If you’re following a strict diet but not seeing the results you
want, you may be sabotaging yourself.
In this blog post, plastic surgeon Dr. Sayah takes a look at three common
diet mistakes that may be hindering your weight loss efforts — and
what you can do to correct them.
MISTAKE #1: “CRASH” DIETING
There are many weight loss programs and diets that claim to be “quick fixes.” While you may be able to lose weight quickly following these “crash” diets, the negative effects on your health far outweigh the positive. Strict diets can lead to a lack of nutrients, which in turn can cause several health problems, including immune system suppression as well as bad skin and hair. Additionally, rapid weight loss or gain can have negative effects on the appearance of your skin. Extreme weight fluctuations loosens the skin’s tissue, causing skin to sag or droop.
Solution: Slow and steady weight loss wins the race. Avoid fad diets that promise rapid weight loss (i.e., losing 10 pounds in one week). Instead, concentrate on dropping one half to one pound a week by eating healthy and exercising regularly.
MISTAKE #2: SKIPPING MEALS
Skipping meals may seem like a logical way to avoid calories, but it can actually have the reverse effect. Experts have found people who skip meals weigh more than those who don’t. The reason for this is that starving yourself can lead to overeating during the next meal as your body tries to overcompensate for the lack of calories.
Solution: Always start the day off with a healthy breakfast that can keep your hunger satisfied until lunchtime. Try adding almonds to your cereal, or pair a hard-boiled egg with some toast and fruit.
MISTAKE #3: IGNORING PORTION CONTROL
Are you eating healthier but still not losing weight? The reason for this may be in the portions you eat. Even the healthiest of foods contain calories, and therefore they should be enjoyed in moderation. For example, olive oil is healthier than butter, but consider this: one tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories. Likewise, salads are generally healthier than pizza or fast food, but adding dressing, croutons and/or bacon bits to your salad can hurt your weight loss efforts.
Solution: Read nutrition labels to understand the serving sizes you should be eating. Additionally, don’t feel obligated to finish everything on your plate. Try leaving a few bites of food, and stop eating when you are slightly full, instead of unbearably full.
WANT A SLIMMER PHYSIQUE? DR. SAYAH CAN HELP
If you already avoid these mistakes but still have small fatty deposits that are resistant to your diet and exercise diets, you may want to consider liposuction. Liposuction can eliminate stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction specialist Dr. Sayah can perform liposuction on the abdomen, hips, thighs, upper arms and/or buttocks for a more svelte physique. To learn more about your liposuction treatment options, contact Dr. Sayah today. Please call our Beverly Hills office at (310) 984-1150.