The worst weight-loss resolutions

1. Banning all ‘bad’ foods

The diet you’re following bans all your favourite foods (chocolate, cheese, ice cream, chips…) and you feel deprived. You might last a couple of weeks, feeling more and more bored with the monotony of your regime-but then you’ll crack. And when you do give in, you end up stuffing yourself with those forbidden foods to make up for days of self-denial.

2. Cutting out meals to save calories

“Skipping meals can have a negative impact on your metabolism,” says Toronto nutritionist Aviva Allen-your body might start storing extra fat in anticipation of more missed meals. Instead of eating less, consume small, nutrient-dense snacks and meals more often – every three hours is ideal – and try not to eat after seven o’clock at night, when your metabolism is at its slowest.

Eating often also makes it easier to stay on track beacause denying yourself food isn’t a sustainable practice. “The biggest mistake is to think of your diet as a temporary event to reach a specific weight-loss goal,” says Allen. “If you plan to return to your old habits once you’ve reached your goal, the weight will quickly return.”

3. Committing to the same fitness routine every day

No matter how good the fitness plan, sticking with the exact same routine day after day is hard-and discouraging. In his first book, 5-Factor Fitness, Hollywood trainer Harley Pastnernak recommends a different workout for every day of the week, each focusing on a different body part. Whether you vary the number of reps you do or make a switch from cardio to resistance training, it’s important to vary your routine enough so you don’t get bored. “At least one thing should be different daily,” Pasternak suggests.

4. Resolving to follow the latest fad diet

Fad diets, diets that require you to purchase special food and plans that require you to cut out certain food groups altogether often end up with you right back where you started on the scale. “Stop yo-yo dieting, because eventually your metabolism will conk out from all the up and down and it will be harder to lose weight,” says Joey Shulman, a registered nutritionist. Instead, choose a diet program that works for your lifestyle and work the best parts of it into your routine-even after you’ve lost the weight.

5. Eliminating carbs from your diet

Cutting out food groups means you might be missing out on nutrients you need to lose weight and stay healthy. “Avoid cutting out important food groups such as carbohydrates, for example,” says Allen. “Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables are important sources of fibre, which is essential for keeping us regular and removing excess cholesterol, fat, and toxins from our bodies.”

Related:
• Diet fads from history
• 5 diets that don’t work
• 5 easy fitness resolutions