The quest for a healthier lifestyle is admirable, but sometimes, you fall into well-intentioned traps that can hinder your goals. In this article, I'll break down these mistakes and you'll learn the reason why to avoid them.
Over-exercising: One of the most common mistakes is over-exercising. You might think that the more you exercise, the more weight you will lose. However, over-exercising can lead to fatigue, stress and, ultimately, abandonment of your plan. Set a realistic exercise plan, no longer than 60 minutes, that suits your current fitness level and progress gradually. Adequate rest is crucial to allow your muscles to repair and strengthen, which will accelerate your results in the long run.
More cardio than weights: Resistance training helps build muscle, which in turn increases metabolism and burns more calories at rest. Incorporate a balanced mix of both into your exercise routine.
Only eat vegetables and fruits: Relying on these foods alone can lead to monotony and a lack of essential body nutrients such as protein and healthy fats. Excessive consumption of fruits can affect your blood insulin levels and increase your triglycerides. Limit your consumption and always choose organic, seasonal, local and wash it to minimize pesticide residues.
Skipping fat: Skipping fats altogether is one of the biggest mistakes you could be making in your quest for weight loss. Healthy fats, primarily animal fats, are essential for cellular, brain and hormonal health. They help keep you satiated, provide energy and are necessary for the absorption of essential vitamins.
Limit animal protein intake: Reducing or completely eliminating animal protein from your diet can be a mistake if not done with caution. Animal proteins are rich sources of essential amino acids that your body needs. If you decide to reduce your consumption of red meat, opting for fish and seafood is an excellent alternative.
Not eating: The belief that eating less equals losing more weight is a dangerous mistake. Drastically cutting calories can lead to malnutrition, slow your metabolism and lead to moments of anxiety and depression. Instead, focus on eating nutritious, balanced meals in appropriate portions.
Take care of yourself 5 days a week: Many people tend to take care of themselves only during the week and indulge on weekends. However, this approach is only sabotaging your efforts. Approach your eating as a lifestyle and not a temporary diet, maintain a balanced and mindful routine seven days a week for sustainable results.
Blocking the sun: Completely blocking out the sun due to concerns about UV exposure can be a mistake. Sunlight is essential for the production of vitamin D, melatonin and melanin, which plays a key role in bone health, metabolic health, cellular health, and your overall life. If you've never been in the sun without sunscreen, it's important to start building your sun callus. Start watching sunrises and sunsets without fail and with little clothing, and increase your exposure during the day until you tan your skin naturally.
Nuts and seeds: While nuts and seeds are healthy, they are rich in anti-nutrients. Eating them in excess can create inflammation and add a lot of calories to your diet. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced plan and in raw form, making sure they contain no added sugars or vegetable oils.
As a health coach, I can say that addressing these mistakes is a good start to help you achieve sustainable results and maintain overall good health. Remember that the key to long-term success is balance, moderation and consistency. Listen to your body and maintain a holistic approach to your wellness.
Disclaimers:
"The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only, and is made available as self-help tools for your own use; it is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a health care professional."
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