Four Common Obstacles To Fat Loss
There are many reasons why we might gain weight, but typically it's due to just a few habits that we can't seem to shake.
There are many reasons why we might gain weight, but typically it's due to just a few habits that we can't seem to shake. We often don't want to acknowledge these habits, so we lie to ourselves about where we're slipping up on our diet. Fortunately, many of the most common traps can be avoided by simply being mindful of them.
Stress – It’s commonly believed that people eat for emotional reasons, but sometimes it’s simply stress that leads us to overeat. To alleviate stress, taking a walk can be the best option. Breathe in some fresh air, clear your mind, feel your blood pumping, and stretch your legs. You will quickly experience the benefits that can help you avoid indulging in unhealthy foods.
Grazing – Many people snack throughout the day, from a bit of bagel and a bite of donut in the morning to chips in front of the TV for late-night channel surfing. This grazing habit disrupts the body's natural calorie-burning cycle due to the constant intake of fat and calories. To successfully graze, try incorporating healthy snacks into your routine and make time for balanced meals that will satisfy your hunger.
Mindless Eating - To prevent mindless eating while engaging in sedentary activities, it may be helpful to keep a food journal and identify any unconscious eating habits. Do don’t want to be reaching for untracked junk food, snacking on your co-worker's bagel, your child's chips, or taking a small bite from your partner's pizza. These seemingly insignificant indulgences can add up to hundreds of extra calories each day.
Double Portions – We are now being served meal portions today that were unheard of even a few decades ago. Could it be that our loved ones are unintentionally harming us with their generosity towards food portions? And do we, in turn, serve ourselves more food than our bodies actually need for energy? In fact, much of what we consume is double the amount our bodies require, and is far more than we can burn off during our daily exercise routines!
One simple yet effective approach is to take only half of the portion of everything served to you, no matter where you are. The extra half of the portion won't taste any better and most likely won't make us feel any better. But it can certainly turn into those stubborn extra pounds that we all want to avoid.
These four common pitfalls can be devastating to our fitness results and our ultimate health. Be aware of where you might be defeating yourself and avoid these traps.