3 Fat Loss Mistakes Everyone Makes

While the word “fat loss” may not be on anyone’s mind right now with New Year’s now 6 weeks behind us, bathing suit season is not far off, so you better get your mind right!
There are a few fat loss “mistakes” that are common, but once you know ‘em, you won’t struggle with them again (at least you’ll be aware … and awareness is the key).  You think you’re on track — eating breakfast daily, drinking all diet drinks so no liquid calories, and enjoying low fat snacks between meals — but it’s not necessarily that simple.
Here’s the truth — let’s delve into this a bit deeper to reveal 3 Fat Loss Mistakes Everyone Makes.

1. Eating breakfast daily.  OK, that seems a bit weird — breakfast is supposed to be THE most important meal of the day.  It is, unless it’s a bowl of fiber free cereal or a bagel and cream cheese with zero nutrition to fuel your body.Check this out — 1 cup of Kellog’s low fat granola gives you 28 grams of sugar (that’s more than Froot Loops), which is just a few teaspoons shy of what a can of soda offers.  If you instead opt for a plain bagel, you mine as well sit down and eat 5 slices of bread because you’re getting the same thing … empty calories that won’t even fill you up.  So, yes, eat breakfast…but choose some protein, add in some fruit and/or veggies, and you’ll be well fueled and full of nutrients.  THAT will help with weight loss.
2. Drinking diet drinks to eliminate liquid calories.  This one is tricky.  We’re not fans of diet drinks — diet soda, tea, Crystal Light, etc.  Why?  Because they’re artificial.  And, interestingly, a handful of studies suggest diet drinks may actually cause weight gain just like their high calorie counterpart.  Very simply the thought process is that your body is “tricked” into thinking it’s getting something sweet, but since you don’t actually get any calories or nutrients, you then have MORE cravings.  Hmmmmm.  Maybe.Here’s the kicker, though.  We hate the high calorie alternative too.  We’re not suggesting slurping down liquid Froot Loops (e.g, soda) either.  Drink water.  If you don’t like the plain flavor, add slices of fruit or veggies to change it a bit — it will take on a hint of whatever fruit or veggie you use.
3. Enjoying low fat snacks. Snacking is great…when you choose good options.  But when you don’t, they are, well, junk.Zero nutrient rice cakes = Junk.
   Low fat chips = Junk
   100 Calorie Snack Packs =  Wait for it … JUNK. The list can go on.  Want a solid snack that will help fill you with nutrients AND boost weight loss?  Grab a handful of nuts — they’re loaded with healthy fat, protein, fiber, and a ton of nutrients.  Good stuff.  Of course, they are calorie dense — so sticking to that handful is the key.
   Just don’t fall for the low fat mantra.  If a food is naturally low fat, like veggies and fruits, fantastic.  But if it’s a food that SHOULD have fat but it’s “magically” disapeared, that means it’s full of added junk to make it taste like what you’re used to.  Stick to real foods, just stick to smaller portions.