Need to Lose a Few Pounds? Try This.
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
What if you could lose a few pounds by dieting for just one hour every day? Sure beats being on a diet all day long! And it just might work. A recent study suggests that eating one low-calorie meal each day can lead to weight loss.
Researchers gave subjects a small lunch (about 200 calories) but let them eat as much as they wanted for the rest of the day. Contrary to conventional wisdom, people did not make up for the light lunch by eating extra calories later and, as a result, ended up losing about half a pound a week.
If you’re looking for a low maintenance way to trim a couple of pounds, this technique might be worth a try. The authors suggest a pre-packaged food such as a Kashi bar or Lean Pocket–probably because of convenience and portion control. While either of these would be slightly better than one of those God-awful, canned diet “shakes,” I think you can probably do better.
To ward off afternoon hunger pangs, make that mini-lunch low in sugar and high in protein and fiber. Think cheese, nuts, vegetables, canned fish, cottage cheese, or hummus.
See also: How to Eat Less without Feeling Hungry
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.