Eat More Weigh Less

One of the greatest misconceptions about losing weight is that we must drastically reduce the amount of food we are eating. This is absolutely false. Research has shown that when we restrict calories we lower our rate of metabolism and undermine our diet plans by setting ourselves up for a binge. This past month a new study reports that many young girls try to lose weight by skipping breakfast only to binge later in the day. These same girls are having trouble losing weight. Of course they are! They have put themselves in a no win situation fighting the natural responses of their bodies. As Human beings we are biologically programmed to crave food when we need it and when we restrict or totally ignore a meal stronger cravings and hunger will follow. Often this leads to making a poor meal choice like fast foods, cold cuts or a candy bar for quick energy. Unfortunately this generates guilt for many of us and then a return to the restriction that started the cycle. nn We are so entrenched in this dieting belief that we fall victim to every new scheme that promises fast weight loss. We all want the quick fix. We can’t resist the next magic diet, powder or pill promising to drop ten pounds in three days. We all know someone (maybe ourselves) who follows every new diet and loses loads of weight only to put it back on in a short period of time. It doesn’t have to be like this. A balanced diet that offers a mix of whole foods including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats and proteins will support our body nutritionally while the weight balances itself. Eating should not be as complicated as it has become. Learning how to eat should not entail some intricate calorie or point system or adopting a belief that a whole range of food choices is to be avoided. Carbohydrates are good, fats are good, and proteins are good. As long as they are the right ones in the right balance for you own individual needs. nn So if you are trying to lose weight here are some healthy tips from my own experience. First, don’t skip any meals! Start you day with a substantial breakfast. Try a cooked whole grain cereal like steel cut oats with skim or soy milk and some yogurt with fresh fruit. Don’t skimp on the portions. Eating a good breakfast will hold you until lunch and you will be less likely to fall prey to the donuts and bagels that find their way into the office. In the long run you will be eating less than you would if you skipped breakfast and had a bagel or a donut midmorning. Bring your lunch and make sure it includes a fresh vegetable and a salad. Have plenty of vegetables at dinner as well. Begin to experiment with real whole grains not the packaged processed stuff that the food companies are promoting. Whole grains are cooked on the stove; they don’t come out of a box shaped like little fish. Try brown rice instead of white to give your body the fiber and nutrients it needs. Make little changes that become habits over time and before you know it you will not only shed pounds but you will have more energy than you ever imagined.