Diet

Food Secrets of the World's Slimmest, Healthiest People

These slimming secrets from around the globe will help you drop pounds easily and for good

by Allie Flinn | 1 COMMENT

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Eat Lunch Like They Do In Mexico In Mexico, lunch is typically the largest meal of the day. Studies show that eating smaller portions for dinner is beneficial to weight loss. Cimperman cites a study in the "International Journal of Obesity" that monitored 420 overweight people and found that those who ate their largest meal before 3 p.m. lost more weight more quickly than those who ate later.

While Cimperman say there could be other factors that contributed, she notes that people's ability to make good food choices decrease after a long, stressful day (we've all fallen victim to post-work pizza delivery). "Also, that big midday meal may help fuel our energy levels thus increasing activity and calorie burn," Cimperman says.

And, despite the common belief that carbs = bad, carbs are good for you -- if you choose the right ones. "Instead of micro-managing timing and quantity of carb intake, focus on choosing whole grains and high-fiber fruits," Cimperman says. "Combine carbs with a little bit of lean protein (low-fat dairy, lean meat/fish, nuts) for a filling meal or snack."

SEE NEXT PAGE: Mangez Bien: Eat Well Like the French

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