Losing weight can seem like a daunting task. You’re following the diet, going to the gym, but the number on the scale does not seem to be moving. Does this sound familiar? Did you know you may be stunting your progress by following old/outdated advice? Here are 9 mistakes to avoid when you are trying to lose weight along with weight loss solutions to get you on track.
How can these weight loss solutions help you?
Being a Cardio Bunny and Avoiding Weights
Lifting weights is one of the most effective strategies to gain muscle and give your metabolism a boost. There are many myths that lifting weights will give you a bulky looking frame, but this cannot be further from the truth. Weightlifting promotes weight loss, reduces belly fat, and gives you a leaner more toned frame. Additionally, weightlifting helps with enhancing your mood and reducing stress.
Skipping Breakfast
Remember when you were a kid, and your parents told you breakfast is the most important meal of the day? That is because it is true. When you miss breakfast, you tend to get hungrier, which makes you eat more when you have your next meal.
Also, did you know that skipping meals slows down your metabolism? When there are large time gaps between your meals, your body stores fat to fuel your body. While you might see the effects of this in the short term ( you may drop a few pounds), this is not a long term weight loss solution.
Not Eating The Right Foods
Fruits, vegetables, and protein are vital to a healthy well-balanced diet. Try to cut out the excess sugars, and empty carbs like those found in the sugary “coffees” at chain coffee shops.
Instead, opt to make your coffee at home and use coconut milk for your creamer. Try adding a serving of vegetables to each meal, and snacking on fresh fruit.
Taking Advantage of Cheat Days
I get it, trust me, I do. You workout hard all week, and the weekend comes. There’s more free time to stop by a restaurant, or order take out.
Don’t fall into the trap of having the mindset that because you workout hard, you can eat whatever you want. You will literally eat your way out of your workout. A cheat day is absolutely fine, but everything in moderation.
Choosing “diet” Foods
Just because it says, diet does not mean it is good for you. For starters, soda, in general, is not good for you, but those sugary “diet” sodas are even worse. They are filled with fake sugars and other harmful ingredients. Opt for flavored water, it is better for you, and it tastes great.
I like to keep infused water in my refrigerator. This water infuser has been a lifesaver for me.
Not Consuming Enough Protein
Protein is vital to our bodies. If you consume meat, make sure to eat lean meats. For those of us who are vegan/vegetarian, there are a number of ways to get protein such as spinach, beans, and lentils.
Protein intake helps by increasing the feeling of fullness and boosting the metabolic rate.
Eating When You’re Not Hungry
Snacking, we all find ourselves in front of the TV binge-watching a series on Netflix (insert snacks here), this is not conducive to losing weight or staying in shape. It is very easy to snack on food filled with empty carbs and calories, but this habit is a terrible one when it comes to losing weight or getting in shape. If you’re not hungry, don’t eat.
Processed Foods
Processed foods are loaded with sugar, empty carbs, and ingredients that we cannot pronounce. The more processed foods you eat, the fewer vitamins and nutrients your body will get. Additionally, highly processed foods require less energy to digest which results in your body becoming hungrier sooner and making you eat more food.
Comparing Yourself to Others
Everyone has their own journey. It is extremely easy to get caught up in what you see on social media. Understand that everyone had to start somewhere, and the most important thing is to focus on you. Stay positive, stay motivated, and most importantly, celebrate your wins. Every pound loss brings you closer to your end goal.
Most importantly, don’t forget, You Got This!
If you are looking for workouts that can be done from home, check out this post filled with workouts that will challenge your whole body.