Are You Stupid Healthy?

Five mistakes that healthy people make.

So what the hell is keeping you from losing the last 5-10 pounds ? 

I suspect there are some unhealthy habits that you're not aware of. Habits that are keeping you in those frumpy sweat pants and out of that hot leather jump suit (what—you don't own one?)

The following Five Stupid Things are frequently committed by health conscious people. Once you break these bad habits, you'll find that achieving your weight loss goals are a whole lot easier. 

1. You're Dehydrated, Dummy!

Most of us are walking around dehydrated all day long. Not only does it make you feel awful, it can cause headaches, nausea and fatigue. On the other hand, staying hydrated raises your metabolism, which can help with weight loss. It also keeps you feeling full and the snacking at bay. 

YOUR MISSION:  Don't wait until you're a shriveled up prune walking the Sahara. Drink eight-10 glasses per day throughout the day before you're even thirsty. Keep a reusable eight-ounce bottle at your desk and keep fillin' her up.  

2. You Eat Out Too Often, Silly!

Studies show that most people eat out about four times per week. It doesn't matter if the place you choose claims to be "healthy," their food is designed for one thing—to taste good! If it doesn't you won't be coming back right?  So of course they're cooking with the three big no's—salt, sugar and fat. Is that a happy meal?   

Convenience is the main reason we eat out, but with a little planning at home, it's faster and easier than you think. 

YOUR MISSION:  Designate a few hours on the weekend to pre cook a few items to easily pack into your lunches for the week. Grill a family pack of chicken to make into sandwiches or slice for a salad. Chop up some fruit for a ready-to-go fruit salad. Invest in simple things like plastic baggies and cheap containers to make life a whole lot cheaper and easier. 

3. You're Sleep Deprived, Goofball!

How many times have you heard your friends say they don't need much sleep? You have permission to throw the Bullsh*t flag! Some may get by a little easier, but all adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep affects your immune system, your nervous sysytem and interferes with proper hormone release.  Scientisits have found a direct connection between sleep deprivation and weight gain.

YOUR MISSION: Get your zzzzzzzz's. If you have a hard time falling asleep, try a relaxing tea near bedtime and quit the caffeinated drinks anytime after your morning joe.

4. You're Stressed Out, Bozo!

It's a dog eat dog world. I'm not going to tell you to eliminate stress because it's an inevitable factor in life. However, you do need to learn how to control it. Why? Not only is it causing headaches, it's causing weight gain too. Stress creates an increase in the hormone cortisol, and chronic stress creates a chronic increase in cortisol. This is a problem because it slows your metabolism, leads to cravings and is linked to greater levels of abdominal fat storage. 

YOUR MISSION: Three things to eliminate stress; (1) Exercise more. (2) Time manage with simple list writing, knocking out those chores. (3) Fuel your body with healthy foods. Unhealthy crap makes you feel that way, which equals more stress.

5. You're on Exercise Autopilot, Dum Dum!

You do the same thing every single day. Treadmill, elliptical, weights. Treadmill, elliptical, weights. Treadmill, elliptical, weights. For the love of Pete ... STOP!!! 

If you want to change your body, you need to change your routine. Throw your muscles a curveball, keep your body guessing. 

YOUR MISSION: If you always use machines, switch to doing free weights or body weight exercises. If you're comfortable jogging, get uncomfortable and bike. Trying new things will not only challenge your brain, you will burn more calories by working at something you are less proficient at.