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, the most common 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 women 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. Women 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.
