Maybe it is because spring training is in full swing, or the baseball guys at USF, who I work with, are fighting hard in their season, but I cannot help but think of the movie A League of their Own. Do you know it? There is a scene, where a very sweet outfielder, is screamed at by the coach, because she does not seem to understand the defensive play of using the cut off man when throwing to home plate. He starts yelling at her and she starts to cry, which leads to the famous“There’s no crying in baseball!!!!” scene. You know it? It is a good scene…
(Disclaimer – The reason I know what I am about to write is not because I am a die hard fan, but because I went to hundreds (hundreds!) of my brothers baseball games growing up. Thank you Casey – read with pride!)
In baseball, when an outfielder is throwing to home plate, they would never attempt that in one throw. Instead, they always throw to a infielder – the cut off man – and then he makes the play to home plate.
Even though it may seem inefficient, it has the highest chance for consistent success.
THE MID AFTERNOON SNACK IS THE CUT OFF MAN.
Too many of you are going from lunch at 12-2pm all the way to dinner at 7-9pm. Way too long without food! Way too long. This puts you in a stressed metabolic state causing you to hold onto fat, increases cravings for sugar, makes you hungry and angry=hangry leading to a very bad mood and you will likely not be able to make a smart choice for dinner since you are so hungry.
So, while it may seem inefficient to eat between 3-5pm – DO IT! Trust me. It works. It does not have to be a lot but eat something. And ideally, something that has carbohydrate, protein and fat in it. Again, this will lead to more consistent weight loss, energy, moods and portion sizes. Some quick and easy ideas:
- Half a sandwich
- Yogurt or cottage cheese and fruit
- Avocado, turkey slices and veggies
- Olives, veggies, hummus and quinoa
- Nuts, fruit, cheese
Now now, don’t cry. Just get that afternoon snack in…it will make you smile!