Do you feel like you’re doing everything right, yet not getting the desired results? Well, there may be few general tweaks you could make to your routine and see change.
As we are all aware, no two persons are exactly the same when it comes to fat loss and hence, making generalizations on this would not be fair. We differ in terms of our genetics, body structure and other individual factors. However, here are certain common mistakes that could be potentially hindering your process to getting fit.
1: Looking for Quick Results
Following fad diets to get rid of weight in a quick period is one of the worst things you can do to your body. Tricking your body into change by trying to cut out or reduce certain food groups for a while, when not sustained in the long run, will make you pile on the extra kilos again. Follow a meal plan that can be incorporated into your lifestyle.
2: Extreme Calorie Deficit
Simply put, chronic calorie deficit (fewer calories coming in than being burned) makes your body start thinking that food is scarce. Hence, your body saves energy by slowing your metabolism, making digestion weaker, resulting in less energy. To avoid this from happening, follow a balanced diet which makes your body work with you and keeps you healthy.
3: Depriving Your Body
If you are trying to follow a diet that is boring and allows no room for cheat meals, you are sure to give up at some point. You definitely can lose weight while listening to your body’s needs, in moderation of course. Like we always say, it shouldn’t be a diet, but a lifestyle.
4: Zero Fat Diets
“Fat makes you fat” is what we have heard, but is this entirely true? Well, yes if the fat in question is from processed foods. But healthy fat, in moderation is imperative for our body’s daily functions. Avocado, olive oil, nuts are few foods that contain the fat we should be consuming. Do check out our article on fat where we have addressed this topic in detail.
5: Only Focusing on the Scale
The number on the scale has led many to feel either motivated or absolutely demotivated to press on in their fitness journey. If the number on the scale isn’t moving, it could be muscle gain and fat loss, if you have been working out. For those who check their weight constantly, bear in mind that many factors can affect scale weight- water retention, undigested food. You may be losing body fat even if the scale reading doesn’t change much. Checking for inch loss or body fat calculation are more reliable tracking methods of your progress.
6: Doing the same exercise over a long period of time
Do mix up your diet and exercise routine so that you can continue to enjoy results. Also, don’t be afraid to do weight training as it can help boost metabolic rate, increase muscle mass and promote fat loss. In-fact, a combination of cardio and weight training has proven to be very effective in this regard for many.
7: Assuming you can eat what you want because you exercise
Eating nutritious foods is vital to losing fat. What’s more, you need the right amount of macros to support your efforts. Track the food you eat (apps are available online /on your Smart phone) and know your food by reading nutrition labels. Eliminate processed food and drinks, they are doing you more harm than good.
8: Skipping Meals
When you skip meals, your body holds onto fat stores, reduces your metabolism and loses muscle. You are basically not doing your body any favours by not eating.
9: Working out on empty stomach
While we know it is important to workout, fueling the body right, both before and after u workout is just as essential. You are not losing fat at all by pushing to work on an empty tummy. Instead, your muscles are at risk here.
10:Unrealistic Expectations
Having health-related goals can help keep you motivated. However, unrealistic ones can actually work against you. Set modest goals and work hard towards them, so you don’t get discouraged and give up along the way.
