The Tiny Mistakes Along the Way: You Won't Believe What Destroys Our Diet

Starting a diet isn't easy: on the path to achieving our goal, we often use "shortcuts" that seem very appealing, but in many cases, they can have the opposite effect. Pay attention to the following mistakes:

Will small meals help in weight loss? – Really?

This advice has some logic to it. After all, several small meals throughout the day can help combat the evening cravings that might lead you to mindlessly munch on the first indulgent food item you find. But let's face it - who among us has time to prepare several small meals throughout the day and also consider if they are balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients we need?

It's also important to know that by eating small servings throughout the day, we might inadvertently consume more calories than we would with 3 structured meals. Therefore, it's advisable to eat 3 structured meals and use healthy snacks to overcome hunger.

Avoiding carbs and increasing protein intake – Really?

There's no need to eliminate carbs from your life just because you're starting a diet. Know that complex carbohydrates help regulate the sugar levels in the body and assist in avoiding sudden hunger attacks that cause us to eat more without realizing it.

Additionally, high doses of animal protein aren't healthy and can cause constipation and stomach aches. Take note - a study that examined 7,000 people found that those who ate the most protein were 90% more likely to suffer from obesity.

Reduce calorie intake – Really?

Think, if you ate 70 calories from grapes, or 50 calories from rich torte cake - did the body receive the same value for weight? Certainly not. Hence, counting calories isn't necessary in a diet. We should focus on eating healthy foods rich in vitamins, dietary fibers, and minerals. Yes, counting calories helps us stick to the plan, but it's not the primary measure of success.

Artificial sweeteners are better than sugar – Really?

According to a study published in the journal Diabetes Care, daily consumption of diet drinks increases the likelihood of obesity by 36% and the risk of type 2 diabetes by 67%.

Why is this? Well, when we consume sugar substitutes, the body still believes we've consumed sugar. As a result, insulin is released in an attempt to absorb it. When the sugar isn't connected to it, we experience a drop in sugar through shakes, sudden hunger, and fatigue. So, although the sugar substitute itself isn't fattening, the body's response doesn't assist in maintaining weight.