Most of us have a habit or two that is not only unhealthy but may be sabotaging our weight loss. In fact, you might even think that your habit is healthy. Here are a few behaviors that may be doing more harm than good.
In an effort to reduce your daily caloric intake or make up for the chocolate cake you ate yesterday, you may skip a meal. While your caloric intake will indeed decrease, skipping a meal often has the opposite effect of what you were hoping for. When you regularly skip meals it activates your body’s ‘fight or flight’ response. Since your body can no longer rely on regular caloric and nutrient intake it starts conserving energy and storing fat. This means that even if you are doing everything else right, you may not lose weight. Instead, focus on improving your nutrition and spreading your meals out through the day.
You might indeed eat healthy and well-balanced meals, but what you drink during the day may be sabotaging your weight loss. This isn’t referring to one coffee with a bit of sugar and cream—but four a day is another story. Beverages such as café coffee with syrup and whip cream, processed fruit juices and smoothies, soda, and sports beverages are all empty calories. Try to keep this in moderation and opt for black coffee, herbal tea, sparkling water, plain water, or fruit infused water instead.
There are many fake food products that are created and marketed towards those trying to lose or maintain their weight. This includes fat-free, zero-calorie, and low-carb products. For example, your zero-calorie soda may not have calories but it is high in sugar which contributes to weight gain more than calories and fat. Fats, carbs, calories, and food in general should never be thought of as a dietary enemy as your body requires a balance of each to thrive. Instead of practicing extreme elimination—learn the nutrient balance your body requires to work at its optimal level. This is exactly what we do at PNC.
When you don’t get enough sleep your body will need more calories to power you through the day. In most cases, you will turn to comfort food and unhealthy snacks to help keep you going—which will only drain you more. Instead, prioritize your sleep and it will be easier to stick with your personalized nutrition plan.
Last but not least, Diets Don’t Work! If they did everyone would be on the same diet and at their optimal weight and health. Without a doubt, your nutrient intake is 90 percent of the weight loss equation. However, most diets focus only on deprivation—but not here at Personalized Nutrition Concepts. We work with our clients on a one-on-one basis to determine the nutrient intake required to support your individual needs. This can vary greatly depending on factors such as your gender, age, level of physical fitness, profession, and overall health.
If you are ready to shift your perspective and begin thinking of food as your friend, as the nutrient-rich personalize path to health—reach out to PNC today. We will identify the habits that can be improved or eliminated and identify a nutritious and delicious meal plan, which will include many of the foods you already enjoy!