6 Weight Loss Mistakes

Here are six sure-fire tips to help you lose weight – and to go on losing it.

Everyone is different

Some people burn weight quickly and without trying too hard while others will work harder than anything just for a pound’s loss, but just remember that no matter how hard you work, it will happen. Everyone is different! People burn calories at different rates, some people are genetically gifted with the ability to lose weight while others struggle because of their body type but it really doesn’t matter how fast it comes off as long as it isn’t going on.

Think tortoise not hare

When first beginning their weight loss journey, many people have unrealistic expectations about just how fast they’ll lose it. Aim for the slower, longer option – like one pound a week – and you won’t feel bad when you go over that goal. Some weeks you might lose more than others, some weeks you might not lose anything, but as long as you stick to it, you’ll get there.

Be consistent in exercising, not in weight loss

If you exercise sporadically or only eat a somewhat healthy diet most days of the week, you won’t get to where you’re wanting to go. If you put the work in, you’ll get the results you want but you have to be consistent. For example, getting up 30 minutes earlier a day can give you an extra 20 minutes to exercise, either for a jog or for some quick basic bodyweight exercises. Or doing a 15 minute yoga or pilates routine just before bedtime can leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready to sleep.

It won’t happen overnight

Time and again, people will assume that it will happen, that they’ll lose their weight almost as soon as they begin, but it’s not true. Research has shown that consistent diet and exercise can take between 10 to 14 days to have a visual effect on your body, and depending how much you have to lose, it might be longer than this. So don’t despair! It will happen, but as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait.

Expect setbacks

Don’t expect everything to go your way all the time. Some days you won’t get time to exercise, or eat right. Sometimes you’ve got to grab unhealthy food on the go because you just don’t have the time or energy to cook something healthy. Don’t feel guilty about it, just do what you can to minimise the damage you could do. Plan time in your day for exercise, just like you would for any other important meeting. Plan and cook your meals the day before , pack them up and take them with you to eat on the go. It is possible as long as you put the work in.

Less isn’t necessarily more.

Unlike most other things in life, less of something doesn’t really mean you get more out of it. If you eat less thinking it will help speed up your weight loss, then you’ll be disappointed. Research has shown that small, regular meals throughout the day can keep your metabolism burning bright, meaning that you’ll burn more calories overall than someone who only eats every now and then – even when just sitting down! Salad vegetables are very low in calories but high in nutrients, so fill up on salad every mealtime if you’re feeling really hungry (but not on the dressing!). Just remember you’re trying to lose FAT, not just weight.

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