Eat More Often, Lose More Weight!

Tell me if this sounds familiar: You didn't have time to eat breakfast, and you got so busy with work or errands that you missed lunch; now it's about 3 p.m. and your tummy is rumbling, so you pull over at the closest convenience store, grab a pack of doughnuts, and proceed to devour them in the car as you race toward your next appointment. Whew!

If some version of that scenario happens to you more often than not, it's time you get on a regular eating schedule. Sticking to a schedule is important because it will help you control your hunger. You may think that skipping meals will help you lose weight because you'll eat fewer calories — but the opposite is actually true! People who skip meals actually tend to eat more calories when they finally do eat.

If you eat regularly throughout the day, however, your hunger level will always be in control, so you won't have a hard time keeping your portions in check and staying away from unhealthy foods. In fact, your body will get used to specific mealtimes, so you won't find yourself feeling hunger pangs at random times during the day — when you're out and about with no healthy food in sight!

Here's your goal for the coming week: Stick to your eating schedule! That means eating breakfast, lunch, dinner, and one to two snacks. Space your meals so that you eat at least every four hours or so. You should also try to eat your meals and snacks around the same time of day every day.