Trying to lose weight is always a lot harder than it sounds, especially if you’re only trying to shed a couple of pounds. People will tell you that all you need to do to lose weight is to eat less and stay active – and while this is absolutely true, it takes a little bit more in order to meet your weight loss goals. Even if you are eating healthy and exercising on a regular basis, there are common fat loss mistakes that you may be making that are preventing you from losing the weight. The good news is that once you identify what the problem is you can easily fix it and be back on track in no time!
1. Being Inconsistent
Losing weight and keeping it off is a full-time, long-term commitment. It’s more than a goal to be achieved, it’s a lifestyle change that will ultimately lead to you feeling and looking better and being healthier. Most people don’t do enough in terms of exercise and nutrition on a regular basis in order to lose weight. Working out for a week straight and completing a detox program isn’t going to count if you allow yourself major cheat meals on the weekends. Whether you are missing workouts or cheating too much on your diet, all of these factors will add up and halt any progress you may have made. Some ways to fight inconsistency include:
- Select a diet and work out regime that is realistic and sustainable. Don’t sign up for something that you know you won’t be able to stick to.
- Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself – this way you are more likely to stay motivated and consistent when you begin seeing results.
- Stay focused and outline your goals.
- Seek out a dependable support network so that you don’t feel isolated. This can be a workout buddy, family member or other accountability partner.
2. Not Enough Protein
Eating lean protein is an important part of both your overall health and fat loss. Protein requires the most energy (calories) to break down, process and absorb and it is extremely metabolically friendly. Also, when you consume enough high quality, lean protein then you will burn more fat, feel full longer and maintain lean muscle mass, which means you will burn a higher number of calories even when you are resting.
3. Mindless Eating Throughout the Day
Whether you are snacking on healthy foods consistently throughout the day or grabbing a candy bar here and a handful of chips there, it will eventually add up. Eating mindlessly throughout the day means that you are not tracking your calorie intake and you are not holding yourself accountable for what you are putting into your body. Eating small meals at regular intervals throughout the day is one thing, but if you’re constantly reaching for a snack to satisfy a craving you are bound to not only overeat but also pack on the pounds instead of losing weight. If you absolutely must have snacks around try to schedule your snack breaks in between healthy, filling meals. For example, a handful of heart healthy nuts between breakfast and lunch and a refreshing fruit smoothie between lunch and dinner. Another way to overcome this obstacle is to make sure that you only have access to healthy snacks – so take the time to clear out your pantry and office desk of salty and sugary snacks!
4. Not Drinking Enough Water
Staying hydrated is important for your overall health and well-being, and it also promotes fat loss through improved kidney function. The more hydrated you are the better you will feel and perform – if you are dehydrated then you will slow down your brain function and ability to be physically active. It’s also important to stay hydrated with water and avoid sugary drinks like juices, sodas and other high-calorie beverages that will impede your weight loss goals.
5. Skipping Meals
Skipping meals may seem like it’s an easy way to consume less calories and ultimately lose more weight, but chances are that this strategy will backfire on you. Not only are you more likely to eat more later in the day but skipping meals has also been proven to slow down your metabolism. If you don’t eat something every four to five hours, then you’re not giving your metabolism anything to work with so it will begin to slow down.
No matter what your weight loss and health goals may be, our team at A New Me is here to help. Please contact us to learn about our weight loss program and to explore the wide range of options we provide to our clients.
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