Stuck in a weight loss rut? Stop doing these 5 things!
4. You ignore empty calories.
It’s the little things that count! Calories can hide where we least expect them. They’re in that seemingly harmless drizzle of dressing, in that splash of coffee creamer, in antioxidant-rich iced tea, and in those yummy crunchy salad toppings.
Many of these add-ons don’t act as fuel, but rather decorate your food. We consider them empty calories because they don’t add any nutrition in exchange for their high-caloric value.
If you’re loading up on these extras, you’re probably harming your weight loss progress. Overlooking these seemingly trivial food items is a recipe for weight gain, since the empty calories accumulate quickly and can pack on the pounds.
Making healthier, less caloric choices will shave off a boatload of unnecessary calories in the long run. For example, try swapping half and half for unsweetened coconut milk, or making your own lighter salad dressing using a mixture of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Check out these 12 Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes for yummy and nutritious recipe ideas!
Ask for unsweetened iced tea or water whenever possible, and add crunch to your salad using toasted veggies or carrots.
5. You don’t sleep enough.
Snagging enough quality ZZZs is critical when it comes to weight loss. Your body heals and restores itself while asleep, and preventing your body from completing this process adequately can have serious side effects.
Lack of sleep means your body will lack energy throughout the day. Lack of energy leads to a sluggish metabolism and leaves you vulnerable to cravings. Additionally lack of sleep might mean higher blood sugar and insulin resistance levels.
Besides burning fewer calories when you don’t get enough sleep, sleep deprivation can throw your hunger and fullness signals out of whack. Your brain will ultimately receive stronger hunger signals and weaker fullness signals.
A stimulated appetite will have you surrendering to cravings and consuming more calories than you should throughout the day. The bottom line? Getting your snooze on should top your list of priorities when you want to lose a few!
Learn more by checking out 5 Ways Your Sleep Schedule Could be Piling on the Pounds!
And those were the top five most harmful habits for weight loss. These common habits might seem harmless at first glance. After all, what do your sleep habits have to do with excess weight? But in reality, they can make a big impact on your waistline.
To boost your weight loss efforts, try eating a healthy egg breakfast every morning. If you must eat on-the-go, pack some healthy homemade snacks. Stay away from “light” and “fat-free” products as these can contain harmful additives. Reduce high-calorie add-ons from your meals. And finally, make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
We hope these 5 tips help you optimize your weight loss!
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There is only ONE thing preventing you from losing weight: more calories in than out.
Please also read about metabolisms before claiming you have a slow one. Chances are, not only will you have it backwards, you’ll also be laying the blame on the wrong thing for your weight. (Sorry, but the blame is still on the whole “too many calories in; too few out” thing.)