30/07/2026
Today one of my staff asked me whether her habit of having small main meals and snacking in between could be making it harder for her to adjust her lifestyle.
I told her I’d explain it properly later but work got in the way. Then I thought, instead of replying privately, why not share it here? I’m sure many of you have wondered the same thing.
Personally, I’m not a fan of eating or snacking all day.
Every time we eat, especially food containing carbohydrates or ultra processed food, our pancreas releases insulin. Insulin is an essential hormone that helps move glucose from our bloodstream into our cells. The problem isn’t insulin itself. The issue is when insulin stays elevated for most of the day because we’re constantly eating.
Over time, this may contribute to insulin resistance in some people, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar efficiently. Chronically elevated insulin levels are also associated with increased inflammation and a higher risk of metabolic diseases.
This is one of the reasons I encourage giving your body a proper break between meals instead of grazing throughout the day. For most people, aiming for around 4 hours between meals, without unnecessary snacking, allowing insulin levels to come down before the next meal. Many people also find they have better energy, fewer cravings and improved appetite control.
Of course, everyone is different. Children, athletes, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions may have different nutritional needs. But if you’re generally healthy and trying to improve your metabolic health, reducing unnecessary snacking is a simple habit that can make a meaningful difference.
Sometimes, it is not just about what we eat. It is also about giving our body enough time between meals to do what it is designed to do.
