Is it really possible to lose weight and not feel hungry? According to new research from Cornell University, it is possible. Researchers say the best way to diet is to eat less at lunch.
Participants in a study that ate portion-controlled lunches didn’t raid their cupboards for snacks later on, they felt full until dinner.
Small changes make the difference
“Making small reductions in energy intake to compensate for the increasing number of calories available in our food environment may help prevent further weight gain, and one way of doing this could be to consume portion-controlled lunches a few times a week,” said doctoral student Carly Pacanowski, who co-authored the study with David Levitsky, Cornell professor of nutritional sciences and of psychology.
Details on the study
The study followed 17 volunteers who ate whatever they wanted for one week. For the next two weeks half of the group selected their own lunch while the other half selected from six portion controlled options. While eating smaller portions the participants consumed 250 fewer calories.
“The results confirm that humans do not regulate energy intake with any precision. Over a year, such a regimen would result in losing at least 25 pounds,” said Levitsky, who adds the study demonstrates one simple, low-cost way to consume fewer calories.
Another weight loss option: Xenical
According to drugs.com, Xenical blocks some of the fat that you eat, keeping it from being absorbed by your body. This medication, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, can be used as a weight loss to tool of those trying to battle the bulge.
If Xenical is used together with a reduced-calorie diet and weight maintenance it can significantly increase the amount of weight lost.
