What 3 Meals Should I Eat Everyday to Lose Weight?

What 3 Meals Should I Eat Everyday to Lose Weight?
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You can spend hours sweating in the gym, but if you eat poorly, the scale won't budge. Don't be tempted to skip meals in an attempt to burn calories, because this only slows down your metabolism. Skipping meals causes your body to go into energy preservation mode, so your meals are more likely to be stored as fat, according to Natural Health Magazine. Weight loss requires creating a calorie deficit; meaning you have to burn more calories than you consume daily. Eating a diet that consists of healthy meals will help you cut calories, increase metabolism and shed extra pounds.

Breakfast

Eating breakfast gives your metabolism a morning boost. When you arise from sleep, your body has gone at least eight hours without food. Having breakfast will increase your blood sugar so prevent dips in your insulin levels, which can slow down your metabolism. Stay away from processed sugary cereals or bagels loaded with sodium and fat. Consume a serving of protein and complex carbohydrates which take longer to digest, so you fell fuller longer with fewer calories. Eat a breakfast of oatmeal or egg whites.

Lunch

Your midday meal helps to keep you feeling satiated so are less likely to overeat later in the day. Resist the urge to pop a frozen dinner in the microwave for lunch. Pre-made meals may seem convenient, but processed foods are high in sodium, saturated fats, and refined sugars that cause weight gain. Lunch should consist of natural, unprocessed foods including a protein and complex carbohydrates like grilled chicken with a sweet potato and asparagus.

Dinner

Dinner is your last meal of the day and gives your body fuel while you sleep, which keeps your metabolism fired up. Your body burns calories as your food digests. Having a healthy dinner helps your body burn more calories while you sleep. Avoid processed frozen or easy-prep meals which have very little nutritional value. Opt for lean proteins and complex carbohydrates like baked tilapia, spinach and brown rice.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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