Being More Physically Active Helps Any Weight Loss Plan

Americans spend an estimated $70 billion annually trying to lose weight and keep it off. Nonetheless, most dieters will regain everything they lost and then some within two to three years of dieting due to some issue with diet sabotage. What mistakenly make a fad diet so appealing are the rules, and the simpler the better. In fact, diets are no more than instructions about restricting certain foods (don't eat that) and exercising more (definitely do this). Moreover, restrictions too often lead to deprivation, which then leads to feelings of guilt.

Psychological, social and societal factors play major roles in diet sabotage, including these common diet-related setbacks:

• CHASING FOOD FADS - Meals that contain lean protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates offer longer satiety to curb your appetite. On the other hand, if you unduly restrict macronutrient composition, the diet plan will not be sustainable.
• NO FREE FOODS - Some diet plans suggest that you can eat as much as you like of a particular food, which is usually a low fat or low-calorie option like fresh fruit. However, that doesn't mean you should think of it as free food. If you're trying to lose weight, all calories consumed count, so make smart choices.
• FOOD TRIGGERS - Some people develop bad eating habits over time, and then find them to be difficult to break. If you start your day with good intentions but overeat in the evening, your problem may be giving in to food triggers like the double chocolate muffin you had at work.
• SLOW METABOLISM - It is very difficult to lose fat quickly without suffering a loss of metabolically active muscle mass too. Eating from a personalized menu plan can increase instead of reduce your metabolic rate.
• DIET TOO RESTRICTIVE - It might sound counterintuitive but food restrictions set you up for failure. Being too restrictive is not sustainable and leads to a fad diet burnout with binge eating and future weight gain.
• WRONG MOTIVATION - If your objective is to hit a number on a scale, your motivation will likely wane once you've lost the weight making it difficult to keep it off. Find your inner motivation and let wanting to live longer drive your health goals.

Increased physical activity, mindful eating, following your hunger cues and managing stress without relying on comfort foods all make a difference in maintaining a weight-reduced state.

So why would dieting lead to weight gain?

Calorie restrictions put stress on the body and the body answers by producing more stress hormone that leads to increased feelings of hunger. When you allow yourself to eat the foods you enjoy without restriction, you will no longer feel deprived and might be more likely to crave nourishing healthy foods. Metabolic Research Center was one of the first to offer personalized menu plans designed to encourage your body's natural set weight. Contact the MRC nearest you for a free consultation to discuss the burning mysteries of diets as well as why some dieters fail while others enjoy long-term success.