Despite sticking to your diet and exercising regularly, your weight just does not seem to reduce. If this is happening to you, then it might be time to examine some of your habits, which could be holding back your weight loss.
1. You are drinking calories
Many people include packed fruit juices in their breakfast or mid-meal snack, while others prefer diet soda thinking they are healthy options. But did you know that consuming these could add two to three times more calories to your meal because of high sugar content or unnecessary cravings (caused by diet soda). Replace these juices or sodas with water, which has zero calories and provides many healthy benefits. Drinking 10-12 glasses of water a day will keep your body hydrated and when fully hydrated, your body eliminates waste more effectively, which can quicken your digestive system and help you lose weight.
2. You are eating packaged flavored yoghurt
Yoghurt has many nutrients such as protein, which keeps you fuller for longer and help in avoiding overeating. But flavored yoghurt or packaged fruit yoghurt is much higher in calories because of its sugar content. Some of this packaged yoghurt may also contain artificial sweeteners, which can have other adverse effects on your overall health.
3. You are eating while watching your favorite game
Many people like to eat a packet of chips with a cold drink while watching their favorite sport on TV. But this habit of yours can make you overeat, adding up the calories. If you eat while watching TV your mind has to focus on two things simultaneously, which is why it takes additional time for your brain to register the calories you consume. This leads to overeating. Therefore, always focus on your food while eating.
4. You love going to happy hours/ buffets
Your regular outings include going for happy hours or Sunday buffet brunches. Cheating on your diet and exercise for a meal is fine but this happy hour / buffet makes you eat much more than your body needs. This adds three to four times more calories than a usual meal.
5. You treat yourself too often
Eating your favorite comfort food occasionally is fine but if you treat yourself to a small piece of chocolate or few spoons of ice cream daily than it will lead to cravings every day. Therefore, if you want to manage your weight and keep a check on your portion size, indulge occasionally.
6. You are avoiding a particular food group completely
Many people start completely avoiding a particular food group such as carbohydrates or fat, to control their weight. This leads to binging whenever you eat that food the next time and also deprives your body of a variety of nutrients. Therefore, instead of completely avoiding any food group, practice portion control and moderation.
7. You are not sleeping enough
Many studies have shown that your diet and sleep patterns are related. Lack of sleep can lead to disturbed physiology of your body. So, when you do not get enough sleep it may lead to cravings and an over-consumption of calories because you crave for food more often than normal. It is very easy to get tempted to reach for a cup of coffee and doughnut for a quick shot of energy. So sleep at least eight hours each night.