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Ready or not, summer is quickly approaching. If the numbers on the bathroom scale aren’t quite what you’d like to see, don’t give up. According to MyFitnessPal, there are five common mistakes that can wreak havoc on weight loss goals.
Mistake number one, underestimating calories consumed. To calculate how many calories need to be burned, there must be an accurate count of calories consumed. Every bite counts. When you cheat on your calories, you're only cheating yourself.
The second mistake, overestimating how many calories burned. Look for those opportunities throughout the day to move. The two best ways to track activity is to wear a heart rate monitor or try logging your workouts in an app.
The third most common mistake, not getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep creates a domino of effects. Hormones become imbalanced, driving you to eat unhealthy foods, and you're more likely to skip working out.
Mistake number four, binging on healthy foods. Some healthy foods like avocados and granola are packed with calories. Keep in mind, just because something is healthy, doesn't make it calorie free. Be accountable for everything you eat.
The last mistake to watch out for, don’t mistake thirst for hunger. Early stages of dehydration can trigger feelings of hunger. Drinking water decreases your appetite because your body is getting what it needs, leaving you feeling satisfied. Next time you find yourself craving something you shouldn't, try drinking a big glass of water.
Identifying these bad behaviors can help prevent those healthy goals from spiraling in the wrong direction. If you happen to get off track occasionally, don't beat yourself up. Keep trying, stay focused, and have fun.
