If you're trying to lose weight but the scale seems to be stuck, you may have fallen into a diet pit. Here are five mistakes I see dieters make, along with a few ways to fix them.
1. Saving up for a special occasion
Whether you're planning to splurge on chips and dip for the Super Bowl or you're saving room for a big dinner out, skipping meals that day is the biggest mistake you can make.
If you know you're going to be indulging later in the day, it's important to make smart choices—but don’t eat significantly less than normal or you'll wind up doing more damage once the chips and dip come out.
2. Sticking to salad
There's nothing wrong with upping the amount of veggies in your diet, but thinking all salads are safe isn't going to help you shed any pounds. Sure, a bed of greens is figure-friendly—but load on a lot of candied nuts, goat cheese, and crispy chicken, and the calories can get out of control.
Dressings can be another calorie trap, so it goes without saying to order yours on the side. Skip the croutons and fancy add-ins for more substantial fare. I like to pair my salad with a cup of vegetable soup or a veggie burger sans bun.
