My clients: "Charlotte, I'm not losing weight!"
Me: "Well, what are you eating?"
My clients: "I'm eating under 1200 calories a day!"
Me: "No. What are you eating?"
It's a common misconception that less is more. Don't get me wrong, weight loss is a science, but eating under 1200 calories of saturated fat and sugar ain't gonna get you anywhere. As we age, our metabolisms are slowing down and it becomes more difficult to lose weight. Especially for women.
You're not losing weight? Here's why.
Mistake #1: Skipping Breakfast
Why do you think it's known as the most important meal of the day?!
Eating in the morning wakes up your metabolism, which converts the nutrients that you put into your body into energy to use throughout the day. Skipping breakfast slows your metabolism and leaves you energy-deprived.
My advice: Drink a glass of water and then EAT! Even if you're not hungry, have something small. Have an apple, a banana, a piece of toast with a tablespoon of almond butter, half an avocado, make juice, just put nutrients in your body that can be used to energize you!
Mistake #2: Eating Too Much
Three big meals a day, right? Wrong. Eat small meals & healthy snacks when you're hungry. Don't starve yourself in preparation for an anticipated night out. When you eat only three (or less) meals, you're more likely to make unhealthy decisions.
My advice: Keep a bunch of healthy snacks with you at all times. Put some almonds in your pocket, keep an apple in your purse, and never leave the house if you're hungry!
Mistake #3: Counting Calories
I don't believe in counting calories. When I first switched to a healthy lifestyle, I loved watching the excess fat on my body fall off. I used apps to scan the labels of my food and keep track of how many calories I was taking in. That only made me want to fill my daily threshold, and if I had calories left over at the end of the day, I would eat candy bars to fill it! Gross!
My advice: Just eat healthy. If you're eating an unlimited amount of vegetables, lean protein, fruit, and whole grains, you're good. Don't go overboard with looking at food labels, just make healthy decisions. Stress takes a toll on the body, and if you're stressing out about how many calories are in something, you're doing more harm than good.
Mistake #4: Not Drinking Enough Water
Your body needs needs neeeeeeds water. A lot of it. Keeping yourself properly hydrated will keep headaches away, keep your immune system sharp and healthy, moisturize your skin, flush out toxins, and help you lose weight. When you think you're hungry, try drinking a big glass of water before eating. A lot of the times you're just thirsty (or bored)!
My advice: Carry around a water bottle all the time. Constantly keep hydrating yourself, especially if you're working out or it's a hot day!
Mistake #5: Not Sleeping Enough
Your body needs time to recharge. Sleep deprivation leaves you tired and can make you feel depressed, which makes you crave unhealthy snacks (emotional eating is too common. I do it, too).
My advice: Make sleep a priority. Go to bed early and wake up feeling refreshed. Don't watch tv, text, or play on your iPad right before sleeping. Make your bed a wonderland with soft sheets, comfortable pillows, and blankets to throw on if you get cold throughout the night. A comfortable bed makes it easier to sleep straight through the night!
If you slip up once, so be it. You're only human.
You're entitled to a cookie, just don't have the whole box.
You can have a cup of ice cream, just don't get seconds.
You can eat an unhealthy meal, just do better next time.
It's important to realize that weight loss is a process. Quick fixes, like counting calories and complete restriction, will get the weight off, but you'll gain it right back. Changing your daily habits will make life much easier. Remember to love yourself throughout the journey. Invest in your body.
