It comes as no surprise at all that one of the top health goals is weight loss.

People start out all motivated but alas many fall off the wagon and revert to old habits. Some of the main reasons for this is people go to the extreme, have an all or nothing approach and are lured in by the latest fads.

The desire to overhaul our habits and improve ourselves is especially elevated at certain times of the year and/or around certain events. For example, in the new year, an up and coming beach holiday, a wedding day and so on. The billion-dollar weight-loss industry knows this and will market and capitalise on it to get your well-earned money.

To help you keep on the straight and narrow, I wanted to compile what I know to be the 5 common mistakes people make when choosing a weight loss programme. I want you to read, digest and avoid them at all costs. Knowing these red flags in advance will enable you to discern and reject programmes that won’t benefit your health and wallet.

MISTAKE 1 – A PROGRAMME THAT CLAIMS FAST & EASY WEIGHT LOSS

Seems a bit of an obvious one to avoid but many of us have fallen into the trap of being impatient and wanting easy results now.

Flash-in-the-pan weight loss fads come and go like the weather so be wary of falling prey to them. The weight loss companies will use all sorts of tactics like new flashy ingredients you’ve never heard of or a variety of the latest “scientifically” proven methods for losing weight and much more! None of it you’ll be able to research the efficacy of simply because it’s so new!

You can lose weight quickly HOWEVER (and it’s a big however) it’s not sustainable or healthy. These fast weight loss diets often focus on extreme calorie restriction and/or excessive exercise and they rarely (if indeed ever) support long term health routines of which weight loss is often a natural by-product.

MISTAKE 2 – A PROGRAMME THAT’S TOO RESTRICTIVE AND/OR NOT ENJOYABLE

I’m sure you’ll agree there’s nothing worse than following a food plan that’s bland and not enjoyable. It makes sticking to it even harder. I want to re-assure you that healthy eating for weight loss does not have to be boring or restrictive. It is far better to gradually adjust to a new diet with baby steps rather than a complete overhaul of what you eat, your lifestyle and how you exercise. The latter can be overwhelming and increases the odds of you just pulling the plug.

Many weight loss programmes encourage the extreme cutting of calories, cutting out complete food groups or food types and so on. Certain foods have also been demonised over the years like carbs, and fats. It can be so confusing and I fully understand that!!!

My advice is to find a balanced food plan that works for YOU and provides all the vital nutrients you require to lead a healthy lifestyle that you can maintain in the long term.

MISTAKE 3 – A PROGRAMME THAT DOESN’T MENTION EXERCISE ALONGSIDE HEALTHY EATING OR VICE VERSA

To achieve weight loss goals, diet and exercise need to be considered synergistically. As we consume food as fuel for the energy we require for daily activities, our diets need to be in line with this to sustain that level of activity. Too little food or too much exercise will leave you fatigued, hungry and struggling to achieve your goals. When diet and exercise are out of balance, your metabolism can even be damaged, making it harder to lose weight! The bottom line is you need both healthy eating and exercise that’s compatible to your lifestyle needs.

MISTAKE 4 – A PROGRAMME THAT’S A ONE SIZE FITS ALL

The most successful and sustainable weight loss programme is one that is personalised to you. Whether you create your own or seek out some assistance from a health professional such as myself, there is no doubt that a personalised plan will give you the best chance at achieving your goals.

One-size-fits-all programmes, don’t account for our individual limitations, bio mechanical issues, dietary needs, differing lifestyle needs and so on. As a result, people often drop out as they feel they’re never really achieving their goals.

MISTAKE 5 – A PROGRAMME THAT RELIES ON WEIGHT LOSS PILLS & SHAKES

No weight loss programme should ever rely solely on pills and shakes for weight loss. Carefully chosen nutritional supplements I’m a huge advocator of to support overall health but not weight loss pills and shakes.

Weight loss pills usually contain a form of appetite suppressant and caffeine to boost energy, but can negatively impact your health and damage your metabolism. People have been known to experience heart palpitations, shakes, and dizziness – so be wary!

So that’s a wrap for today. I hope you found these tips inciteful.

Lastly, if you want a weight loss plan that does not make any of the above mistakes! That provides meal plans, recipes, shopping lists, exercise plans, personalised support and so much more then JOIN MY B-FIT 21 DAY WEIGHT LOSS PLAN TODAY

Love Gaynor x