5 typical weight loss errors

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Theoretically, dieting has a simple formula: Eat less and burn more. However, dieters know that the simple formula is easier said than done. Below are some common mistakes people make while dieting.

1. Skipping Meals

Web MD notes that skipping meals may actually result in weight gain, rather than weight loss. The site explains that there is research evidence, which proves that people who tend to skip breakfast actually weigh more than those who take the time to eat breakfast.

New.com.au adds that people are eating lunch much later in the day compared to the past. Due to the hectic schedules, people have the tendency to delay lunch, skip lunch or even forget about lunch altogether. The Australian site suggests eating lunch no later than 1 p.m. to prevent any hunger or sugar cravings.

The fact is that people who skip meals tend to eat more later in the day in order to make up for the calories they lost. Web MD recommends eating three meals a day at the right periods of time.

2. Too Many Liquid Calories

Another typical mistake committed by dieters is replacing meals with drinks, even though beverages can contain a lot of calories. In fact, a recently conducted study had discovered that 21% of the calories consumed by Americans come from beverages, like sweetened juices or coffee mixed with cream and sugar, reports Web MD.

In addition, beverages usually satisfy thirst not hunger, points out Tara Gidus, MS, RD, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

3: Lack of Vegetables

Health notes that many people do not consume the recommended 2.5 cups of veggies everyday. Vegetables will not only help control weight, but also have plenty of long-term health benefits, reports News.com.au. Simply adding bits of tomato or lettuce in a sandwich can do a world of good.

4: Lack of Sleep

"Appetite and hunger hormones are greatly influenced by how much sleep you get. Skimp and you're more likely to eat everything that's not tacked down," said Pamela Peek, MD, to Health.

5: Rewarding ourselves with food at the end of the day

Diets often reward themselves after a long day of resisting food craving, eating healthy and working out. The reward usually comes in the form of a cookie, a couple blocks of chocolate, or any other food that was supposed to be avoided throughout the day.

The rewards system can actually lead to nightly binging and continued weight gain, since people tend to choose high-calorie foods as their reward, notes News.com.au.