Watch Your Waistline: Why You Should Eat Like a Bird, Not a Bear! by Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN

Weight Loss
6 years ago

Watch Your Waistline: Why You Should Eat Like a Bird, Not a Bear!

One of the best ways to ensure that you don't overeat is to eat like a bird does, as I mention in my book, "Total Body Diet For Dummies." No, that doesn't mean living on worms and birdseed. Think about how birds eat – they eat in small beakfuls all day long as they flit from place to place. Birds can't afford to be weighed down at any one meal.

Now, think of how bears eat. They eat large amounts of food at one time to store up calories and gain fat to sustain themselves through their hibernation period. Most people don't need to store up calories and fat for later, so it's time to stop overloading on calories – unless you plan on going months without eating. (I didn't think so – we need and love food too much, right?)

A good rule of thumb is to fuel your body with small meals and snacks throughout the day so that your metabolism keeps humming along like a bird's does.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Weight Loss: Do You Graze All Day to Rev Up Your Metabolism? Read This!

How to Get More Fiber: 5 Sneaky Ways to Boost Daily Fiber Intake

Easy Roasted Almonds Recipe: You'll Go Nuts for These Healthy Roasted Almonds (Great On-the-Go Snack)

Weight Loss Myths: 7 Old Wives' Tales About Dieting & Losing Weight

Elisa Schmitz
Great tips. I feel better when I eat smaller meals more frequently. Thank you for the info, Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN !
Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN
Glad to hear that, Elisa. It always makes me feel better, too. ;)
Mike Prochaska
Lol this tip has a great title!
Meredith Schneider
So so true! Plus snacking and having mini meals helps me not have that afternoon crash. Thanks for sharing Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN !
Melissa Hurt
Do you have any suggestions on spacing out carbs, protein, veggies, oils, and fruits?
Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN
There's no reason to not have carbs, protein, healthy fats and fruits together, but eating small amounts per meal is the key. For snacks, protein and produce works well for keeping hungry at bay and as a bridge to the next meal (i.e., a fruit + a handful of nuts; veggies + cottage cheese/cheese round; apple slices + nut butter; berries + plain Greek yogurt, etc.) Does this help? Please let me know. Thanks! -VSR
Melissa Hurt
Yes, thanks! I asked because I've read some nutritionists suggesting to not eat fats with fruits since it can slow down the digestion of fruit sugar; same with proteins and starches like sweet potatoes. But, others say it's totally fine. I reckon it depends on a lot of factors per individual. Some people's digestive systems are more robust than others just as others have more sensitivity.
Stuart Perry
I agree the point is not to overeat and and go to the next activity which is easy because food is not weighing you down.

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Exercise & Nutrition: 3 Reasons to Bump Both Up on Your Priority List!

Emotional Support Pets Guide: How to Obtain an Emotional Support Animal

Exercise & Mental Health: 3 Ways Exercise Boosts Brain Function & Can Make You Happier