There are many different factors that go into losing weight. If you think you’re eating healthy, have been diligent about getting regular exercise, but those pounds still aren’t shifting, the chances are you’re making at least one or more of the biggest fat loss mistakes dieters make. By considering all of these issues and correcting them, you’ll find that fat will begin to finally melt away.
Most of your day is spent sitting
Even if you’ve incorporated physical activity into your daily routine, if you’re sitting most of the day in an office and then coming home and watching television, you just aren’t moving enough to keep your metabolism burning at its maximum rate.
Increase your daily activity in every way you can. If you have a desk job, get up every hour and walk around, or even better, use the stairs instead of the elevator. Stand up when talking on the phone if you can and use your lunch break to take a stroll outside. Instead of lying on the couch in the evening, be active while you watch TV; do household chores or even ride a stationary bike – anything that keeps you moving will work.
You aren’t eating enough healthy fats
Many people still have the idea that in order to lose weight, you need to avoid fat, but eating fat doesn’t necessarily make you fat. It’s the unhealthy fats, mainly from processed foods, such a s sugar, white bread and sweets that cause the pounds to pile on.
Healthy fats can actually help you burn fat. They’ll also help you keep fuller longer which can help prevent unhealthy snacking. Some of the best healthy fats to incorporate into your diet include nuts and seeds, coconut oil and olive oil, avocado, wild-caught salmon and even dark chocolate. Of course that doesn’t mean eating an entire chocolate bar; a little goes a long way.
You’re too stressed out
Whether you’re experiencing physical stress, emotional stress, or any other type of stress, this all causes the body to produce cortisol which promotes the storage of fat. It’s important to take a look at your life and eliminate the cause whenever possible.
The effects of stress can be greatly reduced by practicing meditation; in fact, numerous studies have found that those who meditate can significantly decrease their cortisol levels which often results in weight loss. Find a local yoga class in your area not only will you be getting great exercise but meditation benefits as well.
You’re not eating real food
One of the most important things you can do to achieve an ideal weight is to concentrate on eating real foods. Trade all of those processed or packaged foods for fresh, whole foods from the earth including organic fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds and organic meats.
Foods that contain harmful chemicals and other toxins can quickly lead to weight gain as the body holds on to, or even adds additional fat, as a form of protection from these compounds. Remember fresh is always best!
You aren’t getting enough sleep
Studies have shown that those who don’t get enough shut-eye feel hungrier, make poorer food choices, and tend to eat more. This is because the body increases levels of the hormone leptin, which in turn increases the appetite. You’ll also have a hard time finding enough energy to exercise, which provides a “double-whammy” negative effect. Meditation as mentioned before can help to promote sleep.
You’re drinking diet soda
This is not rocket science and you probably already know you shouldn’t be drinking regular soda when trying to lose weight, but avoiding diet soda is also a must.
Numerous studies have shown that drinking beverages or eating foods that contain artificial sweeteners can cause weight gain. Health experts have explained that this is because the sweet taste prompts the digestive system to get ready to process foods that contain calories, but when they never arrive the body starts to learn to not turn up the metabolic furnace which results in a slower metabolism.
You don’t drink water
Staying hydrated is a must to prevent the metabolism from slowing. Drinking water can also help fill you up faster. Many people who are thirsty mistakenly believe they are hungry and end up eating more than necessary. Those who have been successful at losing weight often credit keeping a bottle of water with them throughout the day and sipping whenever cravings hit.
You’re eating too many carbs
Remember, just because a food has minimal fat doesn’t mean you can indulge in as much as you want. The biggest culprits for preventing fat loss are eating carbs derived from processed foods. Avoiding all processed and fast foods can help lower your carb intake.
You might also consider eliminating or decreasing wheat consumption. Modern wheat contains gliadin protein which stimulates the appetite, causing the average person to consume 440 more calories every day.
You’re not including strength training exercises
If you’re doing lots of cardio but forgo strength training, you’re missing an important part of achieving a fit body. Adding muscle promotes increased fat burning through a faster metabolism. Be sure to do some form of strength training whether it’s lifting weights, practicing Pilates or something else. Attending a weights class such as a pump class at the gym or even hiring a personal trainer for a few sessions to run you through some weight lifting techniques can really help you achieve your goals.
You aren’t eating enough
Starving yourself is never a good idea. Not only is it unhealthy but it will slow your metabolism to a crawl, making weight loss difficult. Many people tend to starve themselves during the day and by the time the sun sets, they end up eating a lot more than they normally would.
Women should consume at least 1,200 calories per day while men shouldn’t limit themselves to less than 1,500 calories each day.
By eliminating some or all of these factors, you’ll likely see those stubborn pounds finally start to fly off. To increase the odds, consider adding a weight loss supplement Garcinia Cambogia which can help keep you feeling satisfied longer and prevent in between meal hunger pangs. It is also known to help decrease belly fat, manage the stress hormone cortisol and improve leptin resistance to aid in controlling the appetite.
Image by: calgaryreviews