5 Mistakes That Will Set Yourself Up For Weight Loss Failure Without Realizing it!

1. Setting Unrealistic Goals:

Focusing on weight rather than overall health can be very stressful because you are constantly watching the scale and keeping tabs on every pound, which can facilitate anxiety and weight gain through emotional eating. Instead, focus on health and wellness. For instance, focus on improving blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, or managing blood glucose. In other words, establishing wellness goals will help you gain more perspective on your overall health, which will inspire and empower you throughout your weight loss journey.

Setting a time-frame can put too much pressure on yourself. Keep in mind that it is not a race but a journey. Healthy and safe weight loss is 1 to 2 lbs per week. Now, if you struggled with your weight most of your life then don't expected to be a size 2 overnight. It takes time, discipline, and dedication to achieve sustainable weight loss.

Don't strive for perfection! Everyone has flaws and nobody is perfect. Instead, learn to accept your imperfections and accentuate your best features such as your eyes, lips, hair, smile, chest, buttocks, legs, or shoulders etc. Everyone has something that makes them unique and it's important to celebrate it.

2. Too Many Restrictions:

Omitting food groups can only set you up for failure in the long run because it's important to consume a variety of foods that includes all food groups to ensure your body receives adequate nutrients and to prevent deficiencies.

Skipping meals could put you at an energy deficit. So, eating 3 to 5 meals a day, including snacks, will ensure that you are energized and support bodily functions in order to thrive. Long periods between meals can decrease your blood sugar and disrupt your ability to think straight. Eating small frequent meals throughput the day will keep you satisfied longer until your next meal.

Ignoring cravings and urges can only set you up for binge eating, which can facilitate yo-yo dieting. So, don't ignore those natural urges such as craving dessert after dinner. Go ahead...Just don't go overboard and indulge night after night! Instead, quench your palette with something sweet and tasty such as frozen yogurt, fruit parfait, slice of apple pie, or an oatmeal cookie. Moderation is key! It's important to have balance because it's familiar and feels comfortable. Besides, you'll most likely stay on track if you honor your cravings from time to time.

3. Being Impatient

Relax and have patience! Start at your own pace and take small step towards your goal. For instance, start walking once a day and increase the intensity over time until you feel comfortalbe and safe enough to jog. Remember it's not a race...it's a destination!

Celebrate each milestone you reach. Small changes reap big rewards and each step towards your goal is a pillar towards the next goal. For instance, reward yourself with a new gym outfit for exercising regularly, which will encourage to workout more. In addition, pick a social media platform to showcase your progress throughout your journey. You'll be surprise of the support you receive from followers and other influencers.

4. Lack of Personal Accountability

Personal accountability is more reliable and compels you to look in the mirror and explore other shortcomings in your life. But, be accountable for your own actions and don't make excuses or deflect. Taking responsibility for both your failures and achievements will keep you in control of your own destiny.

Acknowledge the downfalls and setbacks. Learn from your mistakes, dust yourself off, and try agan; rinse and repeat! For instance, if you fall off the wagon just get back up and start over. Don't focus on the past because it will only hold you back from becoming your future self. Overtime, this will take practice to build.

5. Pessimistic Belief System:

Sometimes people can be their own worst critic, which can be self-sabotaging and cause depression. Instead, improve your mindset by removing negativity from your vocabulary and environment. Surround yourself around positive like-mined people with common interest. Also, keep daily positive affirmations on your phone or post them on social media for encouragement.

Consistent dissatisfaction is a waste of time and energy. In fact, it will only perpetuate pessimism and negativity. Try to keep a positive attitude despite what life throws at you, when things are not going according to plan, or when you are not seeing immediate results. Remember, as the saying goes..."Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react!"