Here are 6 mistakes to avoid when you are trying to get in shape (I like to get straight to the point so here they are!):
Focusing on what you can’t eat.
Just don’t do it. There are soooo many healthy options out there, so many great alternatives to your favourite foods, which taste similar and are super satisfying. Don’t focus on what you can’t eat, but keep looking for delicious things you can eat.
Using weekends as an excuse to binge…
I’ve been there. In my twenties, I used to spend weekends eating pizza, cookies, ready made meals, other takeaways… you name it! It’s easy to guess it didn’t help my weight loss and it won’t help yours.
Not eating enough fat
Fat is high in calories, so it is easy to overeat, but we need fat in our diets for energy, to make and balance hormones, form cell membranes, to form our brains and nervous system, transport vitamins, and give us omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that we can’t make on our own. If we don’t eat enough dietary fat, we don’t properly absorb vitamins A, D,E, and K. This can lead to deficiencies of these fat-soluble vitamins.
Doing too much cardio
If you do too much cardio you may be exhausted, and for some, it may lead to overeating later. If you don’t do enough cardio you may not get results. Try to stay between 25 to 45 minutes, which should give the best results to burn fat and get you fitter.
Not having a plan
Create a plan so you know what you are doing and can easily track progress. It can be as simple as noting down your planned workouts in a calendar (get this simple template here: workout calendar). If you made a workout plan for a week ahead, here is a clap 👏👏👏 to you!
Not hiring a coach
When you have something specific you are trying to achieve, a coach can be of great help. For example: if you’ve never workout with weights, how will you know if your form is correct? You need someone to watch over you and correct that. You can hire a coach for just a few weeks and learn lots of things about yourself, instead of when you are trying to do it all alone. Plus the extra support is always welcome, especially if you are just starting out!
