Nothing is more stressful than doing everything right and yet failing to lose those stubborn pounds when it comes to losing weight.
What you may not realize is that some decisions, even those deemed “healthy” by some “gurus,” may quietly undermine your success.
Eliminating some of those subtle errors might be the key to ultimately attaining your weight reduction objectives.
Here are six errors you should avoid while trying to reduce weight.
1. CHOOSING THE LOW OR REDUCED-FAT OPTION
It appears to be so simple: less fat per serving equals less fat for you.
However, be aware that when processed food manufacturers remove the fat, they often replace it with sugar — and sugar is the ultimate method to slow down your results.
It’s better to skip the processed food area entirely and instead graze on fresh, healthy foods like baby carrots and hummus.
2. EATING A LOT OF FRUITS
Fruit, while natural and high in nutrients, should be regarded more like healthy candy than a weight-loss mainstay.
It includes a lot of fructose, which, while natural, is still considered sugar and might be one of the reasons you’re not losing weight rapidly.
If you’re serious about losing weight, a portion of vegetables is a better option than that piece of fruit.
3. NOT DRINKING ENOUGH WATER
Water is an excellent weight reduction companion for a variety of reasons, including its ability to help digestion, lower hunger, and be sugar and calorie-free.
Juice, which is inherently sweet and can even stimulate your hunger, is a typical error while trying to lose weight. Water is always the superior option, even if it is freshly squeezed.
In addition, a glass of cold water burns eight calories!
4. CUTTING DOWN ON CARDIO
I have nothing against weight training, but a lack of cardio in your exercise may be the reason you aren’t seeing the results you desire at the gym.
Weights are fantastic for developing muscle, but if you don’t incorporate at least 15–30 minutes of cardio to kickstart fat burning, you could just be growing muscle behind a layer of fat that isn’t going anywhere.
5. GOING TOO FAR WITH YOUR CHEAT DAYS
If a cheat meal is part of your weekly routine, don’t overdo it.
Why consume additional calories when you can live without them? Every decision to forego the cheeseburger (or just remove the bread) moves you closer to your objective.
6. YOU’RE GETTING PROPER SLEEP
Numerous studies have found that sleeping for fewer than 5–6 hours each night is connected with an increased risk of obesity. This is due to a number of factors.
According to research, inadequate and poor-quality sleep decreases metabolism, the process through which the body transforms calories into energy. When metabolism is impaired, the body may retain excess energy as fat. Furthermore, lack of sleep can boost the synthesis of insulin and cortisol, both of which promote fat accumulation.
The length and depth of sleep also influence the regulation of the appetite-controlling hormones leptin and ghrelin. Leptin communicates fullness to the brain, whereas ghrelin signals hunger to the brain.
You’re continuously hungry if your leptin and ghrelin aren’t working correctly, and nothing you eat will ever fill you up.
So, get more and better sleep.