The struggle to lose weight is never-ending. Even after countless attempts, we fail to see the desired number on the weighing scale. So, what could be wrong? Well, the answer could lie in your lunch habits. Lunch is one of the most important meals, as it helps provide energy in the middle of the day – during working hours. Because of this, there are times when we don’t pay as much attention to planning our lunch as we do to our breakfast and dinner. And this is where we go wrong. To lose weight, you must be careful about your choices during lunch. In this article, we will share five common lunch time habits that could be secretly causing you to gain weight.
Also read: Eating out? How to avoid gaining weight the next day
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Here are 5 common lunchtime mistakes that lead to weight gain:
1. You eat when you are hungry
We have all done it at one point or another: putting off our lunch until we are absolutely hungry. When this happens, we end up eating more than we would have eaten on time. A rumbling stomach is an angry stomach, and in such a situation, all we want to do is eat more. Before we even realise, we end up consuming extra calories which leads to weight gain.
2. You don’t plan your lunch in advance
Do you decide what to eat for lunch 10 minutes before you eat? If so, it’s time to stop! Not planning your lunch in advance increases your chances of eating unhealthy food. When we plan meals in a short time, we usually make do with whatever is available in our pantry. If you have healthy food, it’s a good thing, but if not, you may end up eating something that is high in calories.
3. Your lunch is not balanced
Along with planning your lunch in advance, make sure it is balanced. To lose weight, you must have a balance of fibre, carbohydrates and protein in your lunch. It is also essential to keep your energy levels in check during the day. If it is not balanced, you will soon find yourself reaching for a packet of chips or namkeen. So, always remember to follow this principle.
4. You schedule a meeting right before lunch
Another common lunchtime mistake is scheduling important work calls right before lunch. Often, work-related matters can be stressful. Being stressed before lunch is not such a good idea. We all know that stress eating often leads to overeating, and this is exactly what happens in such situations. To avoid this, it is best to schedule your meeting at another time.
Also read: Stay fit in office: 3 expert tips to avoid weight gain while working from office
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5. You eat less or skip lunch
If you are someone who prefers to eat less or skip lunch at all, thinking that it will lead to weight loss, then you are wrong. In fact, it results in just the opposite, i.e. weight gain. You may think you are cutting calories, but you will end up overeating in your dinner. Skipping lunch or eating less can also deprive you of the nutrients needed to stay active throughout the day.
By avoiding these common mistakes at lunchtime, you can make your weight loss journey easier and achieve your goals sooner than expected. Stay fit and healthy!
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