Eat more to lose more
When dieting for weight loss, the amount of food needed to lose weight is often more than someone is eating.
This is because when our metabolisms are used to low calories they slow down. Metabolism refers to the process of converting food and drink into energy that the body can use. The faster your metabolism, the more efficiently your body is able to convert calories into energy.
As a result, it can be challenging to speed the metabolism back up. When you have a fast metabolism, your body burns more calories even when you're not actively exercising. This is because your body requires more energy to maintain its basic functions, such as breathing, circulation, and digestion. This increased energy expenditure can help you burn more calories throughout the day, even when you're not working out.
The secret is… to increase your food intake and make that process as comfortable as possible. This will set you up for successful weight loss and make you feel much stronger and energized in the long run. All of these perks will only help you lose weight further.
Here are my five habits you NEED to do to increase your appetite and set yourself up for successful weight loss.
Space out your meals
Depending on how many meals your diet calls for, typically 4-6, you will need to space out your meals to allow for digestion before eating again. Spacing out multiple meals is where meal prepping will become crucial. Spacing out meals will get the body's metabolism accustomed to working frequently, ultimately speeding it up and allowing for complete digestion before eating again.
Read our meal prepping guide here.
Move Your Body
If we think as our bodies as a car, food is the FUEL. If we keep filling our tank but aren't using the gas, we're going to overflow. This is where weight gain happens. Instead, use your calories to fuel your weight training and general activity. Go for hikes, walk your dog, play a sport you enjoy, or do any activity you can imagine! Weight training demands a lot of calories, and a hard workout should burn plenty, making you hungry after a workout.
Drink your calories
Drinking calories is much easier than going through the long process of cutting, chewing, and swallowing whole food. Substituting 1-2 meals with a meal replacement shake is an excellent way to get in your calories while building up your appetite. Include a carb, fat, and protein source in your shake!
Choose foods wisely
Different foods have different qualities of nutrient density. Starchy carbs like potatoes are incredibly filling, while carbs like rice are much quicker to digest within the body. Proteins like steak or chicken tend to be heavier, while foods like tilapia and salmon are much less filling. The frequency with which you choose between these filling and unfilling foods can significantly impact the meals you can fit in a day.
Make your food FLAVORFUL
No one likes bland food. Seasonings, spices, and vegetables are all very flavorful and provide an enjoyable taste to a typically bland meal, with hardly any additional calories (if any). There is also a misconception that salt is bad for a diet. Long story short; it's not, it's crucial for muscle hydration. Ensure you're drinking enough water and enjoy well-seasoned food.
Overall, having a fast metabolism can make it easier to lose weight because you are able to burn more calories without necessarily having to reduce your calorie intake significantly. However, it's important to note that genetics play a role in metabolism, and other factors such as age, gender, and activity level can also affect metabolism.
Using these five effective habits will make your time eating your calories significantly easier and enjoyable.
