Mistakes Women Make Trying to Lose Weight

By Adrianna McDonald

When it comes to dieting, most people feel frustrated with their fat loss results. This is because typically we tend to jump from one dieting approach to another which can result in either metabolic damage due to yo-yo dieting or a host of hormonal imbalances such as thyroid problems, adrenal fatigue, and diabetes..

With the urge to look great we put ourselves through tremendous strains and go to extremes (dieting, over exercising) forgetting about our health.

Dieting

Going on a diet can create an obsession with food, increase cravings, develop binging habits and other disorders. As a bikini competitor I’m constantly on a “diet “ which I wouldn’t mind as it doesn’t make me hungry but I need to limit or cut out many foods or even food groups. That then makes me want those foods more.

If I restrict myself for too long, I  end up binging when the opportunity arises. This is extremely unhealthy and I do realize that, that’s why I’d like you to learn from my mistakes.

Instead of going on another “diet”, try to change everyday habits that sabotage your efforts. Not many of us realize how quickly calories can add up. Eating while cooking, starting each day with a high-calorie coffee drink, finishing off the kids’ plates at dinner, or having glass of wine are just a few of the habits that can sabotage your health and fitness goals.

Mindless Eating

This is the act of unknowingly putting hand to mouth. This happens when you are watching television or even just checking your phone (which in this era is the biggest problem).

If you are a mum you need to learn to resist the temptation to clean your child’s or anyone else’s plate (a common mistake) or  even lick the melting ice cream on the side of your child’s ice cream cone. Our crazy lives or in some cases parenthood (mums usually hurry their kids up) is the reason for the unhealthy habit of rapid eating. Slow down! It’s NOT a race!

We should try to adopt more relaxed and mindful style of eating so that we can savour our food, taste every bite, chew properly and let our brains acknowledge the signal of fullness before overeating.

Skipping meals

Skipping meals, especially breakfast is tremendous mistake. There is a misconception that skipping breakfast saves calories. The truth is that most people who eat fewer than three meals usually end up eating more throughout the day. I would recommend starting your day with a healthy breakfast as you are more likely to make the right choice for the rest of your meals. Ideally your breakfast should contain both protein and fibre.

Not paying attention to liquid calories

Alcohol, smoothies, tea and coffee with milk and/or sugar, sweetened juices, teas, and carbonated drinks can contribute to weight gain. Stick to water, learn to drink black coffee and tea or swap to herbal teas. Avoid alcohol as much as possible limiting it to occasional drinking. Portions are a major issue this days especially when eating less than 3 meals a day.

Try this:

• Leave a few bites on your plate.
• Use smaller plates and bowls.
• Check your portions using your hand.(I talked about it in this article)

These are just few things to consider. I hope one day we can all be in tune with our bodies and deliver them what they need. That I wish for You and myself.

Stay Fabulous, Stay Unique!!!