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Get advice on healthy eating, nutrition, and weight loss from expert dietitian Tara Gidus.
See all posts »Debunking the Myth: Skipping Meals Helps You Lose Weight
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Have you skipped breakfast or lunch, thinking it’s a good way to lose weight? You’re saving calories, right? Not really. While your intentions may be good, they are misplaced.
Even though skipping meals might seem like an easy way to cut calories and lose weight, doing this can actually sabotage your weight loss goals. When we skip meals, especially breakfast, the body starts going into hibernation mode and slows the metabolism down. This means that over time, the amount of calories that we burn decreases which can lead to weight gain. Skipping meals also can:
- Lead to overeating at later meals, increasing your daily calories intake
- Lead to intense hunger and cravings, which might then lead to unhealthy food choices
- Lead to your body using muscle instead of fat as energy
- Cause nausea, fatigue, mood swings, decreased strength and decreased performance
- Cause weight gain
When people skip meals, they may initially lose water weight, which quickly comes back on once you start eating all three meals again.
Instead of skipping meals, try eating 4-5 smaller meals throughout the day. This will keep your metabolism going, and will keep you satiated throughout the day. Another option is to eat three meals and several small snacks. This will help to curb your cravings, give you energy and improve your mood, all while aiding in your weight loss goals.
For best health and energy…..EAT!!!
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