Actually, you should shoot for eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of giving up "snacking." And those meals should consist of a healthy carb and a protein. for example, an apple with peanut butter. Whole grain crackers with low fat cheese. A peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread. A small salad with dark green (spinach, romain, kale,) veggies, and low fat cheese crumbles or nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc.)

When you limit yourself to three bigger meals you have a tendancy to over eat, especially if you're used to snacking. Also if you're used to eating so much at every meal, you can't drastically cut it back. You have to go slowly over time. You didn't start eating too much over night, it was a slow progression. So, learn to count carbs (this is the easiest way, because your body requires carbs for fuel and they are what you will crave the most.)

1 serving of carbs equals 15 grams. When looking at a label, you look at the Total Carbohydrates and then minus the Fiber. Ignore the sugar (that's already calculated in the total carbohydrate number.) Fiber is the important part, higher fiber = healthier. So what you should do is look at all the foods you eat now, determine your portion size, and then look for healthier options. Or in the instance that healthier options are not available, scale back your portion size by 1 serving each time you have it, and cut back how many times you choose that snack.

For example, Oreo cookies. If you look at the label you realize that the 'sugar free' and 'fat free' options really are not any better than eating the actual cookie for the same portion size. And they don't taste as good and they are more expensive. So, instead it is better to get yourself the actual Oreos. A portion size is 4 cookies, but you normally eat 10. So instead of 10, eat 6 the first time. The following week, eat 4 (which is the portion size.) The week after that, try 2 (half the size and half the calories.) When you cut back, substitute the other cookies with something with protein in it like a low fat yogurt. You will discover your craving was curbed, and you're fuller because you had the protien. This results in two goals, it cuts back on an unhealthy option, but doesn't deprive you of it. That makes your change more successful, which is why "diets" fail, because you give up everything you love and it is human nature to rebell against that.

I work with registered dietitians, so I've learned a lot about this stuff. I've lost 25 pounds in 5 months. I'm currently working on another 25.