To lose weight, eat less
Reality: The occasional belly-loosening diet plan is a total loss
You may follow a strict diet menu every day and only let go of your belly for the occasional weekend meal. According to a survey by the University of Washington Department of Medicine, dieters can easily eat back that weight they starve off during the week on the weekends. “When you’re trying to lose those last few pounds, every calorie counts,” says the nutrition expert, “and eating whatever you want for two days on the weekend is the equivalent of all the hard work you’ve put in over the previous five days for nothing.”
Update strategy: In the matter of weight loss, persistence is most important. A study in the International Journal of Obesity found that people who consumed the same number of calories on all seven days were more effective at staying in shape than those who dieted on weekdays, meaning you consumed about the same number of calories every day of the week, much better than if you were on a strict diet and ate openly on the weekend.
Find a partner to lose weight faster
Reality: Your best friend may be holding you back
Finding a friend to work with to lose weight is obviously much more fun than suffering through a diet alone, which is why many ol’s who are trying to lose weight are eager to lobby their best friend to join their weight loss program. The bad news is that her less-than-positive attitude may have a negative impact on your weight loss program.
“Partners watch each other’s eating and exercise habits and make adjustments to get in step.” Experts say you may also be tempted to compromise if your diet partner makes excuses not to exercise or eat junk food that you plan not to eat.
Only those who are close to their weight loss goals and can stick to a strict diet plan can create a weight loss alliance. “If you have to convince your friend to join your weight loss or exercise program,” experts say, “that means she’s not committed.”
Updated strategy: Sit down with your weight-loss ally and talk through your dieting and training goals. Experts suggest that if the gap between the two of you is a large target, you may want to complete the slimming program on your own or find another like-minded weight-loss partner.
