7 Diet Roadblocks
Reported February 26, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — You count calories, fat, carbohydrates and protein. You even exercise every day — but those extra pounds just won’t budge. Sound familiar? What could you be doing wrong? Seven common roadblocks often stand in the way of the journey to an ideal weight.
Everyone has a slim-down tip, a food philosophy and a diet no-no. But if losing weight was easy, we’d all look like models. What’s blocking your road to diet success?
For Sabine Falco, it’s eating out. During her pregnancy, she gained 60 pounds.
“Sometimes, it’s just easier to eat something that’s easier and faster,” Falco told Ivanhoe.
A salad you prepare with low-fat dressing has about 100 calories. A salad from one popular restaurant has 970! Several Web sites list nutrition information online so you know what to order.
Roadblock number two: Eating from big bowls.
“If you have a plate that’s 9 inches and it’s full, your brain interprets that the same way as if you had a 15-inch plate that’s full,” Sherri Flynt, R.D., Community Relations Manager for the Florida Hospital Center of Nutritional Excellence in Orlando, Fla., told Ivanhoe.
Another mistake: Thinking all fruits and vegetables have to be fresh. Canned and frozen often contain more nutrients.
“They were picked right there and processed to be frozen right there,” Sarah Krieger, R.D., M.P.H., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, told Ivanhoe.
Lack of sleep can also set you back. One study found adding just one hour of sleep to your schedule causes you to eat 6 percent less. Skipping breakfast is also a don’t — but if it’s an unhealthy donut or nothing, which should you choose?
“I would say the donut, occasionally,” Krieger said.
Also, don’t eat in the dark. You’re less aware of what you’re doing and can’t see how much you’re eating. Another mistake: Aiming low. A recent study found women who set unrealistically high goals dropped more weight in two years.
Falco’s already lost 16 pounds but wants to lose another 30.
“It takes a lot of willpower for me to do this,” Falco said.
It’s a goal with as few roadblocks as possible.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
Sarah Krieger, MPH, RD, LD/N
National Spokesperson
American Dietetic Association
(727) 343-1216
sarah@diningcents.com
http://www.diningcents.com