Battle of the Bulge: No Snacking

I did not realize to what extent, until I read this article, how snacking is a basis for childhood. 

For both morning and afternoon recess, children are armed with snacks. Whenever I take kinfauna somewhere I grab a baggie of something to keep them quiet. Then I shouldn't be surprised when they harass me constantly at home for snacks, usually following a hefty Shabbos meal, or right when I have FINALLY sat down.

I certainly have learned that I, personally, cannot snack; it is the slippery slope to constant munching. I had to deprogram myself to stop expecting mid-morning and -afternoon snacks; it certainly paid off weight-wise. (For me, this kept me on the straight and narrow; however, everyone is geared differently, and some need that snack to ensure no overeating).

Rose's hypothesis is that the French do not provide their children with regular snacks, and we all know how the French have low obesity rates (at least, that is what everyone says).

If a child is supposedly hungry, it is not the end of the world if they wait until the next meal; it does not qualify as child abuse. The French want their kids to be hungry for a meal, which is a guarantee they will eat well. Considering how the kinfauna never eat a meal when they are supposed to (always before or after, but never during), she's got a point.

So if kids aren't supposed to snack, I'm guessing adults shouldn't be, either; she says the jury is still out on those "frequent little meals" diets. Even if they are healthy, those unnecessary calories can really add up.

If I don't give those kiddies snacks, maybe they would actually eat their meals when they are supposed to, and let me sit down every once in a while. 

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and make sure they're square.