You Can't Starve Yourself Skinny

You Can't Starve Yourself Skinny
FREE DAILY DIET TIP

By Jennifer Gruenemay, ACE-Certified, LifeScript Staff Writer
Monday, September 22, 2008
Not eating enough during the day in order to reduce calorie intake and lose weight can backfire in the evening hours when the comforts of home call. Do you raid the fridge in the middle of the night? It may not be your love of ice cream that’s to blame. In fact, you’re lucky if you last all the way until the evening before hunger strikes. Going hungry isn’t the key to permanent weight loss, and you simply can’t starve yourself skinny. When you go hungry, your body enters into “starvation mode” and conserves energy, which means you’re not burning any extra calories. In fact, eating too few calories can reduce your daily energy output by 30%, which is easily 500 calories you’re not burning off. Doesn’t quite balance out, does it? Instead of sabotaging your weight-loss efforts by skimping on breakfast and lunch, eat a hearty breakfast (oatmeal is always a winner) and a substantial lunch (turkey sandwich, veggie sticks, fruit, and yogurt). When dinner time rolls around, break out the low-cal salad and fruit for dessert; then brush your teeth before you can change your mind about eating those leftover brownies.