5 Ways We Sabotage Our Weight Loss Efforts

When pursuing our weight loss goals it is important to understand the 5 ways we sabotage our weight loss efforts. 

There are many factors that effect our ability to lose weight and keep it off. It is easy to sabotage our weight loss goals by not being attentive to the factors involved in achieving successful weight loss.

This article will expose five common ways that those who are trying to lose weight can sabotage themselves, without even realizing it.

Sabotage number one:

Not eliminating junk food from your pantry. Simple rule of thumb — if you buy it, you will eat it. If there is junk food, candy and sweets hiding in your house, no amount of willpower will be able to overcome this temptation every time. You are bound to eat a few bites here and there, or even just give in and eat the whole package. Throw these items out, or give them to someone else, but get them out of your house one way or another.

Sabotage number two:

Using food as a reward. If you have been letting yourself have an off-limit treat in response to attaining a goal you have set for yourself, then you are setting yourself up for failure later on. Chances are that once you reach your weight goal, you will reward yourself by eating whatever you want for a while, thus undoing all the progress you’ve made in self discipline. If you feel that you must reward yourself with food, perhaps choosing one “cheat” day each week is the best way to go. Other than that, consider those foods that will hinder your weight loss as “off limits”.

Sabotage number three:

Forcing yourself to eat leftovers. While it can be tempting to make yourself eat leftovers in order to avoid waste, if the leftovers are not something you really want or need, you can end up feeling deprived and unsatisfied. This in turn can lead to eating another meal that you don’t need just to feel satisfied. If it sounds good and will not hinder your weight loss, then go ahead and eat it. But if you are only eating  food out of guilt or fear of being wasteful, simply find something else that will not only be more satisfying, but will also be more in line with the goals that you have set for yourself.

Sabotage number four:

Starving yourself. Don’t ever skip meals, even if you WAY overdid it on a previous meal. Your body needs a constant stream of calories to function properly. Skipping a meal can actually lower your metabolism and stunt your progress.

Sabotage number five:

Alcohol consumption. While the occasional glass of wine or beer may not be a diet wrecker, having something each night or engaging in a weekend of drinking will definitely put the brakes on your progress. Alcohol is high in calories and also lowers your metabolic rate. Try curbing this as much as possible in order to get the best weight loss results.

Eating right and getting exercise are both necessary to lose weight and keep it off for good. By following the tips in this article, you can eliminate those common mistakes that could ruin all of your hard work and determination.