The Worst Ways to Lose Weight

We’ve all been there - hibernated all winter in our oversized hoodies and sweats only to emerge with some more extra pounds than we bargained for. If you’ve tried to lose weight in the past with little success, I’m here to help you figure out what could’ve potentially gone wrong.

Unrealistic goals are arguably the most common derailment in nutritional compliance. I have a subset of clients that are the “all or nothing” type, and that works for them, but for the general population, lofty goals are a set up for disappointment and failure to adhere. Say you’re looking at your situation from a bird’s eye view. You have 50lbs you want to lose and you have a handful of get fit quick plans up your sleeve. This is an unrealistic approach, because habits aren’t built overnight. I suggest starting with small process goals to help you get to your ultimate goal in a manageable way. Maybe the first ten pounds are where you want to focus initially, work with someone to set up a tangible plan with accountability, and decrease the overwhelm.

Fad diets and quick fixes are another big way I see people fail at achieving their weight loss goals. These things are unsustainable in the long term, and when you stop adhering, you stop seeing results. My motto is small sustainable shifts over time. It’s not easy to overhaul your diet, and learning about why certain things work and don’t work is half the battle. Every person is different, so diets aren’t always cut and dry. Try living a generally healthy lifestyle, and seek help hammering out details like meal plans and calorie requirements specific to you.

Energy expended greater than calorie intake always equals weight loss… This rule is challenged when skipping meals and partaking in starving diets in order to meet a weight loss goal. There are exceptions - like with intermittent or planned fasting, which can yield results. The main reason starvation diets are ineffective is because they cause the body to go into starvation mode and cause the metabolism to slow. When the body isn’t receiving proper nutrition regularly, it will hold onto what it can as a means of energy preservation. Additionally, without regular food intake, the body doesn’t have the energy it needs to power the metabolism efficiently.

While weight loss isn’t always cut and dry, and there could be other reasons that your progress is stunted, the reasons above are very common mistakes. The best way to lose weight and keep it off is to feed your body quality energy sources and be sure to get your exercise in. Both of these things will increase your metabolism (even at rest!) and make a lasting impact on your ability to burn calories and fat.