When it comes to embracing a healthy diet, one may think that the end effect is the commencement of flawless decisions and pure results.
But sometimes, your initial steps can turn into significant obstacles impeding you from reaching your dietary goals.
The Mediterranean diet was voted the healthiest diet earlier this year. It entails having at least six meals a day but as per several experts, the DASH diet might be even better.
The DASH diet stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, which is known to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The diet is low in salt and gets rid of unhealthy fats while prioritising vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, skinless fish, poultry, nuts and legumes, along with non-tropical vegetable oil, as per the American Heart Association.
But before you start a healthy diet regime, there are a few mistakes you need to avoid to see visible results properly.
- The first common mistake is drastically changing your diet overnight. Rather than resorting to this extreme change, it is much more conducive to opt for gradual modifications. Shifting slowly allows your body ample time to adjust, making you less likely to relapse back to old habits.
- Underestimating the power of portion control is a common pitfall. Even if you start consuming healthier food, keep a vigilant eye on how much you’re eating. Overeating, regardless of how healthy your food might be, can still lead to weight gain and other health complications.
- Ignoring hydration is another common blunder. Staying hydrated quashes unnecessary hunger pangs and is essential for optimal health. While eight glasses of water a day is the common guideline, specific intake can vary based on factors such as activity levels, climate, and overall health.
- Another trap to avoid is failing to plan meals. Many people start a healthy diet only to fall back into older, unhealthy habits due to a lack of preparedness. Preparing your meals ahead of time not only ensures you to stick to your new diet but also helps manage portion control efficiently.
- Not setting realistic goals can be detrimental. It is okay to aim high, but setting unattainable goals can lead to disappointment and loss of motivation.
