A lot of women come to me confused about why they can't lose weight when they're exercising regularly and eating mostly healthy foods.
I get it.
You feel like you're doing the right things, but still aren't getting the results you're looking for -> super frustrating!
When your goal is fat loss, staying in a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you eat) is critical. And it sure doesn't take much to push you over the line from deficit to surplus 😭. Although you're "eating healthy", calories from those foods count and may be the reason why you're not making progress.
If you're choosing healthy foods but still struggling to lose weight, here are 5 ways you may be eating more calories than you think:
1️⃣ Too many healthy fats: While healthy fats like avocados, nuts and olive oil are good in moderation, consuming too many can quickly lead to an increased calorie intake. Make sure to be mindful of portion sizes with these types of calorie-dense foods.
2️⃣ Snacking on Dried Fruits: Dried fruits may seem like a nutritious snack, but they're often concentrated sources of sugar and calories. Eating large quantities can quickly add up! Choose fresh fruits or limit portion sizes of dried fruits to help control calorie intake.
3️⃣ High Calorie Beverages: Many women drink smoothies, fruit juices or specialty coffees thinking they are healthy options, however these can be loaded with hidden sugar and calories. Drinking water, herbal tea or unsweetened beverages might be a better choice.
4️⃣ Sauces and Dressings: While salads can be a nutritious meal option, they can also become high in calories when loaded with toppings like cheese, croutons, bacon and creamy dressings. Be mindful of portion sizes when adding sauces to your stirfrys or dips to your veggies.
5️⃣ Mindless Eating of Healthy Foods: Snacking on foods labeled as "healthy" without paying attention to portion sizes can get you into trouble. Foods like granola, trail mix and whole grain crackers can be nutritious but are calorie-dense. Portion control and mindful eating are key to enjoying these foods without overdoing it.
Do any of these have you saying "oops, that might be me"? If so, slow down and start paying more attention to the areas where you suspect additional calories may be sneaking in. As the saying goes, you can have too much of a good thing.