The 5 Weight Loss Mistakes You Are Probably Making

I've heard them and probably tried them all before...easy ways you think will help you lose weight, fast. Chances are in the short term they will, but are they healthy and do they really work in the long term?

1. Skipping Meals
For most of you, this probably means skipping breakfast. This is a big NO in my book. Regardless of which meal you skip you are messing with your metabolism. I like to use the analogy that feeding your body is like fueling your car, without the gas it won't run! Studies have shown that eating breakfast is essential for weight loss. Usually those who eat a healthy breakfast are more apt to exercise and eat better throughout the day while keeping your blood sugar level.

2. Cutting out entire food groups
"I'm off carbs!" "I don't eat fat"...etc. Essentially what you are doing is cutting your caloric intake. That said you are also cutting essential vitamins and minerals form your diet. Instead, trade the "bad" for the "good" like healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains and monounsaturated fats like olive oil.

3. Diet Alone
Thou shall not lose weight by diet alone! Exercise is imperative for burning fat, building lean muscle, and bone strength. You don't have to be a gym rat, it only takes 30 minutes a day of movement to help you in your long-term goal of a healthy lifestyle.

4. Fasts/Cleanses
I hear of people talking about fasting or trying the Master Cleanse to help them flush their system or lose weight, but I'm not a big proponent. Most of the time they are dangerously low calorie or depleted of so many nutrients they are not healthy for long periods of time. What I do recommend is talking to your doctor before you start to make sure its ok for you. My rule of thumb is moderation NOT deprivation.

5.  Weighing yourself everyday
There is alot of debate about this one. I am a firm believer that you are probably doing more harm than good because you get too focused on the number. I suggest weighing yourself once a week - same scale, same time of day for consistency. So many factors can contribute to weight fluctuation that any change may make you crazy or discouraged. Use the scale as your guide - but don't be chained to it!

No one said this is going to be fun or easy. Everyone is different so don't expect the same results as your friend. Set your own individual goal and choose a program that works for specifically for you. A plan that aims for 1-2 pounds a week is optimal. You might achieve a significant loss in the beginning, but that may be due to water weight. Give your body time to adjust, and always keep in mind that slow and steady wins the weight loss race!