By Everything Lifestyle Staff

Weight management

5 Habits That Are Keeping You from Losing Weight

Oct 9, 2024 | 6:39 AM

You’re trying to lose weight. You’ve cut back on sugar, started to exercise and been eating more vegetables. So why aren’t the pounds falling off?

Before you give up and head for the closest pastry shop, see if you’re committing any of these common diet pitfalls.

1. Crash dieting

Eating fewer calories over time can slow down your metabolic rate. You’ll start off shedding pounds, but then weight loss is likely to stall. Keep your metabolism burning by reducing calories by no more than 250 to 500 per day and eating balanced meals and snacks at regular intervals. A more satisfying (and realistic) eating plan will be one you can stick with, too.

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Perhaps you are careful at mealtime, but are you really conscious of all your calories? An extra handful of nuts or chips or a dollop of mayo can easily add 100 calories. And what about the cream in your coffee, cleaning your kid’s plate after lunch or snacking while cooking? Cutting back on those sneaky calories can make a difference.

3. Eating excess healthy food

You’ve substituted avocado for mayo on your sandwich, used hummus instead of ranch dip and switched from white rice to brown. But are you watching your portions? Just because a food is healthy doesn’t mean you can discount the calories. Be sure you are taking into account all your calories, no matter the source.

4. Not counting liquid calories

Liquid calories from alcohol, smoothies, coffee drinks, juices and sodas can really add up. Keep in mind that calories coming through a straw count just as much as those that don’t.

5. Discounting the weekend

Most people underestimate how much they actually eat on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s easy to overindulge, thinking you will just go back to savvy strategies during the week. If you are serious about getting the weight off, keeping a handle on what you eat and drink is important seven days a week.

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