Monday, January 4, 2010

5 Common Weight Loss Diet Mistakes

By Michali S. Huizinga

When trying to lose weight, many people have the wrong idea of what works and what does not. Here are the top 5 most common mistakes people make when attempting to lose weight. Avoid them, and you will be on the right path to a slimmer you.

1. Eating Zero Fat. People make the mistake that by avoiding all fat you will not get fat or lose weight. Some fats are essential for bodily functions such as hormone management. Fat found in fish and olive oil actually help the body break down cholesterol and improve blood flow in the arteries. Try to avoid saturated and trans fats which are the main dietary factors in raising blood cholesterol. The majority of the saturated fats come mainly from animal sources, including meat and dairy products. Examples are fatty beef, lamb, pork, poultry with skin, beef fat (tallow), lard and cream, butter, cheese and other dairy products made from whole or reduced-fat (2 percent) milk. These foods also contain dietary cholesterol.

2. Drinking Fruit Juice. Fruit juice is loaded with vitamins we need but it is not the only thing fruits provide us with. Fruit juice contain large amounts of sugar in the form of fructose, which like other sugars can lead to fat accumulation very quickly if consumed in excess. Stop drinking fruit juice and take a multivitamin instead.

3. Zero for Breakfast. One common mistake for people trying to lose weight is skipping their first meal of the day, breakfast. When you do so, your metabolism remains low and you may end up craving sugary snacks for that energy boost. You may even go for a dessert-like coffee creation to get your morning started, but before you know it, you filled yourself up with 670+ calories and temporary energy. Try eating a bowl of oatmeal or an egg to start your morning, it will keep you energized till lunch time.

4. Not enough Protein. Protein helps in maintaining a healthy blood-sugar level, which in turn helps you avoid the sugar cravings. Sugar cravings are the main reason for binge eating. It is recommended that you consume 3g of protein per kg body weight or about .9g per pound. Consuming protein from a variety of sources is best, and relying less on red meats or processed meats which contain saturated fats.

5. Drinking too little Water. Water consumption gives the body energy. When blood flows throughout our body, it carries oxygen. This oxygen goes into our muscles to keep them pumped up and in turn energized! Staying hydrated with water also keeps us active by decreasing muscle soreness during physical activity. Water is your body's principal chemical component, making up, on average, 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired. - 29161

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