8 Common Mistakes When Trying to Lose Weight (3 of 5)

4. Not getting enough fiber

Like with the case of protein, if you aren’t eating enough fiber, you will find it much more difficult to lose weight. Soluble fiber digests slowly, making you feel full for longer periods of time. Although all types of fiber contribute to weight loss, viscous fiber — found in such foods as beans, asparagus, oats, and brussels sprouts — is the best. Studies have found that people who aren’t on a diet can maintain a healthy weight and trim waist when eating viscous fiber.

5. Either not exercising or overdoing it

When you lose weight, you’re also losing muscle mass, which you need if you want to maintain a healthy weight once you’ve reached your goals. By exercising, you can minimize muscle loss even as you burn fat while keeping your metabolism from slowing down. However, you don’t want to exercise too much. For one thing, extreme workouts aren’t something you will be able to sustain in the long run. Also, it can affect endocrine hormones, which are needed to regulate functions throughout your body. Modest exercise that includes cardio and lifting weights a few times per week is ideal because it is something you can make a regular part of your lifestyle.