Losing weight can be a difficult task, but it is not impossible. In fact, with the right tools and information, you can reach your weight loss goals in no time. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when trying to lose weight that can sabotage their efforts.
Treating it as a Short-Term Change
Perhaps the biggest mistake that people make when trying to lose weight is treating it as a short-term change. Losing weight takes time, dedication, and commitment; it is not something that you can do for a few weeks and then stop. To see lasting results, you need to make lifestyle changes that will help you maintain your weight loss long-term. Rather than treating it as a diet, make full-time lifestyle changes that will encourage a healthier you.
Not Eating Enough
Next, losing weight means starving, right? Wrong. If you’re trying to lose weight, you need to be eating enough – not too much, but definitely not too little. When you don’t eat enough, your body goes into starvation mode and begins to hold onto fat stores. Plus, when you’re constantly hungry, you’re more likely to make poor food choices and overeat.
As we said, it’s all about positive life changes – this doesn’t mean that you can’t ever eat chocolate. Instead, it means that you need to make more good decisions than bad ones.
Doing Too Much Too Early
You have a week off work, so you decide to go on a juice cleanse, work out twice a day, and give up all carbs. A week later, you’re feeling so drained, you can barely make it through your workouts, and you give up altogether. Sound familiar?
The problem with this approach is that it’s not sustainable. When you make too many changes at once, your body can’t keep up, and you end up feeling burned out. Instead of making a bunch of drastic changes, try slowly incorporating new habits into your life. For example, if you want to eat healthier, start by adding one or two servings of vegetables to your diet each day. Once that becomes a habit, you can add in another healthy change.
Doing Boring Exercises
If you hate running or swimming, you’re not going to stick with it for very long. The key to finding an exercise routine that you can stick with is to find something that you enjoy. There are tons of different types of exercise out there, so there’s bound to be something that you like. For example, you might like Ring Fit on the Nintendo Switch, Aquatic Performance Training, parkour, or Zumba.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for lots of reasons, including weight loss. When you’re sleep deprived, your body produces more of the hormone ghrelin, which increases your appetite. You’re also more likely to make poor food choices when you’re tired. Wherever possible, aim to get at least seven hours of sleep every night.
Not Planning Meals
Are you currently eating whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it? If so, then it’s no wonder you’re not seeing the results you want. Meal planning, on the other hand, can help you control your portions, eat more nutrient-rich foods, and save money. Spend a few hours each week prepping meals or cooking in bulk so you have leftovers for the week.
If you’re making any of these mistakes when trying to lose weight, don’t worry. Do your best to correct them, and you’ll be on your way to seeing results in no time. Just remember, weight loss takes time and consistency!