Weight loss is a goal that many people in the Chicago area aspire to, but not everyone reaches. Many don’t even make a dent, or end up gaining weight instead. Sometimes, these results are due to lack of motivation or poor initiative, but quite often the effort and determination are there, yet mistakes are being made that hinder the process. If you need help with weight loss in the Chicago area, contact our clinic today.

Counting Calories Incorrectly

Many weight loss gurus and nutritionists discourage counting calories, but if you choose that route anyway, make sure you count them correctly. Most people tend to overestimate their daily calorie requirements, taking in more than they need for successful weight loss. As an example, estimating 2,000 daily calories when 1,800 are actually what you need can keep an extra 20 pounds on your body. Those 200 calories per day don’t seem like much, but they add up.

Keeping the Exact Same Exercise Routine

Doing the same type of exercise day in and day out isn’t only boring, but it can cause you to hit plateaus that prevent additional weight loss. Try varying your routine to include interval training and circuit training that will rev up your calorie burning potential. Going for that moderate treadmill walk while chatting to a friend at the gym each day may be enjoyable, but it’s not your most effective weight loss option.

Ignoring Portion Sizes

One huge mistake many people make when losing weight is to adopt the belief that they can’t overeat if they are consuming healthy foods. This isn’t the case, and a lot of the time, you’ll end up consuming more calories than someone who isn’t concerned with eating healthy. Nutrients are important, but calories count, too. Eat slowly, chew your food well and stick to smaller portion sizes, no matter what you are eating.

Trying to Exercise a Poor Diet Away

One common thought among people that want to lose weight but don’t want to eat healthy foods, is that they can exercise away their dietary indiscretions. Eat what you want and then workout like a maniac to make it all better. This may work for a short time for someone with a speedy metabolism, but ultimately it will catch up to you and you will gain weight. Start with a nutritional approach and use exercise to refine your body and your weight.

Making Excuses

One of the biggest weight loss mistakes is making excuses for why you can’t lose weight. Some people blame their schedule or genetics or any other number of issues that is supposedly holding them back from being successful. If you are determined to lose weight, there is a way to make it happen, but making excuses for why it won’t isn’t the answer.

Our team at VitaLifein the Chicago area is here to help you with any questions you have. Feel free to contact us today.