Most, if not all dieters have had their fair share of disappointments when it comes to dietary choices. Finding the perfect diet is not that much different from finding the perfect pair of jeans; it all depends on your body type. Unless of course you are a part of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, then you can consider yourself lucky. Some people find that a low-carb diet works best, while others prefer the after-6 diet.
Before you choose which path will lead you to a healthier lifestyle, take these diet no-nos into consideration.
1. Skipping breakfast
We’ve all been there; we’ve all done that. When we’re trying to lose weight, we usually try to lower our calorie intake by not eating anything until lunch. Since you are basically fasting from the time you go to sleep to the time you eat your first meal, your body goes into ‘starvation mode’ after a few hours, storing more fat and slowing down your metabolism. Add in that extra doughnut you most probably will reward yourself with later on in the day, and whatever calories you might have saved from not breaking your fast comes at you double.
Make yourself a high-fiber, high-protein meal to start your day right instead, and ensure that you get the energy you need to function properly throughout the day. This will also keep you from devouring everything in sight once the lunch trolley comes around.
2. Emotional eating
More often than not, we find ourselves reaching for that pint of ice cream in the freezer or guzzling down that can of soda when we’re down in the dumps or stressed over work. That is exactly what the soda companies were banking on when they installed their bright, comforting vending machines 5 steps away from your cubicle.
The next time you find yourself making a beeline for the fridge, head for the door and go for a short walk instead. Bring your iPod with you and listen to some upbeat music to soothe your mind. If you simply MUST snack on something, opt for a healthier alternative like trail mix or plain yogurt with some fresh fruit.
3. Diet pills
While diet pills usually mean an easy and quick way to lose weight, they also pose a considerable amount of health risks. For one thing, some of these pills may interfere with other medications. Another downside to take into account is dependency. Because they work so easily without much effort from you, it also means that your body has no need to ‘learn’ how to lose weight. Most people who depend on diet pills find that they gain whatever they lose and more at a much quicker rate.
If you are set on taking diet pills, however, make sure you do your research on them beforehand. Find out what they contain and consult your doctor before you take anything.
Remember that your body is designed to protect itself, and when you feel like your diet is not working, it might be best to reconsider your approach.
