For many, losing weight is a massive challenge. If you belong to this group, you probably feel you’ve done your best and still see no improvement. You’ve tried various diets, committed to a workout routine, making various lifestyle changes, and it still looks like you are not getting any positive results. Despite your best efforts, some mistakes can hinder or prevent you from seeing the progress you want. So, are you finding it difficult to lose weight? Find out if you’re making any of these common weight loss mistakes.
- Eating too few or too many calories
It is commonly assumed that calories are the enemy of weight loss, and therefore, a need to avoid them entirely. Although calorie deficit is a requirement for weight loss, it does not imply that you don’t need them at all. It only means that you need to burn more calories than you consume. Also, since calorie deficit needs vary from person to person, the most important thing is to track your intake to know how much you need to burn. Following a general rule of burning a specific number of calories a day may not yield your desired results. This brings the next point.
- Eating only “diet” meals
Many companies advertise processed low-diet foods as the ultimate go-to solution to lose weight. However, such foods can have the opposite effect. Most of these processed “diet” meals contain too much sugar to make them tasty and enjoyable. A low-fat yogurt weighing 6 ounces, for example, can contain over four teaspoons of sugar. Instead of limiting your meals to only “diet” foods, opt for dishes that will provide your body with the essential calorie intake and nutritional supply it needs while ensuring that you don’t gain unhealthy weight. For example, this air fryer baby potato recipe is an excellent meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, as potatoes are effective for weight loss.
- Skipping meals
Another terrible mistake you should avoid is skipping meals entirely. Contrary to what you may think, your eating patterns, including frequency and amount, can significantly impact your weight loss process. Many people think that skipping meals will help reduce their weight. Unfortunately, skipping meals makes you hungry, causing you to eat more than necessary during your next mealtime. This will only increase your calorie intake and pile more unhealthy weight.
- Not exercising or exercising too much
Failing to exercise during any weight loss regimen can cause you to lose muscle mass along with fat. That means you will experience a decrease in metabolic rate. Exercising will help you healthily lose weight and prevent your metabolism from slowing down. Plus, it will also give you a more toned physical appearance.
On the other hand, if you exercise too much, you will only put your body under stress, increase the risk of muscle injuries, and negatively impact your endocrine hormones. Almost every expert agrees that exercising too much is ineffective, not sustainable long-term, and not healthy.
Your desire to lose weight is admirable. However, without implementing the right routines and strategies, you would see no result. If you’re making any of the mistakes noted above, be sure to change them immediately!
