What May Be Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Efforts
If you think that losing weight is an easy task that anyone can do, well then you’re either blessed with good genetics or have never tried to lose weight before. Losing weight and maintaining an ideal weight can be a difficult process that takes quite a bit of work and effort. Are you doing everything you can to ensure that you are making the most out of your exercise routine and your meals? Being healthy takes a well thought out diet and a routine full of exercise.
Unfortunately the path to good health is paved with bad intentions. There are many mistakes that we may be making on the road to weight loss. Even if you’ve cut out the junk food and have implemented a new exercise routine, you may not be doing enough or you may be making one of these weight loss mistakes.
Do You Practice Adequate Preparation?
When you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. A good diet requires preparation and planning. You don’t want to get caught starving near your favorite fast food joint. Nor would you want to be at home after a long day at work with your cupboards filled with only unhealthy junk food. Preparation involves having the right amount of the right foods always on hand. Preparation also means knowing what your cravings and your triggers are. This will help you avoid binge eating and making unnecessary excuses.
Are You Staying Hydrated?
You should always keep a bottle of water on hand. Staying hydrated can help to promote overall wellness; hydration increases skin health, bone health, joint health, brain function and digestive function. You don’t want to get caught thirsty without water to rehydrate yourself. Dehydration can cause fatigue and a general fogginess that may make it difficult for you to get through your work day or your workout.
Are You Getting Enough Sleep?
Getting the proper amount of sleep can play a key role in weight loss. A study performed in 2006 said that women who slept five hours or less per night weighed an average of 5.5 pounds more than the women who slept more. The hormones leptin and ghrelin can be increased if you aren’t getting the right amount of sleep. High concentration of these hormones can stimulate the appetite and lead to weight gain.
Do You Have a Food Journal?
It may seem tedious but if you write down everything you eat in a journal, you may be increasing your weight loss chances. You will be less tempted to overeat or eat junk food when you have to record it each day. Make sure that you write down what you eat and the quantity of what you eat too. It is difficult to always remember your caloric intake each day, this journal will keep you on track of everything you are eating.