weight loss

Losing weight can be challenging. Sometimes even the things we think we are doing right turn out to be wrong. At times we can do things that hinder our weight loss without even realizing it. Following are 5 ways you could be sabotaging yours.

Thinking You Burned More Calories Than You Actually Have

When working out it is easy to overestimate the number of calories burned. Especially if you are using an online calorie expenditure chart.

Relying on these tables can be detrimental to your weight loss because they tend to significantly over estimate the number of calories burned during a workout.

If you want an accurate picture of the calories you burned off during a workout investing in a high quality heart monitor would be a wise choice.

Not Building Muscle

Although aerobic workouts burn a lot of calories and are great for you, one weight loss secret that many people overlook is that strength training is needed as well. Strength training builds muscle and muscle speeds up your metabolism and burns more fat, thus promoting weight loss.

If you have hit a plateau in your weight loss try alternating strength training and aerobic workouts to help you get through it.

Regular Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol will cause your body to burn less fat, because it will begin working to process and eliminate the alcohol first.

Drinking alcohol also increases your likelihood of snacking, thus adding on additional calories.

It is also high in calories and has no nutritional benefit. Having an occasional drink is fine but more than a couple per week and you may be sabotaging your weight loss and health.

Cutting Back On Meals

It is important to nourish your body throughout the day. Skipping meals is not a good idea because it can have a negative impact on your metabolism.

When you do not provide your body with the food and nutrition it needs, your metabolism will begin to slow down making it harder to burn off calories.

Also when you skip meals you tend to overeat when you finally do have a meal

It is much better to eat six small meals daily. Doing this will keep your hunger satisfied and prevent snacking. If your calorie intake goal for the day is 1600 calories plan to have five 320 calorie meals each day.

Anticipating Immediate Results

Many people looking to lose weight set unrealistic goals. It is not uncommon to see peoples weight loss goals set at 25 to 30 pounds per month.

Healthy weight loss does not happen in an instant. It is a process that requires time effort & commitment. Healthy weight loss is considered between one and two pounds each week.

Studies have shown that people who lose weight at a slow and steady pace have a higher long term success rate.

Although these five weight loss secrets may seem simple, they can have a major impact on your weight loss success.