By Heather Kiddoo, Live Active 563 Nutrition & Wellness
Something as fundamental as nutrition shouldn’t be so complicated. The problem is that there is an abundance of information on the internet about the “perfect diet” which causes people to be overwhelmed. At Live Active 563, we have helped many people lose weight, gain muscle, and learn healthy habits that last a life time.
Here are the top five mistakes we see:
- Inconsistency
Unfortunately, eating really well during the week doesn’t make up for binging every weekend. Most clients we work with are frustrated because they work really hard to stay on track Sunday through Thursday, then “let it rip” on the weekends.You really need a plan that promotes consistency. Have a treat on the weekend then move on. Don’t go completely overboard to start over on Monday.
- Too restrictive
You don’t have to cut every food group out of your diet to see lasting results. If your diet has more foods on the “can’t” list than the “can” list, it isn’t sustainable. Focus on what you can have; healthy substitutions add up and can make all the difference.Here’s the truth: there isn’t a quick fix. It’s hard work. It takes time to change your habits and take control of your health.
Just last week, I was with a friend and we were getting a cup of coffee. I ordered an almond milk latte and she said she “couldn’t have anything” from there because it wasn’t on her diet. Of course, I wanted to know more, so I asked, “What do you mean? You can’t have black coffee?” She said no, along with fruit, carbs, and some random vegetables. Unfortunately, she will lose some weight on this diet and in three months, she will regain the weight and be looking for the next quick fix.
- Not tracking
Tracking progress shows success and success leads to motivation. We know that clients are 50 percent more successful when they track their food, yet this is one of the toughest things to get clients to do.If you are just starting, jump on a scale and test your weight and body fat percentage. Grab a tape measure and at least measure your waist circumference (around your belly button). Then, download MyFitnessPal and just take an inventory of what you are eating.
Do this for two weeks then retest your weight and body fat. See what you can accomplish by just starting to track!
- No support
We understand it is tough to do by yourself. When we look at people who were initially successful but then slip back into old habits, they tell us it was gradual. They found themselves with their clothes getting tight again and want something that is simple and sustainable.If you know you have a competition or race coming up, you are more likely to train harder. When you have a nutrition coach providing support and accountability, you are more likely to be successful. We use the HSN app to help keep you accountable and engaged during your wellness journey. Sure, you have to be driven and willing to learn new habits, but the accountability the coaches provide coupled with the HSN app ensure engagement and motivation!
- Paralyzed by too many options and not taking action
The internet and social media have created thousands of overnight nutrition celebrities and experts.The truth is, the science behind nutrition and behavior modification to help someone achieve optimal health goes well beyond a picture of someone with abs or a seven-day detox.
It’s frustrating to see what gimmicks are out there, and even worse, what people have been tricked into doing before reaching out to us for help.
Please do your research before falling for a promise that sounds too good to be true. If you find yourself struggling with these mistakes, we can help! Email heather@liveactive563.com for your free intro. Be Well!