12 weight loss mistakes NOT to make this month

Most people want to lose weight fast. What’s more, many are after a quick fix. But this is the first mistake you could make when trying to losing weight.

The route to successful and long term weight loss is all about small steps and consistency. That’s what the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge is built around; healthy eating and long term sustainability.

Check out the most common weight loss mistakes people make below (and find out how to avoid making them yourself!)

12 weight loss mistakes NOT to make this month

1. Thinking the weight will just fall off if you take a magic pill or potion

It won’t. Weight loss takes commitment and healthy weight loss should be done over a sensible period of time.

The focus should be on healthy eating, cutting out junk food and exercising. Pills which claim to help you ‘lose weight fast’ are not healthy, can lead to all kinds of side effects and are not safe if you are breastfeeding.

Find out how our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge can help you lose weight healthily.

2. Not eating ENOUGH protein 

Protein is critical in weight loss. It helps to keep you fuller, build lean muscle and helps to boost the metabolism.

You should aim for some protein every time you eat but it should always be combined with complex carbohydrates, fruit or vegetables to ensure your body is getting a good balance of nutrients that work well together and aid absorption and digestion.

Check out these delicious Asian pork and veggie rice balls for a protein packed lunch or dinner.

3. Eating too many carbs

Carbohydrates in the form of vegetables and wholegrain pasta, rice and bread are good (avoid white and processed bread and pasta) but you should watch your portion size.

Keep to 1/4 of your plate size to carbohydrates and 1/4 protein and 1/2 veggies. If you consume too many, you will be consuming too many calories.

4. Not getting enough fibre

Fibre and looking after your inner health is critical for helping to lose stomach fat and ensuring adequate nutrient absorption. Fibre helps your body to flush out toxins plus helps you feel fuller for longer.

5. Not drinking enough water

Water is critical for helping to rid the body of waste and toxins and thirst can often be mistaken for hunger so always drink water at the first signs of hunger. Check out these 5 ways to increase your water intake

6. Eating infrequently

For the metabolism to work effectively, it needs to be refuelled every few hours. So make sure you always have some healthy snacks on hand to munch on, and don’t skip meals.

7. Not exercising enough

Weight loss is 80 per cent diet but it is important to still exercise regularly.

The exercise will increase your metabolism, release feel good endorphins, help you tone up and boost your weight loss. Aim for a 30 minute fast walk every day plus incorporate exercises that use the larger muscle groups to boost metabolism such as squats, push ups or light weights.

8. Not being motivated enough

You need to be really honest with yourself and write down why you want to lose the weight. Really think about it and keep your reasons close at hand so when you feel demotivated you look back at your reasons why, and keep going.

9. Incorrect portion size

You must not have the same portion size as your partner if they are bigger than you! Your plate should be split into 1/4 wholegrain carbohydrates, 1/4 lean protein and 1/2 veggies. If you watch your portion size you will have your weight under control.

Check out our handy guide to portion size here.

10. Keep junk food out of the house

You need to throw out all junk food as if you keep it in the house there will be moments of weakness and you will binge. Chuck it all out!

If you’re battling sweet cravings, prepare ahead and make a batch of a healthy version of your favourite sweet treat. These 4 ingredient choc chip peanut butter fudge bites are perfect for kicking cravings to the kerb.

11. Not eating enough

Many mums think eating too little is the key to weight loss. This intact can interfere with your metabolism, send your body into starvation mode and actually prevent you losing weight. That’s why the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge has different meal plans depending on your calorie needs (and all the guess work is done for you). Find out more about the different plans here.

12. Putting too much pressure on yourself and not being in the right frame of mind

Make sure you are in the right frame of mind before trying to lose weight and when you are ready make sure you set realistic goals.

Find out how to set SMART goals for success here.

Stay on track with the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge

Want to shift your baby weight but feel like you have NO TIME in your day to exercise and eat healthily? That’s where the Healthy Mummy’s 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge can help.

Our Challenge entails: 

• 28 days of at home exercise routines (no gym needed) – with video instruction
• Customisable and breastfeeding friendly meal plans
• Time-efficient exercises for busy mums – under 30 mins
• Challenge combines Pilates exercises with interval and circuit training (HIIT)
• Suitable for basic to advanced fitness levels.
• Home to thousands of EASY-TO-MAKE recipes.

Find out more HERE