The topic of weight loss used to be prevalent among women, but now obesity brings not only a lack of beauty but also the onset of many chronic diseases to people. Therefore, now it’s really a nationwide weight loss trend. Some men socialize frequently at night, leading to excessive accumulation of fat calories, resulting in a potbelly. Also, some white-collar workers who sit in front of computers all day can’t hide the fat on their stomachs. So whether you’re aiming to look better or be healthier, whether you want to lose subcutaneous fat or visceral fat, the principles are actually the same.
Of course, many people have tried various methods to lose weight, but many of them can actually harm the body. For example, some people adhere to not eating after noon, meaning they stop eating after the midday meal. This method requires a lot of self-control. However, relying solely on dieting to lose weight is not scientific because not eating dinner leaves our stomachs empty. When dinnertime comes, our stomachs are idle, which can harm the stomach mucosa and lining, eventually leading to various chronic stomach problems.
Can skipping dinner really help with weight loss?
Skipping dinner can lead to weight loss, but it’s not fat that you are losing; it’s the body’s water content. So, to lose weight without compromising health, we still need to eat something for dinner. Then how should dinner be consumed, and what are the things to be mindful of?
1. Have dinner early, eat less, and consume less energy
If you want to avoid gaining weight, you shouldn’t eat dinner too late and definitely avoid late-night snacks. Typically, we should stop eating by 7 p.m. and try to include more foods rich in vitamins and dietary fiber for dinner. This not only aids digestion and promotes gastrointestinal motility but also replenishes the body with essential nighttime nutrients. These foods have moderate calorie content and are less likely to cause weight gain.
2. Drinking water moderately aids digestion
Firstly, it’s essential to understand that weight loss involves reducing fat, not water. Therefore, drinking water at night can assist in digestion, boost metabolism, and since fat metabolism requires water, dehydration could hinder weight loss efforts and lead to adverse effects like dry mouth, palpitations, etc. However, it’s advisable not to drink water too close to bedtime. It’s best to drink small amounts multiple times an hour before sleep.
3. Regular exercise aids detoxification
Control your diet, move your body – principles we hold dear for weight loss. Therefore, it’s crucial to develop a good exercise routine. While we may be busy with work and study during the day, we shouldn’t waste our evenings. However, intense exercises at night are not recommended. Opt for light, gentle exercises to avoid excessive sweating and remember to stay hydrated. Otherwise, not only will the effects be subpar, but it can also have adverse effects on health.
4. Ensure an adequate amount of sleep
Lack of sleep and frequent late nights can lead to weight gain because our metabolism slows down after staying up late, reducing calorie expenditure. From this perspective, staying up late is not conducive to weight loss.