Balanced diet tips: How to avoid common weight loss pitfalls
What mistakes to avoid when losing weight (photo: Freepik)
A balanced diet is a key part of weight loss. However, if you overeat, even with healthy foods, your weight will remain the same, according to the Express.
Which foods not to overeat
Dietitian and weight loss coach Naomi Holbrook explained that you shouldn't overeat healthy foods because they also have a certain caloric value.
"The quality and quantity of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are equally important," she added.
For example, healthy foods such as nuts, seeds, oils, and avocados are high in calories, and if weight loss is the overall goal, overeating them will have a negative impact.
The expert recommends sticking to a portion the size of a large thumb for the foods mentioned above and limiting olive oil to 1-2 tablespoons per meal.
A common problem during weight loss
Dietitian Rimas Geiga emphasized the dangers of drastically cutting calories, which can lead to a slowed metabolism, making weight loss harder and increasing the risk of losing lean muscle mass, which is essential for a healthy metabolism.
He also noted that a common issue during weight loss is excessive snacking and unbalanced meals, which can leave people feeling unsatisfied and lead to more frequent eating.
Nicole Farndell, an experienced trainer, noted that frequent snacking, especially on sugary or ultra-processed foods, causes repeated spikes in blood sugar levels. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where you become less sensitive to insulin. This makes weight loss harder and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
What you should not snack on
Snacking on foods high in fat, sugar, and salt can cause even stronger food cravings and exacerbate unhealthy eating habits.
Here are the foods to avoid:
- Chips
- Cookies
- Pastries
- Baked goods
- Chocolate
It's important to know that such foods consist of processed and ultra-processed ingredients, which have no benefit for the body.
Read also about foods that will help you live a long and healthy life.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
