Udita Madan
Have you been concerned with your weight loss lately? Do you feel you're doing everything in your power to reach that particular kilogram, yet unable to? Yes, most of us do go through that plateau phase.
But, the question is, are you really doing everything right to reach your destined weight? No, the answer is not in your genetics and neither is it natural. However, you may be, unintentionally of course, obstructing yourself from achieving your goal.
But worry not! Because listed below are a few things you may be doing wrong, along with ways you can fix them!
1. Too much eating: Eat healthy, the doctor said. But nowhere did he mention eat a lot! Health food does not imply hogging on it. Excess of anything is bad and this statement holds true in the case of health food as well. If the amount of calories you’re consuming is higher than the number of calories you’re burning each day, it's only going to add to your waistline.
Do it right: Include more of protein-rich foods in your diet. Also keep track of the amount of food you’re eating. Don't overeat and check your portion sizes. Ensure that you eat a balanced meal so that you consume all the nutrients.
2. Not eating enough: Now, welcome to the other side! Yes, there are people who are probably not eating the right amount, which means lack of the right nutrients. This can also hamper your weight loss goals. Nutrients are fuel for the body and for that you need to eat but eat right. Neither to little nor too much.
Do it right: Eat at least 3 balanced meals per day and 2 snacks. You can also eat small portions every couple of hours. By doing this, you’ll keep your metabolism running high and you’ll ensure that you’re getting enough food to support your activity for the day.
3. Nibbling your way out: Oh, how we love to cheat! Those little 'bites' you come across everyday – the plate of cookies on the table for the kids, a bite of a delicious snack from a friend when you're stuck with just a salad, the so-called “I need a break” snack at work, et al – all add up! You're simply raking in the calories this way.
Do it right: Allot a cheat day every week or simply save the “bites” for the special foods you can’t live without.
4. The lying fitness tracker: Ever found yourself thinking, “That can't be right!” after a workout session? Well, the bitter truth is that you're probably using it wrong or the most possible problem is that you trust your tracker too much.
Do it right: A piece of advice would be to not trust machines too blindly. Technology isn't that advanced yet. This does not in anyway mean that if you run on the treadmill for 30 minutes and it says you burned 300 calories, you can go eating 300 calories worth of extra food.
5. Temptation: If you're one of those who give in to temptation easily, this advice is for you. You probably keep your favorite food stocked up. Food like chips, popcorn, etc. But are they good for you? You know the answer better than anyone. NO. Guilty are we? Simple. Stop buying them.
Do it right: Surround yourself with healthy foods. Those that you will actually consume. Don't buy those food items that you know will end up in your stomach and ultimately send you on a guilt trip.
6. Water intake: This is one of the most common reasons of not being able to reach that desired weight loss goal. You're probably not drinking enough water. Were you aware that most of the times you feel 'hungry' is because you're actually thirsty? Confused? Don't be. Next time, just try drinking a glass or two of water when you feel 'hungry'. It will probably be just the thirst calling out to you.
Do it right: Keep a water bottle handy wherever you go. If you don’t like refilling constantly, buy a gallon and make it your goal to finish all or most of it by the end of the day.
7. Not sleeping tight enough: Yes, lack of sleep is another major reason that may be keeping you from reaching your goal. Fatigue and tiredness can lead to poor food choices, so ensure that you get sufficient sleep, which is 6 to 8 hours.
Do it right: Fix a proper bedtime for yourself. Make sure that you sleep at the same time everyday and wake up at a fixed time as well. This way, your body clock remains balanced.
All the best!
