Doctors now advise 5 to 6 small meals throughout the day instead of the conventional 3 meal pattern. The former keeps the body metabolism rate at its optimum and helps lose weight. Go in for a low-carb, low-fat diet. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables. Drink at least 8-9 glasses of water a day. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.