Meal Planning: Benefits and Tips
It is very important that you have all your meals and snacks during the day. Research suggests that people of normal weight and formerly obese people who have maintained their weight loss eat about four times per day, compared with obese people. Some of the benefits include:
A decrease in hunger and an increase in fullness, which can potentially prevent overeating. In fact, when people become very hungry the risk increases that they will choose unhealthy high-calorie foods, such as pizza and soda. This can lead to eating too much in one sitting.
More opportunities to consume healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
Eating at least three times per day can keep you full and reduce hunger. This is good for weight loss. Eating fewer than three times a day puts you at risk of overeating and choosing less healthy foods. Also, the quality of food can help with hunger management and weight loss. By eating foods with low energy density, like fruits and vegetables, you'll feel fuller longer.
Meal Planning Tips
Protein Portion Size
Add Variety
Go Raw
Keep it Simple
Stock Up
Final Thoughts
Having a meal plan is a great way to optimize nutritional intake and stay on track with weight loss goals. Eating several times during the day can provide a sense of fullness, and choosing healthy low energy density foods is recommended. By following the tips above, you will be equipped to create a meal plan that works for you!