Out of all the types of weight loss methods, dieting is the most accessible. It’s cheaper and less complicated than undergoing medical treatments. But because dieting is not as radical as other weight loss procedures, it takes a longer time to see and feel its results. Subsisting on a restrictive diet for a lengthy time can frustrate just about anyone, and many people are tempted to quit even before they see the fruits of their labor. Unfortunately, quitting a diet is much easier than starting on one.
It is best to get acquainted with the common problems you can run into while on a diet. This way, you have a better chance of overcoming them, and you can easily set up a support group or access professional help in case you need one.
- Body Rebellion – Changing your diet all of a sudden can cause your body to react differently, especially if you’re adopting a very strict diet or if you’re recovering from food addiction. Among the unpleasant symptoms you can experience are headaches, brain fog, digestive problems, and physical and mental fatigue. To avoid these, you have to adopt your new diet at a pace that your body is completely comfortable with. Gradually change your menu if you have to, just so you don’t risk taking one step forward and two steps back.
- Lack of Physical Activity – Losing or gaining weight is not limited by what you put in your body; it is also affected by your level of physical activity. To lose weight, it is important that you lose more calories than you take in every day. Unused calories get stored into fat, but you can deplete the fat stored in your body by building muscles. Aiming to get at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity should be a good start.
- Avoiding All Types of Fats and Calories – Calories and fats are needed by the body to stay healthy. Fat transports nutrients and metabolites across cell membranes, while cholesterol is converted into the energy your body feeds on. A diet lacking in fat and calories makes you more lethargic. Be sure to stay within your daily calorie intake, and pick ingredients that have good fats. Good fats include polyunsaturated fats found in vegetable oils and fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, and monounsaturated fats from olive oil.
- Eating the Wrong Things – Dieting doesn’t mean eating nothing but greens and vegetables. Sticking to only one type of food group will do more harm to your body than good. Following this kind of diet plan will deprive you of much-needed nutrients found in other food groups. Your menu must consist of a variety of meat, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.
- Disregarding the Emotional, Mental, and Social Factors – In addition to conditioning your body, you should also consider your feelings and mental state while on a diet. Along the way, you’ll inevitably have to make a decision between sticking with your diet or eating to your heart’s content. You may also feel frustrated with your progress, or you may be tempted to overeat to deal with emotional stress. Be aware of these pitfalls and think of how you can successfully deal with them when the time comes. It will also help if you reach out to people who can offer you a helping hand when you’re having trouble following or adjusting your menu.
Here, at the Genemedics Health Institute, we want to see you reach your ideal weight the healthy way. We have health professionals who can help you reach your fitness goal, and our weight loss program can be customized to fit your current lifestyle. Visit our clinics across Michigan and Arizona to find out more about our customized diets and nutrition plans. You can also contact the Genemedics Health Institute at 800-277-4041.
