Four Bad Choices Often Made for Weight Loss and Health

Having since a young age dealt with weight issues, I have always had a keen interest in diet. In the last few years trying to overcome various health problems I have spent a great deal of time researching weight loss and health.

In life experiences, visiting various forums and reading comments left on weight loss articles I find that people who have never had a weight issue lack a certain understanding. Even people who work the same job and have the same basic lifestyle as I, tell me eat less move more. Failing to realize they are saying this while wolfing down a burger, fries and soda while I am eating a salad and drinking a bottle of water.

Yes, I agree with the basic premise of calories consumed versus calories used, however there must be more to the equation. I understand metabolism is a reason why some people seem to be able to eat whatever they want and not gain weight, while others seem to put on weight just looking at food. So, is a calorie just a calorie or do certain people metabolize types of foods differently?

That is my opinion, we do react differently to different food types. The trick is to determine which foods are your particular problem area. I have found I do better avoiding high carbohydrate foods, I never seem to get the sugar "rush" some talk about, however I can identify with the crash that follows. It is the same way with caffeine after two cups of coffee I get sleepy, so energy drinks are wasted on me.

I also have come to the conclusion, that even if certain foods do not cause a person to gain weight they are still unhealthy. Whether you want to lose weight or just maintain your health here four common mistakes I have learned people make.

1. Not having something for breakfast. The term breakfast literally comes from breaking a fast, since you were asleep it should have been the period of the day you went longest without eating. You should start the day with some protein perhaps an egg or two and try to cut back on the coffee and sugar in the morning. This will help dieters speed up their metabolism and provide stability for the rest of the day.

2. Trying to skip meals. Not eating when you're hungry will cause fat storing hormones to be released. If you feel hungry have a light snack handy, you do not have to eat a full meal, many diet guru's recommend a few almonds.

3. The diet, no diet, diet, no diet merry-go-round. I have been there before and it is not pretty. The best way I know, is start slow making small changes in your diet but not going on a "Diet". Add better healthier foods and slowly cut out the bad over time, though it is best to set a specific completion date, make it realistic.

4. Oil and water do not mix and neither does sugar and fat. When you eat sugar insulin is released causing you to store more fat. Sugar and fat combinations such donuts, ice cream, most desserts are tasty but a real health and weight loss nightmare. If you must have something sweet, make it low fat and containing fiber, preferably a piece fruit.

There are other mistakes made in a healthy diet, but working on these four will take you a long way down the road to health and weight loss. Remember exercise is an important factor in weight loss and health as well as improving quality of life. We are all different so research and experiment to find what works for you.

See my blog Getting Fit as a Baby Boomer

Take care and be well.

Tommy Douglas

Tommy Douglas is an over 50 Baby Boomer who interested in weight loss and health issues. Having lost over 70 pounds and put diabetes into remission is on a quest to learn more about diet and fitness.

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