6 Big Mistakes You Probably Don’t Realize You’re Making
Mistake 1: Never Wavering From Your Strict Diet
The holiday season is on the horizon, and everyone is divided between two eating strategies:
- “I am going to enjoy myself and enjoy my food, dieting can wait until after the holidays.”
- “I am going to do my best to eat healthy during the holidays and avoid weight gain.”
Neither of these strategies is necessarily bad; after all, the holidays are the perfect time to enjoy food and drinks with friends and family. Although it’s important to maintain a healthy daily lifestyle, it’s okay to take a break from the “daily health routine” every once in a while. In fact, many wonderfully successful diets incorporate “cheat days,” to prevent dieters from becoming overwhelmed. Modern medical science has proven this philosophy as a necessity to those who seek a long-term, healthy eating lifestyle. By allowing ourselves occasional cheat days, dieters are far less likely to buckle under the stress of a rigorous dieting regimen.
Mistake 2: Skipping Organic Foods
One of the biggest mistakes that people make whether they are trying to lose weight or just maintain a healthy lifestyle is to eat non-organic, often highly processed foods. Emerging research suggests that processed food actually alters the way our bodies process fat, causing the body to store fat longer. Eating organic food is not only healthier, but it will help you lose weight as well. When patients visit our clinic, we often observe that when patients accustomed to poor diets begin to eat organically, they may become sick or nauseous for the first few days. This is a result of the high amounts of chemicals from years of improper eating suddenly purging from the body. Our weight-loss program requires a “two-week organic detox” phase before the patient can begin our low-calorie HCG program. The detox process prepares the body for the HCG program, preventing patients from becoming sick during the weight-loss stage.
Many patients complain that organic food is too expensive, however there are bargains to be found if you check the local advertisements and coupons regularly. If you absolutely cannot afford organic food, there are other healthy alternatives. When the weather is warm, pay a visit to your local farmer’s market. Farmer’s markets offer fresh, inexpensive, locally grown bread and produce. If you simply can’t make the leap to organic, farm fresh produce is a significant improvement. If you ask this writer, “farm fresh” is as good as it gets in this part of the country, considering that Kentucky has some of the most nutritious soil in the South.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Nutrition Labels
It’s essential to pay close attention the nutrition information labels on your food. Unfortunately, we often consume foods blindly without having a clue as to their ingredients. Large food manufacturers have become increasingly bold in reducing food quality in their efforts to increase profit. Although the FDA helps to regulate food production quality, the reality is that the FDA has far too many responsibilities to oversee, and far too few staff to manage the task. For example, foods that claim to be “organic” or “all natural” may not be what they seem. In order for the FDA to approve a food claiming to be “organic,” only 40% of its contents must be organic. Phrases like “all natural” on the other hand, are not government regulated, and can be misleading to consumers. For example, if Doritos elected to stamp the phrase, “all natural,” on its products tomorrow, they would have every legal right to do so. It’s important to understand the facts behind nutrition labels, and to always pay close attention to the food you’re putting in your body.
Mistake 4: Eating Out Too Often
Although going out to eat is something that should be regarded as a treat, for many families, it has become a way of life. As moms juggle conflicting family schedules, many women turn to take-out meals and fast food to feed their families. Though we may be seduced by the cheap convenience of fast food, there is a hefty price to pay for these quick meals. When you eat out, you are almost guaranteed to receive over-processed food with significantly less nutritional value than if you had prepared the same dish at home. Recent studies have shown that health-conscious moms use HALF the oil and fats for cooking a dish that the average restaurant would use. If you want your food done right, you’re best off doing it yourself.
Mistake 5: Stop Snacking on Unhealthy Foods
Snacking is not bad, in fact, eating 4-5 small healthy meals a day is ideal to allow our bodies to metabolize food properly and avoid weight gain. By eating healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and whole grains, you can curb your appetite while gaining important nutrients. However, if you continuously snack on unhealthy foods, you’re sabotaging your weight loss goals. If you feel food cravings, try eating a healthy snack. Drinking water is also a great snacking alternative, as it fills your stomach and “tricks” the body into thinking it’s full.
Mistake 6: The Microwave is not the only way to Heat Food
Most people know that microwavable meals are generally unhealthy. Microwaves cook food with radiation that removes many important nutrients. Crucial nutrients, such as antioxidants and vitamins are completely removed when cooked under high heat and radiation. And let’s be honest, microwavable meals just don’t taste that great. Instead of microwaving your next meal, try a heated oven instead. Vitamins and nutrients are not significantly lost in the heat from the stove. Plus, your food will taste better too!
