How many calories to eat for dinner to lose weight

What to eat for dinner to lose weight

Registered dietitian Destini Moodi explained that weight loss can sometimes be a challenging task for many people. There’s an overwhelming amount of information, and much of it isn’t accurate. The key issue boils down to what and how we eat.

To determine the number of calories for dinner, you first need to know your total target calorie intake for the day. An online calorie calculator can be a great tool for this.

Once you have your daily calorie goal for weight loss, divide that number by three. This gives you the number of calories you should consume in each of the three main meals. For example, if you're aiming for 1,500 calories a day, each meal should contain 500 calories.

If you want to lose weight, it’s best to evenly distribute calories throughout the day so you can burn them through exercise and physical activity. If you save a large portion for dinner, there won’t be much time between your last meal and bedtime to burn off those calories.

"Once you have your baseline of calories per meal, you can plan accordingly. While dinner can still be your family's favorite food, portion sizes become important to avoid exceeding caloric intake," the expert said.

Tips to achieve your calorie goals at dinner

• Keep a food diary to track calorie counts.
• Use a scale and measuring tools to ensure correct portion sizes.
• Enjoy vegetables and lean proteins for your meal's base, as "these are the least amount of calories," Moody says.
• Be cautious with toppings and sauces, which are typically packed with excess calories.

Remember, dinner doesn’t have to be limited to chicken and broccoli. You can still achieve weight loss by knowing your total daily calorie intake, dividing it by three, and sticking to that number during meals.

Cook your family’s favorite recipes, just measure your portions.