The SIX biggest weight loss mistakes you’re making
WEIGHT loss is a goal for many of us, but even when we are giving it our all we sometimes find we aren’t shedding the weight as quickly as we would like. Express.co.uk collected some of the most common weight loss mistakes you might be making.
Some of the weight loss mistakes we make are surprising - as they go against current wisdom
Some of the weight loss mistakes we make are surprising - as they go against the wisdom handed down by health gurus and fitness fanatics.
The first is one of these, going against the highly fashionable trend currently advising us to eat as much protein as possible to boost muscles.
Eating too much protein
Felicia Stoler, a registered dietician (R.D)revealed protein is important – but too much is stored in our bodies as fat.
She told Health.com: ”High-protein shakes and bars tend to be sugary and fatty."
What’s more, eating too much protein can cause problems for your liver.
Not sticking to plan can quickly cause your new fitness regimen to break down
Not having a plan
Not sticking to plan can quickly cause your new fitness regimen to break down.
Lindsey Pine, R.D, owner of Tasty Balance Nutrition told Self.com: "Not having a solid, realistic plan [is a mistake].
“People should set themselves up for success by coming up with small, challenging yet attainable action steps to work towards.
Start off with a few actionable and specific goals for the first week. Once you master those, keep adding on.”
Cutting out food groups
It’s temping to make dieting simple by saying goodbye to one whole food group, but those craving a smaller waistline are advised not to do this.
This usually results in an unbalanced diet and nutrient deficiencies.
Sarah-Jane Bedwell, R.D, told Self.com: "When people are trying to lose weight, they often cut out an entire food group, like carbs or meat, but this usually just results in an unbalanced diet and even deficiencies in certain nutrients.”
Not sleeping enough
Sleeping less than six hours a night drastically slows down your metabolism, meaning your body will be much less likely to shed any weight.
Being tired also makes you hungry, according to Health.com.
Eating the wrong amount of calories
Prevention.com states that only 11 per cent of Americans correctly estimate their ideal daily calorie requirements.
Bonnie Taub-Dix, RD, told the site: “The rest of us tend to overestimate.
“Let's say you assume that consuming 2,000 calories per day will allow you to reach your target weight, but it really takes 1,800: Those extra 200 are enough to keep an additional 20 pounds on your frame.”
Lisa Riley talks about weight loss success on Lorraine
Not eating enough
Kyra Williams, a weight loss coach certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, told Prevention.com: "If you are working out and burning 2,500 calories a day—but only consuming 1,200—you'll force your body to store fat.”
Over estimating a work out
Chris Nagel, exercise physiologist, personal trainer, and nutrition and weight loss coach, also told the site that people tend to binge on food after a work out because they feel they have earned it.
He said: “While it can be tempting to think you can treat yourself to dessert because you had a great session earlier that day, you're overestimating how much benefit you really got."
Sleeping less than six hours a night drastically slows down your metabolism
The Express recently investigated whether weight loss shakes can really help you slim down.
Dieters often turn to schemes such as weight loss shakes and meal replacement drinks to lose weight.
Different brands produce sachets that you can mix up at home to supplement your diet.
Dr Marilyn Glenville, a leading UK nutritionist, is skeptical of many of these.
She said: “There are some diet pills on the market touted to be helpful with weight loss but I do have concerns with them."