Jumpstart Your Fitness: These roadblocks may surprise you
Feeling derailed from your fitness and weight loss plans but the usual culprits aren't to blame? Consider these 10 roadblocks that you probably didn't think of:Roadblock #1: You diligently stick to your 6am workout
Although as a general rule working out in the mornings statistically means you'll be more likely to stick with your plan, if you don't make a point to get enough sleep you're most likely secretly sabotaging yourself. It's no problem if you get 7-8 hours of sleep each night (that means in bed and sleeping by 10pm), but if you're getting more like 6 or less then you're at greater risk (as much as 30%) of gaining substantial weight and having a higher BMI -- 6am workout or not.
Roadblock #2: You avoid alcohol like the plague
Alcohol is one of those things that is best not done in extremes. Avoid it completely and you may miss out on some awesome heath benefits (people who indulge in 1 drink a couple times a week generally weigh less/have lower BMIs), but overdo it and you'll only tip the scale the other way (and increase your chances of developing obesity). Roadblock #3: You crank the A/C in the summer
What does that have to do with your weight? Everything, it seems. In a study women who kept the thermostat at 81º had a 20% decrease in appetite and ate less compared to women living in 72º.Roadblock #4: You balance overeating with extra time working out
It sounds good in theory, but research says otherwise. For truly successful and lasting weight loss you need to watch your diet and eat appropriately. Sure, every once in awhile won't completely derail you, but don't rely on regularly working off excess calories.Roadblock #5: You're not thinking enough about the future
Specifically, age-related muscle loss. As you age your body naturally loses muscle, which in turn decreases your metabolism and the calories you burn each day. Working now to strengthen areas like your shoulders, back, arms, and thighs can work wonders towards helping you maintain muscle, and therefore your weight also, as you grow older.Roadblock #6: Your goal weight is too realistic
There is something to the principle of shooting for the moon and landing in the stars. Studies have shown that women with more drastic (and sometimes downright unrealistic) goals tend to lose more weight. And not only do they lose more but they don't stop trying to lose, either. Roadblock #7: With all the good news about chocolate you're eating more of it with less guilt
While it is still true that cocoa has been linked to lower blood pressure and lower risks for heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and dementia (among other things) it's important to know that the benefits aren't found in just any 'ol chocolate bar. Dark chocolate is your best bet, with fewer fat and calories and higher concentrations of the original cocoa beans.Roadblock #8: You think "water-rich diet" means simply drinking more water
Some of the most successful people not only drink lots of water, but also eat lots of water. Seeking out foods with high water contents can help you eat less at each sitting and feel fuller longer. Roadblock #9: You're focusing on one "baby step" at a time
Although the general consensus for years has been that focusing on one easy or small goal at a time (i.e. giving up junk food today and planning to join the gym later) is one of the best ways to be successful, some small studies are starting to show that sometimes tackling a group of problems at once can make for a more successful outcome.Roadblock #10: You haven't been thinking about potassium
Although thinking about all vitamins and minerals is important, potassium in particular has been linked to lowered weight and lowered blood pressure. The average adult should aim for about 4700 mg per day of potassium, which can be found in beans, winter squash, spinach, fish (halibut), yogurt, and OJ (among others).
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