Weight. Loss. Mistakes…
Most people want to lose weight fast. What’s more, many are after a quick fix for weight loss. But this is the first mistake you could make when trying to losing weight.
The route to successful and long term weight loss is where the road is healthy, sustainable and one that fits into your life. That’s why our Healthy Mummy philosophy is all about healthy eating and long term sustainability.
Below are the most common weight loss mistakes that so many people make. Have a look if you are making them and don’t worry if you are – they are easy to fix so you can get back on track.
Top 12 weight loss mistakes
Here are the top 12 weight loss mistakes so you can see what not to do and we always advise working out your BMR so you know how many calories you need each day!
1. Thinking the weight will just fall off
It won’t. Weight loss takes commitment and healthy weight loss should be done over a sensible period of time with the aim to lose 500g-1kg a week.
The focus should be on healthy eating, cutting out junk food and exercising. You can lose a large amount of weight by eating the calories you need and not overindulging.
Being focused on quick fixes or the idea that it will happen overnight may lead to disappointment and giving up before you see real results.
Our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge can help you lose weight healthily. You can learn more about our Challenge HERE.
2. Not eating ENOUGH protein
Protein is critical in weight loss. It helps to keep you fuller, build lean muscle and helps to boost the metabolism.
You should aim for some protein every time you eat but it should always be combined with complex carbohydrates, fruit or vegetables to ensure your body is getting a good balance of nutrients that work well together and aid absorption and digestion.
Check out these 4 protein packed dinners using ONLY 5 main ingredients or Healthy Mummy Community Member Cassie’s budget-friendly roast chicken and brown rice salad.
3. Eating too many carbs
Carbohydrates in the form of vegetables and wholegrain pasta, rice, and bread are good (avoid white and processed bread and pasta) but you should watch your portion size. so I suggest this healthy pasta recipe.
Keep to 1/4 of your plate size to carbohydrates and 1/4 protein and 1/2 veggies. If you consume too many, you will be consuming too many calories.
Hannah Pech lost 38kg using the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenges which helped her eat GOOD carbs t9 lose weight
4. Not getting enough fibre
Fibre and looking after your inner health is critical for helping to lose stomach fat and ensuring adequate nutrient absorption.
Fibre helps your body to detox and get rid of the toxins plus helps you feel fuller for longer.
5. Not drinking enough water
Water is critical for helping to rid the body of waste and toxins and thirst can often be mistook for hunger so always drink water at the first signs of hunger. Check out these 5 ways to increase your water intake!
6. Eating infrequently
For the metabolism to work effectively, it needs to be refuelled every few hours. So make sure if you always have some healthy snacks on hand to snack on and don’t skip meals.
See lots of healthy snack ideas here.
7. Not exercising enough
Weight loss is 80% diet but it is important to still do exercise.
The exercise will increase your metabolism, release feel good endorphins, help you tone up and increase weight loss. Aim for a 30 minute fast walk every day plus incorporate exercises that use the larger muscle groups to boost metabolism such as squats, mini push ups or light weights
8. Not being motivated enough
You need to be really honest with yourself and write down why you want to lose the weight. Really think about it and keep your reasons close at hand so when you feel demotivated you look back at your reasons and keep going.
Check out these 7 tips mum SWEARS by to stay motivated and get back to your pre-baby body!
9. Incorrect portion size
You must not have the same portion size as your partner! Your plate should be split into 1/4 wholegrain carbohydrates, 1/4 lean protein and 1/2 veggies. If you watch your portion size you will have your weight under control
10. Keep junk food out of the house
You need to throw out all junk food as if you keep it in the house there will be moments of weakness and you will binge. Chuck it all out!
11. Not eating enough
Many mums think eating too little is the key to weight loss. This intact can interfere with your metabolism, send your body into starvation mode and actually prevent you losing weight.
It is important to eat the right number of calories for your body – read more about this here.
12. Putting too much pressure on yourself and not being in the right frame of mind
Make sure you are in the right frame of mind before trying to lose weight and when you are ready make sure you set realistic goals.
So, if you are making ANY of these weight loss mistakes – it’s time to stop them RIGHT NOW! What’s more is that our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge can help.
The Healthy Mummy exists to help tired, busy mums like you SHIFT THE WEIGHT and REACH YOUR GOAL WEIGHT.