5 Common Diet Mistakes to Avoid

Eating right is a crucial part of managing your weight. Yet there’s a lot of misinformation about exactly what that entails. If you fall for the myths, you could be sabotaging your weight loss or even risking your health. Luckily, by knowing what to watch out for, you can avoid these missteps and keep your weight-loss plan on track.

Mistake 1: Aiming for too much, too soon

The kinds of drastic steps needed to achieve a sudden weight loss are hard to keep up long-term. For lasting success, a slow, steady weight loss of about 1 to 2 pounds per week is better.

Mistake 2: Banning entire groups of foods

Some people believe they need to cut out all grains or dairy products in order to lose weight. By doing so, they’re missing out on nutrients that these foods provide. A better approach is to choose healthier options within that food category, such as whole-wheat bread or low-fat milk.

Mistake 3: Eating oversized portions

Be aware of portion size. In restaurants, split a big meal with a friend or put half of it in a to-go box. At home, control portions and keep serving dishes off the table to discourage seconds.

Mistake 4: Going too long without eating

When you’re ravenous, you may be more likely to overeat later. Eating a healthy breakfast every morning and nutritious snacks between meals may help you lose weight and keep it off because you’ll avoid becoming too hungry.

Mistake 5: Forbidding favorite foods

No one likes feeling deprived. If your favorite comfort food is high in fat, added sugars, or calories, you don’t have to give it up completely. Just eat smaller amounts less frequently. Then balance it with healthier choices for the rest of the day.