Eating a big lunch could be the key to weight loss according to a nutritionist

We've all heard the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but if you're trying to lose weight it seems lunch is the key.

According to nutritionist Helen Bond, having a bigger lunch and consuming most of our calories early on in the day can help promote weight loss – especially if you want to lose weight fast.

Calorie restrictive diets such as the 5:2 diet have always been popular but if you've been trying everything with no luck, Helen's advice could be worth listening to.

Eating more protein, cutting out carbs or refined sugars, going vegan or following any other diet could all end in failed weight loss if you're eating late which is why thinking about the time you eat is as important as how much you eat.

Helen told The Sun: 'There is evidence coming through that having the majority of your calories earlier in the day seems to be more beneficial than having a heavier evening meal.

'It's about shifting the bulk of your calorie intake more to the middle part of the day, rather than eating a big meal late at night, and going to bed on an empty stomach.'

Helen explains that you also have to think about the calories you are consuming and be careful not just to consume excessively.

Eating more calories at lunch is better for weight loss according to nutritionist Helen Bond

She said: 'But it's also important to be mindful of your overall calorie intake throughout the day. There is no point in having a very calorific meal at lunchtime and not compensating by eating less later on.'

Helen suggests following the mantra that 'breakfast is like a king, lunch is like a prince and dinner is like a pauper' in terms of calorie allocation.

She explains that having a carb heavy lunch - hello pasta - is better than at dinner because you'll be burning the calories more efficiently 'in terms of insulin levels and your metabolism'.