5 Important Things to Remember When Choosing to Eat One Meal a Day
If you have chosen to eat one meal a day because of it’s many benefit, there are a few important things to remember when starting out and especially if weight loss is your goal! If you are curious about the one meal a day plan, and want to know the reasons and benefits for it, the following articles are a good place to start out (Top 4 Benefits of Eating One Meal a Day, Eating One Meal a Day vs. Six Meals a Day).
So here are five important things to remember when choosing to eat one meal a day:
1. Slip Ups May Happen
When first starting out, it might be hard for most people to strictly stick to only eating at one time a day. Know that it’s ok! It’s ok to have a little something here and there until you adjust to eating only one main meal. In fact, it’s easier to start at eating three meals or so and gradually cutting them out. You’ll still be eating the same amount of food that you choose, but it will just be at one period of the day instead of throughout the day. Of course if you can make an instant change, all the better.
2. Weight Loss May or May Not Show Up Right Away
For most people, they will instantly see a lot of weight come off. This is because of loss of water weight (which naturally fluctuates), and the reduction of calories consumed (fat weight loss). For some people, it may take a week or two (or more) to see a significant change. This is for two main reasons. One, your water levels may be on the rise, this will prevent you from noticing any weight changes. Two, you could be eating more than you intend to. Make sure you are not eating a lot of high sodium foods (which make you retain water), or high fat foods (which contain a lot of calories for a lesser amount of food). Also remember the goal is not to feel stuffed when you’re eating this way, but to feel satisfied. Don’t take in more food than necessary. Aim for less.
3. Make Sure You Never Feel Completely Full
Another tip when going through the process is that when you get into a routine of the amount you eat, and you are now starting to feel full when you eat, reduce the amount of food to continue to lose weight. For example, initially you might feel satisfied when eating 1600 calories during your one meal. When you get to the point that 1600 calories start to make you feel full and over satisfied, reduce the calorie amount to continue to lose weight. Because chances are, if you’re feeling really full, you’re not losing weight.
4. Don’t Go Too Far and Under Eat
It’s important that you eat enough calories. This is not a starvation diet! It’s a way to take food off of your mind, live your life, enjoy your food when you do eat, and get to your ideal weight. It’s easy to look up how many calories you should be eating, or you can consult your doctor. It’s ok if one day you eat a little less than others as long as you’re averaging the right amount of calories for you. Under eating will not only make it impossible to stick with the plan long-term (you’ll get short-term weight loss instead of long-term results), but also for your health it’s just not a good idea!
5. You Don’t Have To Be So Rigid With the Plan
It matters what you do most of the time, instead of all of the time. It’s ok if you eat more or more often on holidays, vacations, and parties. You don’t have to feel like doing so is going to mess up your diet, or make you gain weight. It matters what you do most of the time, and mixing it up can actually get to out of plateaus if you ever reach one. Just get back on track the next day or so, chances are your body won’t notice a thing. Even though you are eating less times a day, this plan is not supposed to restrict you but to give you more freedom and options with food while still losing weight.
How Long Have You Been Eating One Meal a Day?
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Disclaimer: Before undertaking any diet or exercise plan, please consult your physician or healthcare professional. UltimateLife is not a doctor or trained health professional. Thank-you for your interest and support!
© 2013 Michelle V
