Six Sexy Saboteurs

Ok, I say “sexy” because some of the things on this list may seem like the best approach to healthful habits, but in reality they are just what the title says SABOTEURS!

And the last thing we want is to sabotage our hard work by making simple-to-reverse mistakes in our health and fitness choices.

Read on for the top 6….

1) SALADS

I know… doesn’t seem right that this is on the list. You go out to eat, order the salad at your favorite restaurant, because salads are safe!

But lo and behold, this salad has hidden saboteurs!  Bacon, cheese, nacho strips, dressing mixed in!

As the meme at the top can show us, just because something is called a salad does NOT automatically make it healthy or mean it fits your macros.

I can still remember the day I found out my favorite “salad” at Chili’s nutrition information.  It was 1,600 calories!  More than my day’s allotment!

RIP Quesadilla Explosion Salad  😒😵

2) LOW FAT

Not all low fat items are saboteurs.  But hear me out.   Usually when a food company makes a low fat version of something, all the taste goes bye-bye.

So what do they do?

They take the fat out and load it up with sugar instead!

So while there may be lower fat, the calorie content is the same, if not more and now you are also consuming more sugar!

This is not always the case though.  Some low fat options (for example low fat cheeses) do not necessarily include more sugar, so it will be important to read the labels on any low fat options you are considering.

3) STAYING UP LATE

Missing out on sleep makes the list for a couple reasons.

Number one, generally the longer we’re awake the more opportunity for eating…. like late night snacking!

Number two, studies have shown that people who sleep less than 7 hours a day tend to gain more weight and have a higher risk of becoming obese than those who get 7 hours.

It’s believed to be because sleep-deprived people have reduced levels of leptin (the chemical that makes you feel full) and increased levels of ghrelin (the hunger-stimulating hormone)

Make it a priority to get more ZZZZs

4) SKIPPING MEALS

Not only are you missing out on nutrition you need to keep your body functioning properly, but skipping meals and being hungry will actually slow down your metabolism and make it harder to lose weight (if that is your goal).

Your body won’t work as efficiently, your blood sugar drops and this can in turn, affect your energy levels and mood.

Being “hangry” is a real emotion!

5) CARDIO ONLY

Cardio, running, walking, jogging, swimming.  All great forms of exercise.

BUT (🍑)…..

to maintain muscle, metabolism, strength, and optimize fat burn, weight training is a MUST DO!

If your only form of exercise is cardio, with the intention to lose weight, build muscle or see a change in body composition, you will most likely plateau after just a short period.

Don’t get me wrong, if you enjoy this form of exercise, you should absolutely do it!  And it is wonderful for your heart at the right rate.

But if you are stuck and looking for more, you have to look past the treadmill, elliptical or the pool.

6) FAKE HEALTHY FOODS

Does pretty packaging get your attention in the grocery stores?  Oh it’s a green label, must be healthy!

How about the word organic – does that automatically make something a health food? Then let me get the organic super size double chocolate chip cookie instead 🤣

Veggie chips, coconut water, acai bowls… oh my!

Say it ain’t so… well unfortunately, these saboteurs are not always as healthy as they may advertise.

Sure a serving or two every now and then may be ok… but that organic super size double chocolate chip cookie has the same amount of calories, sugar, and fat as a “normal” cookie.

So just be careful and don’t go over board when enjoying these items.

There we have it…

The 6 not-so-sexy-anymore-saboteurs. Labels, trends and fad diets can be deceiving!  Luckily, you have now read this post, and know better!

The next time you have a decision to make, I hope you can remember some of the points above!

Sometimes the smallest change can make the biggest difference in your health!

Have a great week and see you soon!