You think you are dieting, you think you are eating right – yet you just cant seem to shed those few extra pounds. Cheer up - you are not alone – in fact you probably are making the same mistakes that most other people who struggle with weight loss are. So here then in no particular order are the 5 most common reasons why most people do not lose weight – and some simple ways to change them.
1. Skipping Breakfast – Nutritionists say this a big mistake most Americans make. Either we are too much on the go and too much in a rush, or are under the mistaken impression that cutting out a meal like breakfast will aid weight loss. Not true. Research shows that people who skip breakfast more then make up for the lost calories due to hunger later in the day – and it is usually by grabbing something form a vending machine! On the other hand a recent study by the University of Colorado found that 3000 people who lost 30 pounds and kept them off for a year all ate breakfast. Instead of heading to work on an empty stomach, eat breakfast. Oatmeal, whole grain cereals, fresh fruit, yogurt, OJ, or a slice of whole grain toast – not an Egg McMuffin!
2. Not enough produce. No French Fries are NOT a vegetable. Skip the Fries. However a baked potato is great lunch. Fresh produce not only is nutritious, it is loaded with disease fighting factors. Studies find most American do not even have 3 servings of veggies a day – when 5 are recommended - and most eat no fruits at all. Solution – like Mom always said “Eat You Veggies” – and skip the salad dressing!
3. Portion Size. It's not only the “Super-Sizers” at the Fast Food Joints that have no clue what a normal portion is. We do it to ourselves all the time even when preparing healthy meals at home. Check packages for nutrition and calorie information based on Serving Size – and you will be surprised to see that at a give sitting your are probably eating double or triple the amount.
4. Fats – Yup we just had to say it. Americans even those trying to lose weight just eat too many Fats. Do you know we only need 67 grams of Fat a day? A little butter on toast in the morning and you have already consumed that! Cut down on the Fats wherever you can – especially Salad Dressings, studies have shown that Salad dressings are now the number one source for excessive fat in most people’s diets
5. Not Enough Whole Grains. Whole Grains and Fiber – you just cannot lose weight without them, and yet most Americans get none at all in their daily diet. Instead we go for the breads and crackers with processed grains stripped of most of their nutritive value. Avoid the “white”. Yo do not need to cut out breads and pasta, in fact these are a great source of fiber and nutrition – but stick to the Whole Grain varieties and avoid the processed ones.
|
