Why You Shouldn’t Skip Meals
When looking for the best way to lose weight quickly, whether it be for the big date at the end of the week or the quickly-approaching high school reunion, we tend to look for shortcuts. We tell ourselves that if we could just cut out one meal a day, we’ll save thousands of calories by the end of the week.
Sounds logical. But skipping meals without the assistance of a doctor or dietician is not the best way to lose weight. Deciding to skip meals on your own can be dangerous, and it can actually lead to weight gain. So, let’s break down exactly what happens to your body and your brain when you skip meals.
Your Metabolism Slows Down
The first thing that happens when you skip a meal is your blood sugar falls and your metabolism slows down, significantly. Your body will actually go into starvation mode if it isn’t getting enough calories. In fact, your body will adjust itself so it is able to run on fewer calories, and you will, as a result, probably start gaining weight.
If you keep skipping meals, then your body might turn to your muscles as a substitute for food. In that case, your metabolism will slow down even further and, of course, your strength will be zapped.
You’ll Probably Eat More Later
If you skip breakfast, lunch, or both, you’ll get hungry. It can be nearly impossible to just ignore these hunger pangs, and you will (more likely than not) end up overeating later in the day just to satisfy the hunger. In fact, you’ll probably end up eating as much as you would have over the course of a regular day in one sitting.
Consider the Broader Health Implications
If you find yourself skipping meals, you should take that behavior seriously. Skipping meals can be an early warning sign for binge eating, bulimia, anorexia, or another eating disorder. In the United States, about thirty million men and women will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned that you may be showing early signs of an eating disorder.
Plus, even beyond eating disorders, skipping meals has sizable health risks. When you skip meals regularly, your fasting glucose levels go up, and your insulin response stops coming as quickly as it should, which can result in diabetes.
Of course, there are numerous health benefits to losing weight, but you need to make sure you reach your target weight safely. The best way to lose weight is to eat regular, healthy meals.
For more tips on health and how to lose up to 1 pound every day, visit Wausau Weight Loss for a free consultation.
