Ways You Are Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Plan

Ways You Are Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Plan

You’ve been working hard to get into better shape, be it for a New Year’s resolution, tropical

vacation, or upcoming event. The only thing is you’re not seeing the results you wanted,

especially around your waistline. You may just be inadvertently sabotaging yourself with bad

habits, or perhaps habits you thought were good that aren’t actually. Check out these sabotages,

and if any of them sound familiar, you might just see an improvement.

Over indulging After a Workout:

For those who are new to an exercise routine, often times

people decide to reward themselves for a job well done after completing a successful workout.

There is nothing wrong with being proud of a workout, but many people think because they

exercised, they can eat more food than they normally. This is not the case for those who are

trying to lose weight as most moderate workouts don’t require you to replenish the caloric deficit

with extra food. Instead of treating yourself to a special dessert or an extra helping of dinner,

reward yourself with a massage or long bubble bath.

Not Eating Enough:

On the other hand, many people associate weight loss with less food. This

is true to a certain extent, but cannot be confused with starving yourself. If you eat fewer calories

than your body burns at its resting metabolic rate, your body is going to go into survival mode

which will lower your metabolism. Doing anything that lowers your metabolism will sabotage

your weight loss. Maintaining a balanced diet with the appropriate amount of calories for your

gender, activity level and age, is necessary for losing weight and keeping a healthy lifestyle.

Drinking Your Calories:

Many people may be eating a balanced and healthy diet, but forgetting

that drinks can carry a significant portion of your daily calories. Soda and alcohol are obvious

offenders, but some people don’t realize how many calories one shot of liquor can pack in,

especially with mixers. While fruit juices seem healthy, even the ones with no additional sugar

added can contain more sugar and calories than expected. Try to limit alcohol intake while trying

to lose weight, and cut out soda as it has no nutritional value. Even diet sodas can be detrimental

to weight loss. Juices can be mixed with seltzer water to make a refreshing, lower calorie

beverage. And drink lots of water throughout the day, and especially when waking up, and

before and during a meal.

Low Variety Workout:

Many people get stuck in a particular routine while they workout.

While it is great that you’re working out, doing the same routines every time you exercise allows

your muscles to also get into a routine. In order to get the most out of your workout, make sure to

add variety to your workout. Change the order of the routine, work in different exercises, and do

both interval cardio and weight training. Adding weight training helps to build muscle mass

which increases metabolism and will help with weight loss.