Eat More to Lose More: Fact or Myth?

You’ve got to burn more calories than you consume to see fat fall from your body, so it’s [...]

You've got to burn more calories than you consume to see fat fall from your body, so it's pretty clear that you've got to eat less to see results, right? Not so much.

More important than weight loss is providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function at optimal levels. So if you think cutting out your midday snack will help you cut calories, you may be correct, but you're also stripping crucial fuel from your diet.

hungry

Your body converts the food you consume into energy, fueling your workouts and your ability to stay alert and capable of performing everyday tasks. Sure, if you eat too much, you're giving your body more than it needs and you'll experience weight gain. But if you eat too little throughout the day, you aren't providing your body with enough fuel. You may not realize it since the body adapts to this deficit, but it does so by holding onto fat stores and deteriorating muscle to be used for energy.

"Eat more to lose more" doesn't give you a free pass to binge on chips or reward yourself with an extra helping of your dinner each night. Use these tips to add more nutrient-dense foods to your diet! You'll quickly find that you're more energized, less hungry, and you may even feel lighter!

1. Have a big breakfast. This morning meal will set the tone for your entire day. If you eat a large breakfast that's high in protein and fiber, you won't feel hungry an hour later and your body will have adequate fuel. Try these Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Pancakes for a tasty breakfast option. Three cakes contain only 311 calories, but 28 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber to keep you full and satisfied.

vanilla cinnamon protein pancakes

2. Eat fiber-rich foods. To avoid mindless snacking, eat foods that are high in fiber! Not only will these foods keep you fuller longer, they'll help regulate your digestion to keep your body on track. Check out these 9 high-fiber snacks that are simple swaps for your normal, less healthy go-to eats.

3. Make veggies and (some) fruits anytime snacks or sides. Solve your hunger pangs with a medley of your favorite vegetables or fruits. Weight Watchers® considers these as zero point foods — many are also zero calorie — while providing your body with vitamins and nutrients. Watch your fruit consumption carefully, though, as some (like pineapple) are high in sugar.

4. Keep portions in check. As previously mentioned, eating more doesn't translate into, "eat whatever you want, as much as you want." During any meal, allow yourself one portion size and load up on those healthy veggies as sides. You'll be feeding your body low-calorie foods, but you can eat until you're full!

>> See this perfect portion of our Honey Garlic Shrimp Skillet recipe below!

honey garlic shrimp perfect portion

5. Don't restrict yourself from eating. It's easy to lock yourself into a one-size-fits-all diet plan and find yourself starving by midday. If you're hungry, eat! Choose a healthy snack (like one of these 18 smart options) that will fuel your body and fill you up until your next meal. This will keep your metabolism stable and discourage fat storage from eating too little.

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