Setting up weight loss goals is as simple as learning ABC. Acting on them is where your expectations start to crumble. The fact is, everyone is capable of goal setting, but not everyone is able to achieve them. In the topic of weight loss, learning why things don’t work is important so as not to lose time and effort while pursuing them. So, why do more people fail in their weight loss goals? Read on and find out because you might already be doing some of them.
1. Slow metabolism
Not all people are created equal. While there are some who have a good metabolism, there are also others who have bodies whose metabolism is very, very poor. Instead of helping their bodies to lose weight when eating more fruits, they’re actually consuming foods that block fat burning for a day or two. For this reason, eating fruits don’t work well for them.
2. Snacking
When you’re on a weight loss diet, snacking is never a good option. Even if it’s what you call healthy snacks, these foods still trigger the release of insulin. Cutting on snacks can provide you huge benefits in shedding your extra weight. You should avoid snacking, especially when you have a thyroid issue or poor metabolism. To avoid the temptation of grabbing for snacks, try intermittent fasting instead.
3. Cutting on protein
Eating foods with low protein is popular in weight loss goals. Unfortunately, it’s a bad idea. Doing this can trigger blood sugar and other health issues because your body needs amino acids that can rebuild and repair it. Cutting your protein intake or decreasing them means inviting some health problems, like hair loss and muscle mass loss. To avoid this kind of problem, keep your protein in a moderate amount and not completely eliminate them.
4. Taking breakfast
While it’s been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it won’t be when you’re on a weight loss regimen. You’ve been fasting while asleep. It’s best not to interfere with this fast by taking huge meals for breakfast. Breakfast can only screw up the momentum of your long fast during sleep. The best option is to listen to your body and eat only when you feel hungry. Your body works wonders and is able to go on longer without food.
5. Low-fat diet
A diet consisting of lean meat is a low-fat one. This may work for others but not for you when you choose to go on intermittent fasting. Fasting longer means your body needs to have enough fat to burn to keep you going. It also provides fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids. Besides, fat is the only macronutrient that doesn’t trigger insulin. Fat then is important when you’re on your weight loss journey. Maybe, not so much of it but a considerably higher amount that can aid you on your weight loss goals.
6. Putting aside history
Looking back at your past helps a lot in your weight loss goals. It provides you a clear insight into what causes you to gain that extra weight, especially when you have a stubborn metabolism. Experiences like trauma, stress, or even a previous change in your diet can give you clues into the kind of activities you should take to eliminate the excess weight. For example, you might have begun gaining weight after taking certain medications or supplements when you were a child. Your health coach should know about these things.
7. Not keeping your body healthy
There are those who want to lose weight fast. In the process, they forget how to keep their body healthy while pursuing their weight loss goals. When embarking on a new healthy diet plan, which yields no results in the first month, they get frustrated. However, if they stay long enough and allow their body to recover before it loses weight, they would be well on their way. Becoming healthy again takes time and you should be patient enough to wait for it. As long as you feel you’re more energized than before, have lesser stress levels, and your cravings have lessened, then you’re on the right path.
8. Setting impossible goals
There’s no problem with setting big goals because there is always a way to overcome them. It’s only when you set seemingly unrealistic goals with no definite plan on how to achieve them that makes you stop even before you begin. The point is, set big goals, like losing a specific number of kilos for a specific time. Then be clear on the things that you need to do daily to achieve the tiny chunks of your goals. Make sure they fit into your schedule and one which you can do on a daily basis. Winning every day by doing the short-term goals keeps you moving forward.
9. Self-loathing
If you intend to lose weight because you hate your body, you’re already a failure. Sure, a fit body makes you feel great, but it doesn’t mean you should hate your body for being out of shape. Make it clear that your reason for losing weight is because you love your body. And that you can’t allow yourself to stay in a shape or weight you’re not comfortable with. Because you’re not a perfect human being, even if you have achieved your desired body weight, there is always something wrong that you’ll eventually find in yourself. So, dive within and make sure your inner self is not bent out of shape too.
10. Endless scouting for quick fixes
When you catch yourself stacking on exercise DVD’s and taking weight loss products, stop. You’re on the wrong track. There is no quick fix to weight loss. Anything that has value takes time and effort. Run away when someone offers you five-minute abs or a one pill a day to shed the excess weight. Even if you see considerable results, only one thing is sure, you will gain your weight back the moment you stop using them.
