The kind of hectic lifestyle we lead today increases the need to unwind, relax and socialize more than we ever did. In the process, we end up making choices which may seem convenient at the time, but which are not really doing any good. Such common mistakes are-
- Over-indulging-mood swings, stress, anxiety, work pressure are some of the reasons we give for eating more than that is required. This is especially true for sweets, chocolates, fried and other comfort foods. What we don’t realise is that it is going to be detrimental in the long run. Instead, we should focus on resolving the root cause of the problem and finding out healthier ways to cope with it. Exercise, meditation, some hobby, music, etc. are excellent stress-busters.
- Not saying ‘No’-everybody loves to party! And in our country, we just need an excuse for eating. If you are a very social person, chances are that you will have so many groups that there will be a party almost every week or even more. It becomes difficult to avoid these occasions. The best way is to learn how to eat ‘healthy’ without compromising on the party experience or, just learning the art of saying “no”!
- Following a fad-all of us want quick results in weight loss, muscle gain, weight gain, etc. We are ready to follow any and every ‘diet’ that is available on the internet or which has been recommended by our friends. It is important to know that each body is different and what works for one, may not necessarily work for the other. It may not even be healthy for long term use. Anything which cannot be followed throughout the life, cannot possibly be a good solution to your health issues. It’s best to always consult a qualified dietitian who can guide you appropriately.
- Skipping meals-a lot of us feel that it’s okay to skip a meal if the previous meal has been very heavy or the next one is going to be. Sometimes, we just skip meals because of the work load or because we didn’t get enough time. All this has a negative effect on our metabolism and can do more harm than good.
- Procrastinating-we keep postponing our health goals citing reasons such as work load, family functions, festivals and so many others. 2020 marks the beginning of a new decade and is a great time to act on your health goals and focus on yourself.
It is important to learn from the past mistakes and strive to improve ourselves. The New Year is the perfect time to set new goals and priorities your well-being.
Siddhi Takalkar-founder of Nutriworks is a Registered Dietitian in Pune with a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics. She has a vast experience in advising diets for various health conditions and is the best Dietitian and Nutritionist in Pune for all your Nutritional needs.