It’s a topic that will never grow old; for as long as the world spins around, dieting will be something that constantly grabs attention.
Of course, all of this is for a good reason. Ask any of the major health insurance providers, and they would return with the same answer: poor diet leads to umpteen health conditions that can easily be prevented.
Unfortunately, as common as dieting might be throughout the world – it’s often a practice riddled with mistakes. While this article doesn’t promise to cure all of these potential roadblocks, we will mull over some of the most common ones that can help you get the most out of your new eating regime.
Mistake #1 – Starving yourself
It might seem counterproductive, but starving yourself is one of the quickest ways to sabotage your diet.
When you don’t eat enough, your body goes into conservation mode. This means that it will start to store calories as fat to prepare for future periods of starvation.
In addition, you’re also going to find that you’re not going to have the energy to exercise – which was likely one of the reasons you decided to diet in the first place.
Instead, try to have three small meals and two snacks throughout the day. This will help keep your metabolism going, and you won’t feel the need to reach for unhealthy snacks out of hunger.
Mistake #2 – Cutting out entire food groups
Another common mistake people make when dieting is cutting out entire food groups.
While it’s important to reduce your intake of unhealthy foods, it’s just as important to ensure you’re still getting all the nutrients your body needs.
When you cut out food groups, you’re going to find that you’re not only going to be depriving yourself, but you’re also more likely to cheat on your diet.
Instead, try to make smart swaps. For example, if you’re a fan of pasta, try swapping it for a whole wheat version. If you love cheese, try opting for a reduced-fat variety. This way, you’ll still be able to enjoy your favourite foods while sticking to your diet.
Mistake #3 – Not drinking enough water
One of the easiest ways to derail your diet is not drinking enough water.
When you’re dehydrated, your body starts to confuse thirst with hunger. This means that you’re more likely to reach for unhealthy snacks instead of a glass of water.
In addition, dehydration can also lead to fatigue, which will make it difficult for you to exercise.
To ensure that you’re drinking enough water, try to have a glass before every meal. If you find that you’re not hitting the mark, try carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go.
Mistake #4 – Skipping breakfast
Breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day, and for good reason.
When you skip breakfast, you’ll find that you’re more likely to indulge later in the day. This is because your body will be running on empty, and it will be looking for any form of nutrition it can find.
Instead, try to have a nutritious breakfast that will help get your day started.
