Frequently Asked Questions
Does drinking water during meals cause weight gain?
No, water contains zero calories and it does not cause weight gain before, during or after meals. Drinking water before meals fills our stomach and makes us eat less because we feel full. Drinking water before meals dilutes gastric juices, resulting in a slower digestion.
Does eating fruit after meals cause weight gain?
Fruit provides the same calories before or after meals. Since fruit contains fiber that expands in our stomach, eating fruit before meals makes us feel full (just like water) and helps us eat smaller amounts of other foods.
Why are we told that we should eat five meals a day?
Eating five meals a day is better than eating three meals a day because it helps prevent feelings of anxiety and also promotes a faster basal metabolic rate, making us burn calories more easily.
Do light foods result in weight loss?
No. Light foods provide fewer calories than their standard versions, but this does not mean that they result in weight loss. In a light food product, one of the standard components (fat, sugar, etc.) has been reduced. This is the case of a beverage that contains less sugar or a yogurt with less fat. These foods have fewer calories than their standard versions, but they still provide a significant amount of calories.
I’m on a diet and exercising, but I’m not losing weight. What could be the cause?
When a person exercises, the percentage body fat may decrease but the percentage of muscle mass increases. This can result in zero weight loss because muscle weighs more than fat. However, the body’s shape is likely to improve.
What is the maximum amount of olive oil that I should ingest each day?
Olive oil has exactly nine calories per gram, which is equal to approximately 100 calories per tablespoon. Therefore, it is recommended to consume approximately two tablespoons per day, preferably uncooked (for example, as a dressing for salads or vegetables).
How much water should I drink each day?
It is recommended to drink between 1.5 and 2 liters of water each day. Aside from the health benefits it provides, when you are on a weight reduction diet, water will help: You feel full: We can drink one or two glasses of water or broth before a meal in order to feel "full" since water and food increase gastric volume and make us eat less. Detox your body: By drinking more water, our kidneys increase their filter rate and eliminate more toxins and waste. Improve metabolic processes: Thanks to water, which is rich in minerals, tissues perform a series of essential metabolic processes so our body works properly. By providing tissues with more water, they are able to burn more calories and produce more energy.
How much weight should I lose in one week?
Between half a kilogram and one kilogram. This is the weight you should lose in order to avoid the yo-yo effect (which refers to gaining more weight in the subsequent months than what was lost with a diet). By burning more calories and eating a healthy diet, you can lose up to one kilogram per week.
Do all diets work the same for everyone?
No, diets should be personalized. Each person has a different physical condition, health and lifestyle, so individuals should follow a customized diet.
Are dietary supplements recommended?
Yes, they are suggested, but because they depend on each person’s needs, they should be recommended by a specialist. Products are available for each case (cleansers, intestinal regulators, fat burners, slimming aids, appetite suppressants, etc.).
Will taking laxatives and/or diuretics result in weight loss?
No, taking laxatives and/or diuretics does not result in weight loss. Diuretics help eliminate water and electrolytes, but not fat. Their frequent use can cause secondary effects such as dehydration, fatigue, insomnia, etc. Laxatives help eliminate waste by stimulating the intestine, and they are only indicated for occasional constipation. If used in an uncontrolled manner, they can irritate or damage the mucous along the intestinal tract as well as the intestinal flora. Therefore, the use of either of these products should be supervised by a specialist.
Why should I announce that I am on a diet?
It is recommended that you inform others of your diet in order to receive the psychological support of your social circles.
I went overboard and ate too much. Should I simply skip my next meal?
Skipping a meal causes the body to produce more insulin. This hormone is responsible for providing cells with the required glucose for the energy they consume. As more insulin is produced, the body will require more food, resulting in a bigger appetite for the next meal and therefore the consumption of more food. The solution is to distribute daily consumption into several meals. This will help the body control its hunger, anxiety and desire to devour food.
Do whole wheat foods cause weight gain?
Whole wheat foods are rich in fiber. They drag fats and sugars, thereby improving intestinal movements, but they contain nearly as many calories as non-whole wheat foods.
Can I eat at any time?
No, it is extremely important to establish proper meal schedules. Eating at random times is stressful for the body and tends to promote weight gain.
Does it matter if a certain food is eaten at any time of the day? Or in different amounts?
Yes, foods with the most energy should be eaten at breakfast. We can eat large amounts and all types of food early in the day. Lunch should be more moderate in terms of the amounts and calories. The same applies to dinner, which should be eaten approximately two hours before bedtime. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks should be moderate. By eating snacks at least one hour before the next meal (lunch or dinner), we will have a smaller appetite for that meal.