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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is skipping dinner a healthy way to lose weight?

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    Nutrition
    One of my friends is on a diet and he does not eat past 3pm (basically he skips dinner) – is this healthy? Will it help me lose some kilos?
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    • Chris Fonda
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    Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    Skipping any meal whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner is an unhealthy habit that unfortunately many people adopt hoping to lose weight fast. Weight loss may occur in the short-term however, this cannot be sustained long-term. The body needs a consistent supply of nutrients throughout the day to ensure optimal functioning. Eating regular meals makes sure that blood glucose levels are controlled and even throughout the day helping to avoid the afternoon slump (or three-thirty-itis) 

    Over the years nutrition myths such as “do not eat after 3pm” and “do not eat carbs after lunch” has circulated through media and the fitness industry in order to help people lose weight, but no scientific studies support these claims and research shows that this behaviour can lead to long-term problems with metabolism, nutritional deficiencies and fatigue. So in the short, no it is not healthy and there are many other ways to lose weight without skipping meals.

    I would recommend you speak to an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) who can help you to lose weight without resorting to such drastic measures such as cutting out entire food groups and skipping meals. APDs are university trained experts in food and nutrition with detailed knowledge of the science behind how the body works and how nutrients affect health. An APD can help you to create a healthy eating plan that works for you and your weight loss goals and dispell any misconceptions around food and nutrition.

    To find an APD near you, head to the Dietitians Association of Australia's website (www.daa.asn.au) and click on the “Find an Accredited Practising Dietitian” tab :) 

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