If you find that you spend your entire life dieting but never moving down a trouser size, then there has to be an explanation, one which doesn?t involve you insisting to everyone that your metabolism is just ?freakishly slow?. When it comes to female dieting logic, I?ve heard it all (and also said it all) because no one, and I mean no one, can rationalise a calorie away like a woman on a diet can.
But perhaps, some of your rationalising is to blame for your never decreasing waistline. If the following sounds familiar, then there?s a chance you might need to re-evaluate your diet plan:
1. ?There?s no limit to how many fruit or vegetables I can eat? they?re healthy?
Just so you know, healthy and calorie-free are not the same thing. Not to mention that many extremely healthy foods are high in natural sugar.
So it turns out, when they say ?everything in moderation? they?re not just talking about doughnuts. Let’s not forget that it’s not just our waistlines we should be concerned about. Sugary foods drastically affect our dental hygiene. This being the case, it’s imperative that we attend regular checkups with our local dentist, like this Dentist Mount Vernon.
2. ?I can?t go to the gym, until I?m skinny enough to show my face at the gym?
The gym is not for people with perfect bodies. The gym is home to everyone who wants to improve their health, fitness and physical appearance.
Plus, all the people who are close to reaching their body goals are usually too busy working out to concern themselves with how you might look.
3. ?Liquid calories aren?t really a thing??
Actually, they are. Did you know that a Pina Colada has more calories than a Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut and a glass of wine has roughly the same calories as a slice of cake? And let?s be honest, who stops at just one Pina Colada or one glass of wine?
Then there?s the fact that drinking usually increases your appetite and decreases your ability to say ?no? to a 2am snack.
4. ?I read somewhere that cheat days are important when training?
Well, they are. But not three times a week! Also, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you?re meant to enjoy a ?cheat meal,? not an entire day of cheating.
I know it?s tempting after ruining your diet to eat the entire contents of your house and to get it ?out of your system? but a wild eating spree can just end up making you crave more junk food. It?s just a vicious (albeit very delicious) circle.
5. ?I don?t lift weights, because it will make me bulky?
No, it will make you toned. Yes, women can get bulky, but it?s not as easy as you think. Women are built differently to men and don?t build muscle mass as easily, so your worries that you?ll lift once and end up with triceps the size of hams are totally unfounded.
If anything, research shows that weight lifting can actually help your body burn more calories long after your work-out is over. So take that cardio lovers.
6. ?Carbs are evil?
First of all, you can?t tarnish all carbs with the same brush.
Carbs fall into two categories (simple and complex carbohydrates). Simple carbs include white rice, white bread, pastries and candy whilst complex carbs tend to be higher in fibre and include lentils, brown rice, oats and quinoa. The bottom line is, not all carbs are bad, just learn to differentiate.
7. ?I barely eat, but I?m still putting on weight?
The chances are, if you?re putting on weight, you?re eating more than you should.
If you are actively trying to lose weight with a combination of exercise and healthy eating, but somehow find your jeans are still getting tighter by the day, then you might want to consider that you?re not being as strict as you?d like to think. Planning your meals in advance or keeping a food diary can be a great way to monitor what you?re eating and to stop yourself from suffering with food related amnesia.
Lastly, remember it didn?t take a week to put on the weight, so don?t expect to lose it in a week. It takes a bit of time, dedication and motivation. Remember why you’re doing this, whether it’s to be healthy, to get fit or to make your diet more varied. You can do it. Good luck!
