One common problem that many people face when trying to lose weight is not seeing results despite their valiant efforts. They’re going to the gym and watching their diet and doing the things the books say, but the weight is not budging. This can be frustrating to say the least.
It’s also the reason most people quit. Not seeing any results make all attempts seem futile and pointless. Then, exercise and diet become restrictive to one’s lifestyle. The fact of the matter is that even if the weight on the scales does not drop, exercise and eating healthy is beneficial to you and will never go out of style.
That being said, there are a few common mistakes that most people make without even realizing it. Check below and see if you could be making any of them and avoid these errors. The scales may drop in no time.
1. Consuming too many carbohydrates
The most important thing to do on a diet is restrict your carbs and get the most of your carbs from vegetables like sweet potatoes. Brown rice and quinoa are also good carb choices. Skip the white rice, pasta, bread and other refined products. This one mistake alone is responsible for most people seeing stagnant results.
Some people are carb sensitive and their insulin levels spike with just a little carbs. So ideally, it’s best to really limit your carb intake.
2. Skipping the resistance
Resistance training is more important than cardio. The notion that weight loss can only be achieved with hours of mindless cardio is WRONG. 15 minutes of hard resistance training with minimal rest is much more effective than a half -hour of moderate cardio.
Do body weight exercises . Keep them heavy and move fast but in a controlled manner. When your muscles grow, your body will burn more calories and you will become leaner.
3. Doing slow cardio
There is a time and place for slow cardio. On your rest days, you may wish to take a brisk 30 minute walk on an empty stomach. On most other days, slow cardio is not really helpful. If you are obese, and slow cardio is all you can do, that’s fine. If you’re really not in shape and slow cardio is your best, then go ahead and do it.
The key is to slowly work towards the high intensity workouts. High intensity will burn more fat on any given day.
4. Not enough sleep
Music is the space between the notes. You need your rest. If you keep going like the Energizer bunny, you’re going to gain more weight in the long run.
Getting enough sleep is crucial to fat loss.
5. Too much stress
This is something that people are not aware of. Stress releases cortisol in your body. This indirectly leads to weight gain.
6. A poorly functioning digestive system
This could be another reason that is holding back your weight loss. If you have bad bacteria, inflammation or low stomach acid, it will be a problem that affects your ability to lose weight.
Get yourself checked by a doctor. The blood test will tell you what you need to know.
Finally, weight loss can be achieved if you stay the course and constantly stay alert while checking your progress. That is the only way you can track if you’re on the right track and losing weight. Keep what works and discard what doesn’t.
Yours in health,
Danette
