7 Weight Loss Tips You Should Avoid

It's still relatively early in the year, which means some people are still on their weight loss journey new years resolution. It seems like every time you open social media, there is a new weight loss product, a new weight loss diet, or changes to what we know about food in general. With all the misinformation going around, it can be hard to know what in the world we actually should be doing. 

Now, let me preface this post by stating, I am not a nutritionist, physical trainer, nor do I hold degrees in biology, kinesiology, or anything relating to physical health. The tips I'm sharing are solely on my own health and wellbeing mistakes as well as information that has been given to me by actual professionals. So take it with a grain of salt or trust my word, it's up to you. 

Trying to up your overall wellbeing but have no idea what advice to listen to, I have some times on what weight loss advice you should absolutely avoid. 

1. Miracle Weight Loss Pills
I'm not sure why we still believe that any diet pills are actually going to work. Sure there are medications prescribed by a GP that do assist with weight loss, but these are not the products I'm talking about. 

We're talking those products you find when you go to the chemist that claim to help burn away the fat. Or those posts you see from people from high school who have joined an MLM. Or even those 'skinny lollies' and 'skinny teas' that you find being promoted by celebrities on Instagram. There are just so many issues with these products.

If you follow Jameela Jamil on Instagram, you are well aware of the dangers of these products. Never are the side effects discussed, none are FDA approved, and the people trying to sell you these products are only showing you a slice of the picture. Most celebrities are also given personal chefs and trainers in collaboration for promoting the products. But you damn well know they're not sharing this information with their viewers. Just stay away. It's a waste of money. 

2. Cleanses
Cleanses are another big seller in the weight loss industry. There are big promises that a cleanse will restart your system, cleansing away all the harmful toxins and junk from your body. Now I understand that some people do find cleanses super helpful, especially to jumpstart a major health change. But please be cautious. Whilst cleanses typically tend to be natural fruit and veg juice, there are a few issues. 

First, depending on how long the cleanse is, it can be highly restrictive. This means you have a higher chance of going on a binge once the cleanse is finished (if you manage to finish). So all the cleansing of toxins you just did, quickly goes out the window. 

Cleanses can also strictly have a laxative effect. So you're not really removing toxins from your body instead you're lucky if you manage not to poo your pants. You need to make sure you're pumping your body with water to ensure you do not become dehydrated. And carry an extra pair of pants with you if you choose to go out in public. 

3. Fad Diets
It seems every year there is a new fad diet. Paleo, keto, 5:2, fruitarian,  the list goes on and on. Now, whilst some of these have a fair bit of science behind them, others not even close. Often people start these diets and report either no weight loss or, in some cases, weight gain. Why? Probably because they're not in a calorie deficit. Most people start a fad diet but then neglect to account for their caloric intake. Regardless of how much science backs the benefits of a diet, if you're not in a caloric deficit, you're going to either maintain or gain weight. 

4. Give Yourself a Cheat Day
When people start their health journies, they'll often be told to allot for a cheat day. This is supposed to help ensure they're not restricting themselves too much. When there's too much restriction, there's a higher chance you'll stuff up. However, when you give yourself a cheat meal or a cheat day, it can be quite easy to go way over the top and way over your caloric intake. 

Rather than scheduling a cheat meal or a cheat day, adjust your viewpoints on food. Ensuring foods aren't 'off-limits' will lessen the likelihood you'll stuff your face with 8 servings worth. It also creates a more positive outlook towards food and the way it interacts with our body. 

5. Certain Foods Have Negative Calories
I remember being in high school and only eating celery for a fair bit of time because I was told it had negative calories (I had a very unhealthy relationship with food, but that is a story for another day). There is a myth that some foods have negative calories because it takes more energy for your body to digest than the food actually has. Yea that is a big fat lie. All foods have calories, some foods are just more calorie-dense than others. Nutrient-dense foods typically have lower calories meaning you usually can eat a higher volume of these foods. But keep in mind, there are still calories in these foods, so you need to account for them in your daily caloric intake. 

6. Using a Food Log App
Ok, ok, hear me out. I have nothing against food diary apps. In fact, I use one pretty regularly. But I do have one major issue with a food diary app, it doesn't always accurately reflect your actual caloric intake. This is where you have to be very real with yourself. If you're not accurately logging your caloric intake, you may find yourself struggling to lose weight. 

It's easy to search the food and just select the generic option. But what we think is a serving size is not always an accurate serving size. This is where weighing your food to help become a bit more conscious about what you're eating can be beneficial. You may also start to notice trends. Are you snacking while you're cooking? How much oil are you actually using to cook your foods? Are you tracking the drinks you consume? All of these little things can add up. 
  
7. Waist Trainers or Wraps Will Shrink Your Waist 
Waist trainers, wraps, or even lotions that claim to shrink your waist are going to just shrink your wallet. Unless you've invested in a proper corset (which has its own health risks and dangers), you're not going to change the shape of your waist. Waist trainers may temporarily decrease bloating, there are health risks associated with them. Wraps and lotions really aren't doing much of anything. They may temporarily dehydrate the skin giving the appearance that they've done something, but in actuality, they haven't. 

Diet and exercise are really the only safe ways to shrink your waist. But also remember that every body is built differently. Don't strive to achieve an hourglass figure when we damn know half the celebrities and influencers photoshop their waist to look that way. 

With so many social pressures to look a certain way, it's no wonder the weight loss industry is a billion dollar industry. Social media and photo editing apps do nothing to help promote body positivity and being comfortable in our own skin. We are literally being shown unachievable standards of beauty. 

How many of these 'tips' have you fallen for? In the comments below I would love to hear everyone's body positivity journey. 

And until next time...

Stay curious!