What You Should Avoid when Trying to Lose Weight
Losing weight is one of the most common goals around. The most important element of weight loss is to burn more calories than you take in. It sounds simple but it can be hard to do. There are habits that seem harmless but end up being things you should avoid when trying to lose weight. As such, they end up keeping you from reaching your goals. In this article, we will look at five habits you should avoid when trying to lose weight.
Avoid foods whose main source of carbohydrates is sugar
You should avoid foods whose nutrition facts label show that sugar is their main ingredient. To identify them, you will also have to keep in mind that some sugars are naturally present and are not always bad for your health.
For example, this is the case with milk. All of its carbohydrates are sugar in the form of lactose, which is a sugar that is naturally occurring.
Avoid processed food
Generally, processed foods are more unhealthy than unprocessed ones. However, there are some processed foods that are just as healthy as unprocessed foods.
Their healthiness depends on their nutritional value, to which you will have to pay close attention. But it is best if you refrain from eating foods such as, french fries, fast food, or processed meat. They are things you should avoid when trying to lose weight.
Foods that contain hydrogenated fat
You will find this kind of fat in margarine, french fries, commercial pastries, all kinds of cookies, and pre-cooked foods. Hydrogenated fat is often used since it is more solid than other fats and improves the appearance and shelf life of food.
In addition to their significant caloric content, unsaturated fat favors the accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol, as well as the appearance of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic disease.
Insufficient sleep: another thing you should avoid when trying to lose weight
We have already mentioned the key importance of sleeping for your physical and mental function. It is also a great way to slim down. Contrary to what you might think, you do not burn more calories by staying awake for longer.
Sleeping is a good way to keep fat at bay. You should sleep for at least seven hours to avoid altering your body’s hormonal mechanisms. What’s more, a study from the Institute of Biomedical Research on obesity and nutrition suggests that every extra hour of sleep could reduce the risk of being overweight by up to 36 percent.
Eat slowly
Your body needs at least 20 minutes to tell your brain that it is full. If you eat very quickly, you will consume more calories than you need. If you take your time, your brain will signal for you not to eat anymore since it is not necessary. As such, eat slowly and enjoy every bite.
A big breakfast and a light dinner
No matter how you distribute your calories throughout the day, what’s important is their quantity and quality. It is indeed the case that humans are diurnal and are better able to process calories in the morning than at night. So, try to eat a big breakfast so that you do not go overboard at dinner time.