Often times when people are trying to lose weight they make the mistake of slashing their calories and eating fewer meals. The good news is that the opposite is true. In fact increasing your number of healthy meals per day will ensure faster weight loss progress.

So why does cutting calories hurt you? Here is the chain reaction:
~ Restricted calories = Slower Metabolism
~ Slower Metabolism = Starving Body
~ Starving Body = Very little Calorie Burning
When calories are restricted your metabolism slows down and kicks your body into starvation mode. When your body is starved it cannot burn any extra calories; it thinks it needs to hold on to all of them just to survive!

So what is the solution? That's easy, healthy meals, more frequently. Eat 6 small meals per day instead of 3 large meals. (Keep in mind that I am suggesting dividing the food from your 3 larger meals into 6 smaller meals). Eating more frequently has all of the following benefits:
1. Increases your Metabolism and allows your body to burn more calories. Bonus: If you remember to include healthy high protein foods like lean meats at each of your meals you will find that your metabolism goes into overdrive!
2. Increases your energy levels and helps you maintain hunger cravings. Eating more frequently helps your body maintain a balanced blood sugar level which helps prevent hunger attacks.
3. Helps build and maintain muscle especially when paired with cardio and strength training.

To summarize: Make eating 6 healthy meals a priority and ensure yourself faster weight loss progress!