The Brunette Diaries

Mistakes that slow down your weight loss

Ever wondered why the finish line keeps moving away from you in your race to a fit body? There are times when your fitness goals are so close yet so far. But what could be the problem? Well, we’re here to let you know just that. Here are a few common mistakes that we make which actually slow down our weight loss.

(Also read – Diet tips for weight loss)

Light breakfast

If you are one of those who have your breakfast on the run, well, then you aren’t doing your weight loss goals any favours. Although you may think that you are eating less each morning, a protein deficient breakfast is going to add to your cravings throughout the day.

(Try reading – Eat smart for easy weight loss)

Only cardio

There are some people who swear by cardio alone. Those who live by cardio will work their asses out and take the longest route to their fitness goals. Well, it’s more like following the finish line that keeps moving away without doing anything about it. Here’s the trick. Build lean muscle by incorporating strength training in your fitness regime. This will help you lose weight faster. Easier route, isn’t it?

(You may find this interesting – Kick-start your weight loss plan)

Light weights only

For those of you who do lift weights, lift heavy, or at least as heavy as you can. Research has shown that using heavier weights for fewer reps can burn more calories than using lighter weights for more reps.

Poor pre-workout nutrition

Most people want to keep the calorie intake on a minimal level when they are looking to lose weight. However, you must understand that protein will actually help you to lose weight faster. A good protein meal before a workout will help you boost your metabolism and make you burn more calories than before.

(Also read – Super foods that help you lose weight)

Diet soda

Well, soda is soda, and soda contains sugar. Although the amount of sugar is lesser in diet soda, in no way is it healthy for your body. Diet soda can stack a large amount of calories that maybe hard to burn away.

If you can stay away from these common mistakes that we commit, then your weight loss goals will be an easy target rather than a far-fetched goal.

How to avoid office politics

Office politics is an unavoidable situation in today’s competitive world. When your colleagues interact with you do you find them trying to put you down? Unsatisfied employees are as common as stars in the sky. Salaries, work environment, positions are some of the common reasons for office politics. Try and stay away from it as much as possible.

Office politics often involves power struggles and conflicts of opinion. Steer clear of gossip and refrain from non constructive criticism of others. Try to master a strong work ethic that does not involve denigrating others to move up the ladder of success. Stay focused on the goal that is at hand. Here a few more tips to avoid office politics:

Focus on the goals given to you

Try not to get distracted by what others say and stay focused on what you have been assigned to do. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Keep yourself busy and you will not find yourself getting involved in office politics.

Go out of your way to be a good employee

Try to not let another person point a finger at you. Stay clear of any criticism by being the best you can. If you still manage to get into some sort of office politics, do not feel guilty because you know you have done your best.

Avoid gossip yourself

Gossip is like choicest morsels. Everyone loves to gossip. It makes conversations interesting. It is difficult to stay away from it, but you must. People who gossip with you have a high probability to be gossiping about you!

Follow a role model

Find yourself someone who is respected in the organisation and observe how he/she relates to the others. Someone who is already made it to the top. Try and be like him/her. These individuals usually avoid office politics by maintaining a positive attitude and dealing truthfully with people.

Steering clear of office politics is a demanding challenge. But you need to understand that office politics does nothing but stunt your growth and maybe the growth of others as well, which is morally wrong. Do not compromise on your ethics and you will see that reaching the top is far sweeter with hard work.

Post Workout Mistakes You May Be Making

No matter how much effort you put into your workout, if your post workout habits are inappropriate, you’ll be losing out on your desired results. Pretty soon, you may find yourself de-motivated to work out and give up on your health goals. Therefore, it is necessary to maximise your workouts by paying attention to healthy post workout habits. Here we take a look at a few unhealthy post workout habits that you have.

(Also read – How to burn fat without losing muscle)

Cooling down

Post workout aerobics can help you cool down

Letting your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal levels cuts your risk of injury, according to experts. We hardly ever pay attention to this and return to our regular chores after a rigorous workout. The best solution is to end your workout with a light aerobic exercise to bring back your body to the normal resting levels gradually.

(Try reading – Benefits of push-ups)

Stretching

You must stretch to prevent muscle soreness

Stretching can prevent muscle soreness on the following day. Less soreness will mean you can hit the gym the sooner than ever and get back to working those muscles to attain your dream body!

Nutrition

Nutrition helps your muscles repair after a break-down workout. A combination of carbs and protein, like yogurt or a handful of nuts, is a great post workout snack to revitalize your body!

(You can also read – You can dance to lose weight!)

Hygiene

Make sure you take a shower and change your clothes after a workout

This may or may not apply to you; however, there are some people out there who don’t change their clothes or wash their bodies after a workout. Gross as it sounds, it obviously has more to it than just plain dirtiness. It can lead to yeast infections!

Sleep

Most people do not find the time to rest their bodies adequately due to hectic schedules. But what is important to note is that a good 7-8 hours of sleep is imperative for a person who works out.

(Also read – Get fit in 15 minutes!)

So the next time you think that skipping any of these things is fine, think again. Workouts can be good for you, but don’t let it affect your health!