Diligently counting calories, exercising like a champ, and yet, the scale won’t move … Discover if you’re falling into one of these dieting traps, and learn what might be the missing piece of your weight-loss puzzle!
Losing weight is a challenge. When you finally decide to commit, you stick to healthy eating, do cardio – but the results are nowhere to be seen …
Ugh, how frustrating!
7 overlooked weight loss traps
So, let’s look at seven potential saboteurs of your weight loss goals – and how to beat them.
1. Speedy eating
Devouring your meals like there’s no tomorrow? Research suggests that eating too quickly can lead to overeating since our brain needs time to register that we’re full.
So slow down to slim down! Take time to savour each bite, giving your body a chance to catch up with your fork.
2. Skipping sleep
Sleep deprivation messes with your hormones which regulate hunger and fullness.
Make it a priority to let your body rejuvenate! An average adult needs 7–9 hours of rest each night to refill the batteries and get ready for another day.
It is called “beauty sleep” for a reason!
3. Forgetting protein
This nutrient deserves a standing ovation for its weight loss benefits!
Protein not only keeps you feeling fuller for longer, but it also helps build and repair muscles, boosting your metabolism.
So, load up on lean meats, eggs, tofu, and legumes to give your body the protein punch.
4. Constant restriction
Constantly hopping from one restrictive diet to another can wreak havoc on your metabolism.
And the initial weight drop that accompanies every restrictive diet (usually from losing water, not fat!) gives you hope and fuels your motivation, but it just as quickly stops.
So instead of jumping on fad diets, focus on sustainable eating with wholesome foods and creating a healthy relationship with food.
5. Not adjusting calories
As you start losing weight, your body becomes more efficient, requiring fewer calories to function.
To keep this momentum going, you must adjust your calorie intake.
If you’re new to the principle of counting calories, consider consulting a registered dietitian. They can help you fine-tune your nutrition for the best results!
6. Unbalanced exercising
Aerobic exercises (running, cycling, swimming, HIIT) are a great weight-loss tool. They help burn calories and improve cardiovascular health.
But don’t make a common mistake and forget weight training!
It’s not just for building muscles – it can also boost metabolism and enhance your body’s fat-burning ability.
And ladies, no worries – weight training is not just lifting weights but also pilates, yoga, working with resistance bands, doing push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and holding plank.
7. Forgetting about hidden sugar
Have you proudly been drinking coffee without sugar and saying “no” to dessert after lunch?
Great, but …
…you’re probably still eating too much sugar!
Not from chocolate or cookies, but from unexpected sources – pasta sauce, yoghurt, cereals, salad dressing, ketchup, …
For an average adult, WHO recommends no more than a total of 50 grams of sugar a day.
And if 1 tablespoon of ketchup contains around 4 g of sugar, a can of soda up to 40 g, you can see the problem!
These added sugars spike blood sugar levels, increase cravings, and pile unnecessary calories.
To safely navigate this minefield of sugar traps, start reading labels.
Check sugar content and the list of ingredients for any hidden sources of sugar (sucrose, fructose, corn syrup). And when the urge hits, grab a piece of fruit instead of a cookie!
Now that you’re armed with knowledge about what to avoid let’s talk about one approach to weight loss that you probably haven’t considered but can work wonders …
The missing piece of the weight loss puzzle: your genes
Your unique genetic makeup can play a crucial role in your weight loss journey!
We all carry slightly different variations of the same genes, and those small differences can have a big impact. They affect our response to carbs, fats, protein, satiety, hunger, sleep quality, optimal workout …
No wonder popular diets fail in the long run – because we’re so unique, there is no one-size-fits-all solution!
Listening to your genes can bring the results you want because it considers your body’s specific and personal needs.
Genes and weight loss: Did you know?
Genes are a major risk factor for obesity, accounting for 40–70% of your obesity risk.
And have you been strictly avoiding carbs? You might be in 53% of the population that is 3 times more likely to become obese if they don’t eat enough complex carbs!
Some people taste sugar less intensely. They usually add more sugar for the same sweetness. Being one of them makes you more vulnerable to sugar’s many harmful effects.
Can’t stop snacking? It might be in your genes. So can insatiability and hunger!
This is just a tiny fraction of what you can learn with a DNA test.
Personalise your weight loss plan with a DNA test
No more guesswork, just science-backed insights tailored to your individual needs.
With over 80 analyses and recommendations by our experts, MyLifestyle DNA test can help you:
- Learn which diet type is optimal for your body
- Discover if you’re at higher risk of obesity
- See if you should eat more complex carbs
- Find the exercise most suited to your body’s natural strengths
- Learn how to get enough quality sleep
MyLifestyle DNA test is also quick and completely safe – you just collect a saliva sample at home. In return, you get not only results but also:
- recommendations by our experts,
- explanation of each analysis – what it is and why it matters,
- a deep-dive into the science behind for those who want to learn more,
- a convenient and secure app with your results and free features (Health Score: your health meter, Food ID: personalised food guide).
And the best part?
Once you buy our DNA test, you continue receiving new analyses.
For free.
We regularly add new analyses to our tests. As our customer, you receive them without additional testing or cost, increasing the value of your test with each passing month.
So, are you ready to jump over those weight loss traps and head towards a healthy and happy body?
It begins in your genes.
