Registered dietitian Courtney Kassis shared five bad habits to avoid while trying to lose weight. She advised against skipping social events, adopting a victim mentality, saving calories for later in the day, not having a plan, and weighing yourself daily. Kassis emphasized the importance of focusing on overall health and well-being rather than just the number on the scale. She also highlighted the negative health consequences of loneliness and isolation, stressing the importance of maintaining social connections.
Kassis recommended against skipping social events while on a weight loss journey, as it can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can have negative impacts on overall health. Research has shown that chronic loneliness can increase the risk of stroke and mortality. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has also warned of a nationwide loneliness epidemic, underscoring the importance of maintaining social connections for overall well-being.
Another bad habit to avoid, according to Kassis, is adopting a victim mentality. Instead of feeling like a victim because of dietary restrictions, she suggested reframing thoughts to focus on nourishing the body with wholesome, nutritious foods as a gift rather than a punishment. This mindset shift can help promote a positive relationship with food and support long-term weight loss goals.
Kassis also discouraged saving calories for later in the day, emphasizing the importance of having a balanced meal plan throughout the day. Research has shown that eating a substantial breakfast can have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and obesity. While intermittent fasting has gained popularity, skipping breakfast may disrupt the body’s biological clock and lead to negative health outcomes.
Having no plan and making random food choices can derail progress on a weight loss journey. Kassis advised meal planning ahead of time to stay on track consistently. Random decisions can lead to impulse eating and hinder weight loss goals. By having a plan in place, individuals can make healthier choices and avoid temptations that can derail their progress.
Lastly, Kassis recommended against weighing yourself daily, as it can create unnecessary stress and obsession over numbers. Instead, she encouraged focusing on overall energy levels, mood, and laboratory results as indicators of success. While some research suggests that daily weigh-ins can lead to weight loss, it can also promote anxiety and unhealthy fixation on numbers. Doctors suggest weighing yourself in the morning if you choose to do so, and there are smart scales available to help track progress more effectively.
