Want to lose weight? Ignore these 10 things

 

 
 
People choose to lose weight for many different reasons: as a new year resolution, to reap the health benefits, for a special event, or simply, for themselves. 
 
But people can be impatient when it comes to their weight loss, becoming frustrated and losing dedication when they don’t see any immediate results.
 
This desire for fast, drastic weight loss leads many to seek alternative methods like skipping meals, cutting out carbs or throwing themselves into an intense exercise routine that their body isn’t accustomed to.
 
These methods aren’t the way forward in your weight loss journey, as they can lead to you regaining the weight and developing unhealthy habits when it comes to your body and the food you consume to nourish it.
 
In this guide we’ll discuss the 10 things you should ignore when you’re trying to lose weight to ensure your body and mind have a good, healthy relationship with food and exercise.
 
 

An intense exercise regime

 
You might be able to stick to an intense exercise regime for a short time, but it’s unlikely that you’ll carry it forward once you’ve reached your weight loss goal, increasing your chances of regaining the weight.
 
Start by making small, physical changes to your daily routine that you’re able to commit to (according to the NHS website, adults should get at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week).
 
This long term exercise plan will not only help you to maintain your weight loss, but it will keep your heart and lungs healthy, too.
 
 

Avoiding carbs

 
Eating the right amount of carbohydrates (carbs) won’t lead to weight gain - that is, if you don’t smother them in butter and rich, creamy sauces!
 
Carbohydrates are an essential food to provide us with energy so we can perform at our best throughout the day.
 
If you’re trying to lose weight, don’t cut out carbs; instead, opt for whole grain and wholemeal carbohydrates like brown rice, wholemeal bread and potatoes with the skin.
 
Boiling or grilling your carbohydrates is a healthier method than frying them.
 
 

Crash dieting

 
Crash diets might seem successful at first, but they’re too hard to maintain and you’ll most likely regain the weight you lost.
 
Additionally, your body will be missing the essential nutrients of a balanced diet due to the limited variety of food you’re consuming.
 
You’ll be low on energy which reduces the amount of physical activity you’re able to do, and you might be craving fatty, sugary foods.
 
As your body is hungry, it’s likely that you’ll cave into your cravings for unhealthy food which will lead to weight gain.
 
 

Healthier food is pricier

 
Some healthy foods are expensive, but it depends on the type of food you buy and where you do your food shopping.
 
Try replacing some ingredients with healthier alternatives and most likely, your weekly shop will work out cheaper.
 
Choose a cheaper cut of meat followed by beans, pulses and frozen vegetables to make it go further in your casseroles, stir-fries, pasta and rice dishes.
 
 

Stopping snacking

 
Snacking is perfectly fine when you’re trying to lose weight, but it all depends on the type of snack you have.
 
Choosing to snack on chocolate and crisps isn’t going to help you to lose weight and are best reserved for the occasional treat.
 
Snack on fruit, vegetables, nuts, or fibre and fruit bars that are made with natural, low-sugar ingredients.
 
Snacking between meals will give you a boost of energy, in addition to curbing your appetite to prevent you from eating too much at your next meal.
 
 

 
 

Skipping meals

 
Skipping meals is a very bad and unhealthy way to lose weight.
 
To lose weight, you have to reduce your calorie intake and increase the amount of calories you burn through exercise.
 
However, when you skip meals in an attempt to lose weight, you will become tired and miss out on the essential nutrients of your meals.
 
It will increase your cravings for high-fat and high-sugar foods, resulting in weight gain.
 
Instead, choose healthy foods and reduce your portion size.
 
 

Drink water to encourage weight loss

 
Drinking water to encourage weight loss is a myth.
 
Although water won’t help you to lose weight, it’s essential for good health and wellbeing, so always keep a bottle handy!
 
Sometimes, thirst can be mistaken for hunger, so always try to have a drink of water before you eat and decide if you still feel hungry.
 

‘Low fat’ and ‘reduced fat’ foods are healthy

 
The NHS advises you to be cautious when shopping for ‘low fat’ or ‘reduced fat’ foods.
 
Legally, a food has to contain no more than a specific amount of fat to use that label, so the item will contain less than the full fat version, but in certain cases, not by much.
 
Some foods might be labelled as ‘low fat’ but contain a high sugar content which won’t help you to lose weight, and for this reason, always read the labels carefully.
 
One of the most important things when it comes to weight loss is calorie counting because you want to eat less calories than what you burn through exercise.
 
So, instead of looking for ‘low fat’ or ‘reduced fat’ labels, look at the calorie content in your food - but of course, choosing healthy choices is just as important.
 
 

Certain foods will speed up your metabolism

 
Sources claim that some foods are able to speed up your metabolism, meaning that your body is able to burn more calories, contributing to weight loss.
 
However, there is little scientific evidence to support this, with many of these products possibly containing very high levels of caffeine and sugar.
 
 

A slimming aid is right for you

 
Slimming aids, like slimming pills or injections, are great at helping certain people to lose weight, but they aren’t suitable for everybody.
 
Usually, slimming aids are only considered if all other methods–like dieting and exercise–haven’t worked, if your BMI score is high enough or you’re considered to be obese.
 
Not all slimming aids are created equal, either; there are dangerous un-prescribed and unlicensed weight loss products on the market which contain harmful ingredients that you should avoid.
 
If you’re considering whether a slimming aid is right for you, you must speak to a registered medical professional such as your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist for advice first.
 
 

 
 
If you’re overweight, losing weight is a great start to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
 
But with all things, what is right for your body might not be right for another, so try different methods to find the perfect method for you - paying attention to the information in this guide, that is!
 
If you need more information on any of the topics mentioned in this guide, visit the NHS website.