Search Weight Loss Topics: |
Food: Seven reasons you’re not losing weight – HeraldScotland
From mindless eating to not getting enough rest, Lauren Taylor speaks to experts about the common mistakes.
If you've been trying to shift some weight and have been doing all the right things - changing up your diet, getting more exercise in - it can be frustrating if you feel as if you've plateaued, or even put a bit back on.
Here are some common mistakes dieters make, according to experts.
1. You're eating 'diet' foods instead of whole foods
"'Detox' products won't work for weight loss," says dietitian Sophie Medlin. "Remember, if there was a drink or a supplement you could take that worked safely and effectively for weight loss, we wouldn't have an obesity epidemic."
She says to beware of brands and celebrities selling any 'miracle' weight-loss products.
On the subject of diet influencers, Medlin says the 'eat like me to look like me' ideology is deeply flawed. "We all have different genetics and lifestyles - we can't all look the same.
"Dietitians haven't been saying anything new for a very long time, because nutrition is about balance. It's not about cutting things out, it's not about making people feel guilty for eating normal food.
"I tend to tell people to base their diet around fruit and vegetables, lean protein, have some nuts and seeds and things like pulses."
2. You aren't eating mindfully
While you might have upped your exercise and switched to a healthier diet, how we eat is sometimes just as important as what we eat - especially if you're looking to shed a few pounds.
In our busy society, it's become the norm to eat meals in front of the TV, while simultaneously scrolling through our phones or replying to emails.
Georgie Murphy, a nutritionist at personalised vitamin service, Vitl (vitl.com) explains: "If while eating, our mind is distracted by deadlines and headlines, a cascade of physiological stress responses will put us in 'fight or flight' mode. Research suggests over time, this can negatively influence our appetite and eating behaviours towards obesogenic habits, such as comfort eating and bingeing."
Meanwhile, mindfulness - she says - has been shown to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS), critical for the state of 'rest and digest', "increasing communication between the brain and our gut, to support the physiological processes necessary for optimal digestion".
3. You're overestimating the impact of working out
Although exercise can help you lose weight - and it's vital for overall health - personal trainer from The Training Room, Mark Fox, says many people believe it's the only way to lose weight.
"They think if they exercise constantly and burn more calories, they'll eventually achieve their ideal weight. Unfortunately, what people don't realise is that the more they exercise, the more their appetite will increase, to compensate for the increased energy required. As the saying goes, 'You can't out-exercise a poor diet'."
Exercise, he says, will certainly help you lose weight, "but you still have to work on your calorie intake, improving the quality of foods and reducing alcohol".
4. You're forgetting about moving - outside of the gym
Sure, you might be spending half an hour or even an hour exercising every day, but if you're sitting for the other 15, you won't be giving yourself the best chance of weight loss.
"A better approach is to slightly increase your energy expenditure through a mixture of exercise and NEAT (none-exercise activity thermogenesis)," says Fox, "which is the energy expended from daily, non-sports-like activities, such as walking instead of driving to work, or cleaning the house.
"This way, your body is less likely to significantly increase your appetite and hunger, helping you stick to your nutrition plan."
5. You're only doing cardio
Cardio - like running, cycling and hiking - is amazing; it burns calories, it improves your heart health, it's important for aerobic fitness and it makes you feel great. But if you're only doing cardio to lose weight, you could be missing a trick, says Fox.
"Resistance (strength) training tends to burn fewer calories as you perform it, so many people ignore its ability to assist in weight loss. What they don't realise, is that if you build more muscle, your body requires more calories to maintain that muscle. This results in a higher calorie burn each day, even at complete rest." In other words, with a bit more muscle, you'll be burning more calories even when lazing on the sofa.
"A combination of the two [cardio and resistance] provides better results," he says.
6. You're binge-eating healthy food
Switching to a more nutritious diet, packed with fresh fruit, veg, nuts, beans, pulses and lean protein, is a hugely positive step towards better health, but just make sure all your hard work isn't being undone by unwittingly consuming more calories than you mean to.
"If the goal is weight loss, moderation is important," says Murphy. "For example, being mindful of portion size of healthy foods such as nuts and avocados, can go a long way in supporting your weight-loss regime."
7. You aren't sleeping enough
Experts believe there is some link between overeating when you've under slept. "Sleep regulates two hormones called ghrelin and leptin that are essential in appetite control. Sleep deprivation has been shown to decrease leptin and increase ghrelin, leading to an increase in overall hunger. Therefore, a better night's sleep may support you to eat wisely and avoid mindless grazing," Murphy says.
Plus, if you're increasing your exercise, your muscles need to properly rest and repair overnight. Getting a solid eight hours might be the simplest weight loss advice out there.
Always speak to your GP before undergoing any new weight-loss programme.
Read more from the original source:
Food: Seven reasons you're not losing weight - HeraldScotland
- How To Lose Weight With Five Secret Tips [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - Weight Loss Pills - Alli Diet Pills Reviewed - Appetite Suppressant [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Like a Celebrity [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast Because I'm Fat -This Simple Tip Will Help [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2011]
- Trainer Struggles to Lose Weight [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2011]
- Supersize vs Superskinny | Fear of Food | Channel 4 [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight - How to Start - Healthy Weight Loss - Losing Weight The Hard Way Antishay Q [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight with the Amazing Japanese Morning Bana... [Last Updated On: June 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 18th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Fast - The truth about Fat Burning Foods and Weight Loss Programs [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2011]
- Resolution: Lose Weight And Get In Shape! [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2011]
- My 40lb Weight loss Before [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight + Food Tips -- Losing Weight The Hard Way - Antishay Q [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast and Easy - One Year Later [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2011]
- losing weight with photoshop [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Home ab workout: crunch exercise for 6-pack abs [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast - THE BEST METHOD EVER ! [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Teen Weight Loss Tips! [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2011]
- Running Tips : How to Lose Weight Running [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Why Can't I Lose Weight - Shocking Weight Loss Cover-up Exposed. [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- My 100 lb Weight Loss Journey: A Follow Up [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- Top 10 Healthy, Alkalizing Foods for Energy, PsycheTruth Nutrition [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- Belly Fat Combat Member: Laura Dens Weight Loss Before And After [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- Lose Weight with All Natural Whey Protein Powders.mp4 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- losing weight. Start losing weight today.mp4 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- How I lost weight [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - My Weight Loss Before And After [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- SURPRISING key to weight loss (must see!) [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- PODCAST: Dr. Barry Sears The Zone Diet - Reducing Inflammation Helps You Lose Weight [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- How I lost 90 pounds and kept it off [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Lose weight easy as 1-2-3 ( [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Endomorph Nutrition to Lose Weight Effectively Carb Sensitivity [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- 20 Minute Weight Loss [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Get six pack abs in 6 minutes on your couch. This Works! [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Motivation [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Healthy Weight Loss Tips - Nutrition by Natalie [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Yoga Exercises to Burn Fat and Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- WEIGHT LOSS TIPS FOR LOSING WEIGHT FAST—RAW FOOD WEIGHT LOSS—HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT FAST - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Top 10 Best Foods - Nutrition by Natalie - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- Free Weight Loss Hypnosis Video - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Dr. Oz Takes Losing Weight To The Extreme - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Best way for girls to lose weight 2011 - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT? MAKE HEALTH YOUR HOBBY! 80-10-10 FTW! - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- What's Wrong with this Weight Loss Picture? - PART 1 of 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- What's Wrong with this Weight Loss Picture? - PART 2 of 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- THE FAT GENE FOUND! - Medical Weight Loss/Obesity Research - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight, The Healthy Way! (Part 1) - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Tip to Lose Weight: How to Know If You Ate Too Many Carbs - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- POP Pilates for Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- How To Enjoy Summer and Lose Weight By Running - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- The Last 40 Pounds - Lose Weight witout Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Take The Beachbody Challenge And Win Money For Losing Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Losing Weight Oct 22 2011 - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Day 11: 30 Day Weight Loss Journey - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Ayurveda Aur Hum - How to Lose Weight - Obesity Cure - Ayurveda - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Lose weight by cycling and diet low-calorie fatburner 1 on 1 - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Fast- Using The Weight Loss Bully - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Meals to Lose Weight by: Mexican Salad - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Workout Routines To Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Day 7: 30 Day Weight Loss Journey - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Portland Personal Trainer - How to lose weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Fast Weight Loss Tips | Tips For Fast Rapid Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Ayurveda Aur Hum - Lose Weight without Dieting - Ayurveda - Video [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2011]
- Ultimate Weight Loss 4 Men/Women - Video [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2011]
- My Weight Loss Journey - How I lost Weight Fast - Video [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Fast and Easy / How to Lose Belly Fat Fast for men / women teenagers - Video [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2011]
- Why You Can't Lose Weight, Healthy Food, Austin Wellness - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight In College: The SarahFit College Diet - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2011]
- U2 - With or Without you - lyrics - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Advice - How To Start Losing Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2011]
- How To Stop Cravings [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2011]
- Vegan Cheesecake: Cooking to LOSE WEIGHT! - Video [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2011]
- Lose weight and get in shape! - New years resolution - Video [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2011]
- Tips for Weight Loss Through Running Video - About.com - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Motivation : 42 pounds [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2011]
- Cold Weather And Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2011]
- lose weight this holiday season.mp4 - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2011]
- Weight Loss in a HURRY! - Video [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2011]