Weight Loss Mistakes to Avoid

by Megan

I don’t know about you, but last month’s weather started to take a toll on my exercise routine. Between the sweltering heat and flood-inducing rain, it’s been a challenge getting outside and active! (Somehow the air conditioning is just so seductive this time of year.) 

However, the weather looks like it’s starting to turn around, meaning we can all get back into our exercise routine!  If the cooler weather is motivating you to start some new healthy habits, be sure not to make some of these simple weight loss mistakes!

Being Inconsistent:  According to the American College of Sports Medicine, 30 to 40 minutes of aerobic exercise a day is recommended to lose weight and consequently maintain that weight loss. It is recommended that this daily exercise add up to between 2.5 and 4.5 hours every week. As a result, to lose weight you should be working out most days of the week.  Exercising for one hour twice a week is not going to give you the results you want.  If you are serious about weight loss, get moving and make it a daily routine!

Not Adjusting Your Diet: Weight loss is 20% exercise and 80% diet.  Therefore if want to lose weight but are eating high fat foods, you will not see the results you want.  Change your diet and start to be more conscious of what you are eating.  Avoid extreme or fad diets, as you are only setting yourself up for disappointment.  Create a diet plan that you will be able to carry out for the rest of your life!

Setting Unrealistic Goals:  Everyone tends to fixate on the number on the scale. While this can be a good way to measure success, at times it can also be a little discouraging.  If you want to lose weight make it a long term goal; don’t set a certain day it needs to be done by.  However, set short term goals that will get you to that weight loss. For example, set a goal to work out three days a week, then over time, increase that number. 

As always, remember to start any new exercise program slowly, as this change should be a gradual process.  And check out my other blogs on food journaling to help awareness about what you are eating!


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