Grazing

The term grazing is used to describe the eating of small, frequent meals, or mini-meals, throughout the day, typically every three to four hours. Grazing does not mean constantly eating snack foods, but rather is a concept of consuming one's daily food intake, including all necessary nutrients , over five or six (or more) small meals, rather than two or three large ones. Frequent eating can be a great way to maintain one's energy level. This is also a beneficial eating pattern for individuals with gastrointestinal problems such as indigestion and acid reflux . Without a focus on healthy choices, however, grazing can become an easy way to overeat, and could possibly lead to weight gain.

see also Dietary Trends, American; Eating Habits.

Susan Mitchell

Internet Resource

American Dietetic Association. <http://www.eatright.org>

grazing The consumption of vegetation, usually on grassland, by animals, particularly cattle and sheep. Overgrazing can lead to desertification.

graz·ing / ˈgrāzing/ • n. grassland suitable for pasturage: pastures and rough grazing.