Losing weight is a matter of calories in vs. calories out. But it’s not always as simple as that. Sometimes, even when you think you’re doing everything right, the scale just doesn’t seem to be budging.
If you’re stuck at a plateau, it might be because you’re making one (or more) of these five common eating mistakes.
Overeating Healthy Food
Just because a food is healthy doesn’t mean you can eat as much of it as you want and still lose weight. Avocados, nuts, and whole wheat toast are all examples of healthy foods that are easy to overeat.
Pay attention to portion sizes, especially when it comes to snacks. It’s easy to mindlessly munch on nuts or have second and third helpings of avocado toast, but those extra calories can really add up.
Cooking With Too Much Oil
When cooking at home, it’s important to be mindful of the oils you use. Just one tablespoon of olive oil has 120 calories—and it’s very easy to use more than one tablespoon when cooking. When possible, cook with a nonstick spray instead of oil or butter.
Splurging Too Much
Everyone deserves a treat occasionally, but if you’re trying to lose weight it’s important to be mindful of how often you splurge. If you find yourself going overboard more often than not, try cutting back to once per week or month. You can also try smaller portions.
Not Eating Enough Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for anyone trying to lose weight. Not only does it help you feel fuller longer, but it also helps preserve muscle mass as you lose fat. Ensure you’re including protein at every meal and snack, and include sources like lean meat, poultry, fish, tofu, beans, and lentils.
Adding Unhealthy Condiments
Salad dressings, sauces, and dips can instantly turn a healthy meal into an unhealthy one. These condiments are high in sugar and empty calories. Stick to vinegar-based salad dressings and use salsa or guacamole as dips.
