In order to lose weight, we must cut calories from our diet. So does this mean that skipping meals and therefore cutting even more calories from our diet can help us lose weight even faster? While this theory has been in circulation for years, it is not necessarily the optimal way to lose weight. This article discusses the truth behind how weight loss and metabolism work, and answers the question of whether or not it is a good idea to skip meals in order to lose weight.
How Weight Loss Works
In order to lose one pound of weight, you must eliminate 3,500 calories. This can be done a variety of ways,
one of which is by dieting. If you want to lose one pound a week, you must cut 500 calories from your diet every day. 500 calories is a lot of calories! Most of us only eat between 1,500 and 2,500 calories per day. However, by skipping meals, many dieters are so hungry by the time that dinner rolls around that they eat everything they can get their hands on! This not only prevents weight loss, but can in fact lead to weight gain. Dieters are so starved that they mindlessly eat whatever is placed in front of them, and end up eating more calories by the end of the day than if they had not skipped one of the meals to begin with.
How Metabolism Works Skipping meals is not a good way to lose weight because you'll simply overeat at the next meal. But what does this do to your body long term? Your metabolism is the process that is responsible for burning fuel, and keeping the body in proper working order. When your body gets food, it typically digests it rapidly. This time is coveted by many people who are trying to lose weight, because the body is using fat stores to burn the food that has been digested. However, after the food has been digested, the metabolism goes into a kind of "sleep mode." This means that the body is not burning as many calories. The longer you wait between meals, the more time your body will be in this sleep mode, and the fewer calories you will burn. Eventually, if you chronically skip meals, your body will get used to being inactive, and it will slow to a crawl, resulting in significant weight gain.
The Verdict Obviously, this weight loss myth is just that - a myth. Skipping meals is not only ineffective in the goal of weight loss, but when meals are regularly skipped for a long period of time, it can actually lead to weight gain. Avoid this tactic when trying to lose weight! Not only is it unhealthy, but you can damage your metabolism beyond repair.
Myth: Skipping Meals Can Help You Lose Weight
Fact: If your body isn't getting enough nourishment, it begins storing fat. Your metabolism also slows down to reserve energy. This is often called "starvation mode". You can lose some weight, but when this happens you end up eating a lot more later on in the day. The weight you lost will just come back. Continue to eat three meals per day and two healthy snacks if you're watching calories and want to increase your metabolism. It's also recommended that you eat five or six smaller meals during the day. Smaller portions are better digested and used by your body. Eating a well- proportioned meal of fruits, vegetables and lean meats keeps your metabolism in high gear.
Myth: Skipping Late Meals
Fact: Eating late isn't a problem if you eat something light. People who skip dinner often end up eating high-calories snacks and junk food later in the night or overeating in the morning. This is a tough call for people who work late. One of the worse things you can do is not eat when you haven't eaten since lunch. You can go to bed feeling okay, but you'll most likely wake up feeling starved. This leads to consuming a bigger breakfast. The problem may become worse if you grab a bite at a fast food place on the way to work. Fast food, even if it is breakfast, is typically loaded with unhealthy calories and fat. Avoid this by grabbing a healthy bowl of cereal or a breakfast bar at home.
Myth: Eat a Large Breakfast, Skip Lunch
Fact: Eating a large breakfast increases your energy level for the morning. It's a good thing if you have an active day planned, but skipping lunch because of this isn't a good idea. Your body needs the noon energy to keep going until dinner. Without it, you may begin to feel tired and sluggish in the afternoon. By dinnertime you may end up eating large portions of everything, including dessert.
Myth: Drinking Water and Skipping Lunch
Fact: Drinking water does curb your appetite and leaves you feeling full. The only problem with this concept is using water as a meal replacement. Although water doesn't have calories or fat, it can't provide you with calcium, vitamins and minerals like a healthy snack or meal can. There are some nutrients that do help with weight loss and your diet plans. Vitamins B2, B3, B5 and B6 help with your metabolism and energy production. Eggs, tuna, green leafy vegetables and wheat bread are some of the foods that provide these vitamins.
Sources:
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/weight-loss/weight-loss-myth-skipping-meals-is-a-good-way-to-lose-weight.html
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/myth-or-fact-skipping-meals-can-help-you-lose-weight.html
