunger cues.

 

Got an Extra $5?

 

Team in Training is an organization that is near and dear to my heart, as I’m running the Disney Marathon through TNT in honor of my friend Megan.  Megan currently is fighting leukemia for the second time.  There are other bloggers who are running other races through TNT and need YOUR support.  If you have an extra $5 to spare, please consider making a donation to Jill’s Team in Training efforts HERE. 

 

Zesty Cook is Amazing

 

I was having tons of trouble with Operation Beautiful yesterday, and Zesty totally helped me out.  If you ever want a custom design for your blog or have a technical issue, contact Zesty at zestycook@gmail.com.  He’s amazing (and his real name is Cory). 🙂

 

Stonyfield is Amazing, too!

 

I always buy my Oikos Greek Yogurt in the larger containers because 1) it’s cheaper and 2) it’s more environmentally friendly.  However, it’s kind of inconvenient because the smaller containers are easy to pack and carry.

 

If you mail four foil lids (of the regular Stonyfield yogurt, not Oikos) to Stonyfield before the end of December, you’ll get a reusable, eight-ounce yogurt cup made by Preserve®. Made from 100% recycled plastic, the cup is perfect for yogurt-lovers on the go, and the ideal size for breakfast or a snack, with room to stir in fruit or granola. It’s dishwasher safe, BPA-free with a screw-on lid…. and it’s made in the US.  Consumers will also get  $4.50 worth of Stonyfield and Preserve coupons along with the cup!  To get your free cup, mail the 4 large foil lids to:  Stonyfield Farm; Reusable Cup Offer; PO Box 4840; Manchester, NH 03108-4840.  Offer is good for US residents only.

 

Are you a snacker, too?

{ 73 comments }

 

  • Lee November 24, 2009, 12:07 pm

    I’m definitely a snacker.

    Have you tried roasting your broccoli? Roasting veggies makes them 100 times tastier.

    • Julie @savvyeats November 24, 2009, 12:36 pm

      I second this suggestion!

    • Beth November 24, 2009, 12:40 pm

      Third! And I love to throw some white balsamic vinegar over my broccoli too. It makes it take delish!

      • Beth November 24, 2009, 12:41 pm

        err taste not take.

        • Bernadette November 24, 2009, 3:17 pm

          I’ll fourth that suggestion! I didn’t care for veggies either until I started roasting them, and now I love them!! It completely changes the taste of them… I cut up, toss in olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt- pop into a 400 oven for about 30 min and voila!!
          try it!
          xoxo

    • kristen November 24, 2009, 1:13 pm

      some grated parmesan on the roasted broccoli kicks it up even a few more notches 🙂

    • Kristie Lynn November 24, 2009, 3:13 pm

      Roasting with maple syrup reallllly makes it a treat! 😀

  • Evan Thomas November 24, 2009, 12:08 pm

    I’m not a snacker at all. I love my meals! And I’m definitely doing that Oikos promo

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner November 24, 2009, 12:09 pm

    I am the same way! Now I just listen to my body and snack throughout the day…there is no way I would make it through work otherwise 😉

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite November 24, 2009, 12:11 pm

    Good for you for listening more to your hunger cues! I’m not much of a snacker… If i’m bored I have a tendency to look for snacks… so i try to keep busy and assess why i really want to eat 😉

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) November 24, 2009, 12:20 pm

    I am totally a snacker, and I listen to my hunger cues and eat when I’m hungry, even if it means that I only have a 1/2 portion at dinner – it’s what I want and I’m snacking a few hours later 🙂

  • Deb (Smoothie Girl Eats Too) November 24, 2009, 12:22 pm

    How about a low-cal sauce on the brocc. Do something like Hungry girl: laughing cow/milk melt or something like it- oozing all over the veg- you’d never know there’s veggies under there. Or a soy/sesame oil based sauce that you can make low cal. Amazing what a little bit of good sauce/dressing can do. 🙂

    I used to think I was a snacker but I got exhausted always being in search of food. Now I prefer to just get nice and satiated on a meal and not worry about food for several hours.

  • Meg C. November 24, 2009, 12:23 pm

    I’m suuuch a snacker. I just like to eat. all the time.

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels November 24, 2009, 12:23 pm

    The problem is that I snack too much, like way too much. During the day it’s okay because it’s usually fruit, nuts, larabars, crackers, etc but at night it’s chips, popcorn, cheese, ice cream. My discipline usually fails after dark.

  • RhodeyGirl November 24, 2009, 12:25 pm

    1. FYI Oikos is not part of the promotion. I asked and am bummed!

    2. Cute little eggs!

  • Mel November 24, 2009, 12:27 pm

    Big time snacker. I pretty much graze throughout the day. Love to eat string cheese, hard boiled eggs, popcorn, green tea, Kefir…For dinner, though, I always have a huge salad and big meal with my hubby.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat November 24, 2009, 12:28 pm

    I’m definitely a snacker, I prefer to eat smaller meals and snacks over big meals. I don’t like feeling too full. But I feel like I eat all day long. It all works out though 🙂

  • alli November 24, 2009, 12:28 pm

    guilty! i’d much rather eat 6-7 small meals a day vs. 3-4 larger ones. pre-workout snack, breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack. my husband is the complete opposite, though!

    i think your body is probably just recovering from yesterday, thus you’re not eating what you were before…?

    when i was growing up my mom always made us broccoli but she’d put a little bit of shredded cheese ontop. melted cheese makes everything better, right?

  • Stephanie November 24, 2009, 12:29 pm

    K girl, gotta be brutally honest but that broccoli would make me gag too… you gotta switch it up and try something new! If you roast fresh broccoli in the oven with some EVOO, garlic, salt & pepper for about 20 minutes I bet you would have a different opinion on a broccoli veggie side dish! It tastes amazing, caramelizes and sweetens the veggie like no other — yum!!! Just a suggestion though 😛

  • Brie (The Fit Bride) November 24, 2009, 12:30 pm

    I find that if I eat a really big lunch, I only need a very small snack. I usually eat a small breakfast, huge lunch, and medium dinner with a small afternoon snack and a small dessert.

  • Kara November 24, 2009, 12:33 pm

    I second (third?) the roasted broccoli suggestion — it is SO delicious! I’m definitely a snacker, but I also like sitting down to a “real” meal at mealtime, even if it is just a weird compilation of snacks 🙂

    Thanks so much for the info about the Stonyfield giveaway — I’m going to send in my lids and post it on my blog too!

  • Allison November 24, 2009, 12:33 pm

    I am a snacker! As a teacher, I’m on a really strict snacking schedule. I usually eat a bar (Zbar, Clif Nectar, TLC bar) when my 3rd period is doing their bell work. It’s quick and easy, and doesn’t interrupt my class. After school, I eat a bigger snack like veggies and dip or microwave popcorn and some pineapple. This helps me get my lesson planning and grading done after school!

  • Julie @savvyeats November 24, 2009, 12:38 pm

    I am totally a snacker. I think when I eat three meals a day, I actually eat more than when I snack. Otherwise, when I don’t snack, by the time my meal comes, I’m starving and overeat!

  • Jess (Mile High Jess) November 24, 2009, 12:40 pm

    I dread eatting my veggies as well. I second everyone who is telling you to roast them. Makes them way better! I also am a HUGE fan of grilling my veggies. Especially zucchini and peppers. Yummo!

    I’m doing the same race with Team in Training that Jill is doing! We just kicked off our season last weekend.

  • megan November 24, 2009, 12:46 pm

    I definitely snack. i purposely eat smaller meals so I can spread them out more. I just like to eat!

    i always steam my broccoli, then add a little butter, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. so good! i want to try roasting it now too though.

  • Kailey (SnackFace) November 24, 2009, 12:49 pm

    I think we know my answer to this question. Hahaha. Espesh late at night 🙂

  • Chloe (Naturally Frugal) November 24, 2009, 12:50 pm

    You could just be feeling off from the procedure – I know that I turn to food for comfort, but when I feel sick I definitely can’t eat as much.
    Have you ever tired dipping broc in ketchup?

  • Sarah Jayne November 24, 2009, 12:50 pm

    I am a boredom snacker, so I try to stick to three meals around the same time each day. If my body TRULY is hungry in between meals, however, I listen to it! I always keep an apple/orange/banana or larabar on hand. Rarely ever need them though!

  • Molly @vegandorm November 24, 2009, 12:52 pm

    brocolli is amazing with lemon juice, a little pepper, and a little olive oil.
    I’m a square mealer – I like 3 full meals, and MAYBE an afternoon snack. If I go for snacks, I find that I eat less fruits and veggies than I do when I sit down for a meal and balance out my plate.

  • brandi November 24, 2009, 12:53 pm

    definitely roast your veggies! So much better! or at least toss with some garlic or soy sauce or something.

    i’m definitely a snacker, but I do try to only snack if I’m actually hungry.

  • Runeatrepeat November 24, 2009, 12:53 pm

    I always thought I was a snacker, but I think I do better with 3 good sized meals and maybe one snack.

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) November 24, 2009, 12:53 pm

    I love to snack! I bring a bag of food to work and instead of eating it for lunch, I snack throughout the day!

  • Stephanie J November 24, 2009, 12:54 pm

    So funny about veggies. Broccoli is my all-time favorite veggie. I can’t get enough of the stuff! However, I can’t stand salads.

    Have you ever considered or tried making your own yogurt? I transitioned from Yoplait to Oikos Greek and I’m now considering making my own (with the aid of a yogurt machine, of course…I’m no Martha Stewart). I’m curious whether you or anyone else here has tried this or thought about it.

    • Caitlin November 24, 2009, 1:00 pm

      i know you can make greek yogurt by straining reg yogurt over a cheese cloth over night, but i’ve never done it.

  • april November 24, 2009, 1:05 pm

    Have you ever tried Braggs Liquid Amino Acids? I dump it on broccoli and I literally eat a few cups of broccoli at a time with it!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) November 24, 2009, 1:07 pm

    I’m an evening snacker. I eat dinner early and then make a snack around 7 or 8.

  • a November 24, 2009, 1:12 pm

    Those mini quiches look awesome. Recipe? Or did you literally just beat eggs , add spinach etc?

    • Caitlin November 24, 2009, 1:21 pm

      that’s it 🙂

      • Laura November 24, 2009, 8:15 pm

        How did you cook them after? In a little muffin tin?

        Also! My fave veggie is carmelized cabbage. Chop a red cabbage and sautee with evoo until it gets carmelized. It’s incredible! Could easily do this with another veggie.

        • Caitlin November 24, 2009, 9:01 pm

          yup – just mix and put in a muffin tin at 390 for like 15 minutes or so.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is November 24, 2009, 1:18 pm

    I hate veggies so much too, but make a burnt broccoli I can choke down sometimes – broccoli roasted with olive oil, salt, pepper and parmesan. A bit more bearable.

  • Elizabeth November 24, 2009, 1:18 pm

    I am definitely a snacker! I don’t like having just 3 meals. I’d much prefer the ‘6 smaller meals’ method… then I don’t succumb to eating out of boredom when going so long between meals. 😀

  • Cindy November 24, 2009, 1:26 pm

    I eat about 6 mini meals a day. and love it…and I try and eat what my body is telling me to and when (and how much)
    nothing irkes me more than the realization that I am just snacking to snack

    your little quiches are so cute!

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion November 24, 2009, 1:29 pm

    I can be a snacker, some days I am super snacky (like today) and some days, I don’t feel snacky at all. I try to eat only when I am hungry, but I can be guilty of snacking out of boredom at times.

  • Erin November 24, 2009, 1:29 pm

    I’m a snacker, except for breakfast. I always need to have some oatmeal or something substantial for breks to keep me full at the start of the day. Then I kind of graze. I’m sure you’re feeling off due to the surgery and will get your appetite back soon!

  • BettyTheBalancer November 24, 2009, 1:45 pm

    Do you just steam your veggies? You should roast or saute with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to boost their flavor. Squeeze a little lemon juice over them, or crushed red pepper, too. The oil & salt add some fat and sodium, of course, but you may hate them less that way 🙂

  • Allison November 24, 2009, 1:46 pm

    Snacks all the way! I don’t like to feel super full, so for me it works better to spread out my eating.

  • Katie November 24, 2009, 1:52 pm

    No doubt. I’m a grazer like a cow. I don’t like sitting down and eating a lot of food. Plus it keeps me awake which with me is huge because I’m always tired.

    Veggies are yummy you just have to find what works for you! I LOVE plain steamed broccoli, but most don’t. I like crunchy carrots too but mine are too slimy to eat right now and I can’t do slimy carrots. Yuck!

  • Kate November 24, 2009, 1:54 pm

    Definitely a snacker, all my meals are quite light as I have at least 2 snacks a day. I actually just blogged my meal plan for anyone interested!
    Apple butter? It look amazing! Yum yum yum!

  • Jenna November 24, 2009, 2:13 pm

    I am a total snacker. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t eat meals and just eat little snacks throughout the day. I’ve alwwways been a grazer, ever since I was little!

  • Ellen November 24, 2009, 2:16 pm

    I work freelance, so the amount of snacking I do is dependent on whether I’m working from home or in an office. I snack waaay less when I’m at an office. I’ll bring my lunch and an apple in case I get hungry later on, and that’s it. (Well, occasionally I go to the vending machine for a treat!)But if I’m at my apartment–ughh–it is SO hard not to graze all day long. Any tips on how to stay out of the fridge when I’m working from home?

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

    • Caitlin November 24, 2009, 2:20 pm

      i chew a lot of gum! its not the best habit, but it keeps me from mindless munching. i also drink a lot of water and tea.

      • alli November 24, 2009, 3:49 pm

        i chew a lot of gum as well. my favorite is extra peppermint. however, i am trying to find a gum without aspartame. i’ve found one, but it pretty much tastes like dirt. have you had any luck with a ‘healthier’ gum? or does this fall under the topic you talked about before…taste over health?
        thanks!

        • Caitlin November 24, 2009, 3:56 pm

          yea – i think gum just (to me) one of those things that just don’t really matter. i’ve heard the glee gum is good but the flavor doesn’t last.

  • Susan November 24, 2009, 2:24 pm

    I used to try the whole “5-6 mini meals a day” thing, but it didn’t really work for me. I really enjoy sitting down to a large dinner. So now I do three bigger-ish meals a day. And smaller snacks whenever I need something to keep me going till my next sit-down meal. However, I NEED to have a decent sized snack right before I go to bed at night. Otherwise I’m awake at 4am with a growling belly that won’t shut up.

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) November 24, 2009, 2:47 pm

    I feel like hummus makes everything taste better. Sabra makes a kick ass jalapeno hummus that could spice up that boring broccoli. I know this is weird but I love ketchup on everyhing-esp. broccoli. Don’t knock it till you try it sister.

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) November 24, 2009, 3:01 pm

    I am definitely a snacker! I like smaller meals with even smaller snacks in between 🙂

  • Erin November 24, 2009, 3:01 pm

    I love the idea of a reusable yogurt container (or hummus, or whatever). Makes it so much easier to transport when it’s in small measure.

  • Kelly (Bite and Run) November 24, 2009, 3:09 pm

    I just started a healthy living blog and need some serious help with designing the page. Your plug for Zesty came along at the perfect time. Thank you!

  • Kristie Lynn November 24, 2009, 3:16 pm

    3 larger meals work best for me, but it takes a lot of planning! I mean, I’ll eat what I think is a “big” meal, but then be so hungry a couple hours later that I know it wasn’t. And once I start snacking…. well, I lose all intuitiveness. Great that it works for you though! 🙂

  • candice November 24, 2009, 6:08 pm

    Your mini quiches are so cute. 🙂 I’m definitely NOT a grazer, but I’m not a three-meals-a-day person either. I need balance.

  • ashleigh November 24, 2009, 6:26 pm

    i am such a snacker too. i always eat a light lunch so i can snack all afternoon. i get tired and bored in the afternoon so it helps keep me awake and since i plan for it i don’t mind eating the afternoon calories. so i am probably going to by stonyfield yogurt now just because of that- everything i hear about them is awesome! thanks for sharing that with everyone!

  • Emily Eats and Exercises November 24, 2009, 6:35 pm

    I’ve finally realized that I’m not a snacker – I’m much more satisfied when I have a full sized meal that holds me over to the next one. I agree with the others – veggies are better in a dish, not plain by themselves. I pretty much eat a ton of veggies for lunch and dinner.

  • Lizzy November 24, 2009, 8:59 pm

    i am a total snacker! haha always have been!

  • Annalisa November 24, 2009, 9:35 pm

    I’m so glad you said you don’t like veggies. I am the same way and often choke them down or play games to eat them because I know they are good for me.

    Now fruit….I could live on fruit….

  • Danielle November 24, 2009, 10:15 pm

    Thanks so much for posting the information about the reusable yogurt containers! I like to buy the smaller plastic containers because of their portability, too, and am glad that they are offering not only a “free” product but coupons! Sweet!

  • Jenna November 24, 2009, 10:58 pm

    great idea about the snacking!
    jenna

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) November 24, 2009, 11:15 pm

    It is weird because some days I am a total snacker, and other days I don’t snack at all … I guess I just listen to my body and give it what it wants 🙂

  • Jo November 25, 2009, 9:13 am

    I’m a snacker but I also eat big meals…. hmmm!!

    Did you make the mini quiches? They look really good! If you did – can I get the recipe?

    ps – when is your london trip? Weather is appalling over here (but bearing in mind its winter, that’s hardly surprising!)

    • Caitlin November 25, 2009, 9:38 am

      i just mixed two eggs, shredded cheese, a splash of milk, and spinach together and put the mix into two muffin tins and baked. that’s it 🙂

      we leave for london on christmas eve!

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