Common Dieting Mistakes Can Hinder Muscle Growth
It’s that time of year again. Gyms are filling up with new members and everyone overweight is committed to getting in shape. But there is more to being fit than losing weight. Why not work on adding some muscle in the process. Not only will you feel better but you will also look better with your shirt off at the next pool or beach party. Who doesn’t want that? Everyone makes common dieting mistakes but most don’t even realize they are making them. Hopefully, you have realized by now that muscle just doesn’t magically appear on your body overnight. Building muscle takes time but I can tell you it is much easier to keep on than put on. Now that you are on the journey of fitness, avoid the following common diet mistakes that will hinder not only muscle growth but your overall fitness.
Don’t Give Up
The most common dieting mistake people make is giving up. Think about it, you didn’t get the body you have now overnight, right? Then be realistic knowing this is a process. Make the mental commitment to stick with it. Instead of thinking “why don’t I look great” after a week, vision yourself in a month. Six months. The rest of your life! If after a month you are not seeing improvements you are either doing something wrong or have the wrong plan. Instead of giving up, change plans!
Not Having An Eating Plan
This is a common dieting mistake that will effect weight loss and muscle building. Not feeding your body the nutrients it needs to function during the day can actually cause weight gain because it will usually lead to overeating unhealthy, high empty carb meals. The best way to lose weight and build muscle is through is eating consistently! Especially breakfast (like your mother used to tell you, the most important meal of the day). Pre-cooking meals can help make things much easier for any meals you will not be at home to cook. Investing in some good Tupperware and a small cooler to take to work will help you avoid hitting that snack machine at work or running out for that Big Mac at lunch. Assuming you have the proper recipes, you will be feeding your body the sufficient nutrients it needs throughout the day.
Not Using A Scale
While others may not agree with this method, I’m a big believer. Instead of going out and buying a bunch of body composition tools, get a good old fashioned scale! Then step on it 2-3 times a week and stare at that number. Are you working towards your goal? If not, get busy. Staring down your fears are the best way to overcome them. Of course, muscle weighs more than fat so as you get further along in your program the scale may not be dropping as much as you like. This is why you should take a picture of yourself as soon as you start a new program. Look at the picture in front of a mirror. Like what you see? Another great tool-free way to know if your program is working is your close are getting loose. Nothing is more motivating than having to buy pants that are lower in waist size. When this happens, make sure you take your old chubby pants down to the goodwill, you will not need them again.
Not Eating Enough Protein
Lack of protein intake is one of the most common dieting mistakes people make for weight loss and building muscle. protein is essential for muscle growth but it also helps you feel full longer assisting in avoiding “starving” mode which is never good. You should eat one gram of protein for every pound of whatever your goal weight. If your goal is to weigh 180 pounds, eat 180 grams of protein a day. Want to get serious about adding muscle? Eat 1.5 grams of protein per pound.
Use the above to avoid common dieting mistakes and watch the muscle pack on while your pant size drops!
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