One Meal A Day Diet – Benefits, Effects on Weight Loss
Do you feel that the diet plan you are following is not going according to plan? Then you can opt for One Meal A Day Diet plan. Nutritionists nowadays advise people to follow this plan to achieve one’s weight loss goals. It is now a trend among people, especially the obese, who find it difficult to follow a diet plan that is predefined or perform a workout regimen.
Eating One Meal A Day:
One mal diet is a diet plan in which you avoid or limit your intake of foods and beverages during specific times of the day or days of the week. The science behind this diet is very simple. During the time when you fast, the fat stored in your body is broken down and converted into energy for various activities of the body. So, you can say that it is perfect for weight loss and long-term weight management.
There are different types of intermittent fasting and you can choose one based on your lifestyle and schedule. Popular ones include diurnal fasting, alternate-day fasting, two-day fasting and one-day fasting.
Diurnal fasting is the most distinct type of intermittent fasting. Here you do not have any food or beverages during the day time. At night you can eat. This type of fasting is popular because you do not have to remain without food through an entire day. This diet is great because your body will not miss out on any of the essential nutrients that it needs on a day to day basis.
Does One Meal A Day Work?
The basic idea behind this diet plan is very simple. It means that every day you eat a huge meal, most probably at night, and fast through the rest of the day. You may have one or two pieces of fruit during the time you fast. The basic idea here is to take a major portion of the calories you need during a single meal. This way you will be able to eat as much as you like during the single meal, and this makes you feel more satiated.
When you go through the entire day without eating, it is natural that you may experience hunger pangs. If you feel very hungry during the day, you can have one or two pieces of fruit. But make sure that what you eat is not more than 200 calories. According to experts, eating 2 large apples is perfect, as it is rich in fibre and has high water content. Both these help in making you feel satiated.
You can also drink soda if you feel like. But you have to make sure that it has zero calories. Coffee is also recommended as it is good in suppressing your appetite.
One Meal A Day Diet – 4 Steps to follow:
Step 1:
As usual, make plans to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, make sure that two meals are made of liquid foods, such as juices made of fruits and vegetables, soups and broths, and protein shakes and herbal teas. Drink as much as you need to feel satiated and to maintain your energy level. According to research made, drinking natural substances are best as they can provide you the stamina you need. Beetroot juice is very effective for increasing the endurance power of the body. You may also have fruit milkshakes. These are rich in carbohydrates and low in fat. Natural liquids are recommended even if you are not on a diet, as they are good for your overall health.
Step 2:
Have your one meal a day either at lunch time or at the diner time. However, experts recommend taking this meal at night time as it is more suitable for the one-meal plan. Remember to include lean protein in your meal, like chicken or fish, and avoid foods with too much of oil or fat content. You should also avoid eating fried foods. Make sure that you add at least one cup of vegetables that are low in starch, and one or two whole-grain servings in your meal.
Step 3:
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is very important. Make sure that you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. You can increase the number if you are not drinking other liquids like tea. Water helps in keeping your metabolism active and in flushing out the toxins from your body. It also keeps your body hydrated.
Step 4:
Try to find ways to deal with low energy and cravings. Eating just one time a day is not that easy and it can make you weak and dizzy. You may also find difficulty in concentrating. So do not depend too much on caffeine to get energy. Instead, you can keep yourself active to feel energetic. Have some light snack, like a few nuts, so that you are not totally exhausted before you start a workout.
One-meal Diet Tips to Remember:
Avoid alcohol and smoking:
Avoid these habits and you will be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It will also help in keeping you more focussed on your weight loss goals.
Do some light exercises:
Choose light exercises like jogging instead of strenuous exercises. Taking walks and doing small activities are also beneficial and help in keeping your mind on things that are more productive. Such activities make it easier for you to follow this diet plan.
First Opinion:
It is important that you talk to a doctor before following any diet program, especially if you are suffering from any illnesses like diabetes etc.
Benefits of Eating One Meal a Day:
One meal a day works well because of the following reasons:
- It gives you energy that you require
- You will not feel that you are deprived of food.
- Gives you time to be more productive.
- Everything tastes much better as you go without food the entire day and your body craves for food. So, when you finally have your meal at night, you will find that the food tastes better.
- You will be able to control your weight more effectively.