Exercise and Dieting -- Why We Fail

Are you frustrated with your ongoing weight loss efforts?  Does it seem like you've tried everything to drop those unwanted pounds with little or no success? 

If so, you're not alone.  Many people strive to lose weight but just don't see the results they're looking for.  In this article, we'll explore why so many individuals experience weight loss failure, and how to remedy the problem. 

One reason why many people don't lose the weight they want to lose is because their diets are poor.  It's a common misconception that starving the body can lead to weight loss.  While you might drop a few pounds on a starvation diet, you'll notice that you soon stop losing weight. 

This is because when the body thinks it's starving, it conserves fat stored in the body.  Not only that, but starving yourself is unhealthy and dangerous.  The remedy to this problem is to strive for a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fat and plenty of water. 

Another reason why so many diets fail is because many dieters skip meals in an attempt to cut down on calories.  This is actually counterproductive and can sabotage even the most well-meaning dieter. 

Rather than skipping meals, you should increase the number of meals you are eating.  Sounds crazy, but in fact it can actually help boost the metabolism. 

Instead of three large meals, try eating five to six small meals spaced at regular intervals.  This will keep your body's fat burning mechanisms operating at their most efficient. 

When it comes to exercise, some dieters simply don't get enough.  You will want to get at least thirty minutes of cardiovascular exercise a minimum of three times per week.  Cardiovascular exercise keeps the body healthy and boosts the metabolism. 

If you're not doing cardio, you're not going to be able to effectively burn fat.  Strength training is also important for a toned, attractive figure.  Working with light weights is a great way to add a bit of definition without adding unwanted bulk.

Impatience is another factor that has a lot to do with weight loss failure.  Many people expect to see immediate results and give up when they don't.  In reality, weight loss is a fairly slow process that must be steadily worked at. 

Losing more than one to three pounds in a week is not only unrealistic, but it can be unhealthy.  When starting a new diet or exercise plan, allow at least six weeks to pass before evaluating whether it is working for you.