The #1 mistake made by anyone trying to lose weight is this:
They are trying to lose "weight."
Confused? Let me explain. What most people have in mind when they say that they want to lose weight is that they want to lose fat. They confuse this with losing weight. They may seem like the same thing, but they are not!
It is very possible for an individual to lose weight on a weight loss program only to find that they are actually fatter and more unhealthy than before they started.
How can you lose weight and be fatter and more unhealthy?
Weight loss does not equal loss of body fat (a.k.a. subcutaneous fat or adipose). You may actually gain or store additional body fat on a weight loss program even if the scale suggests that you are lighter.
The loss in weight could be in the form of water. Loss of water weight might be a good thing if you have been retaining unnecessary water. But this can be very bad if this loss of water has caused you to become dehydrated. Your body requires an optimum level of hydration in order to perform normal metabolic functions. If this hydration level falls too low, you are in danger of potentially irreversible damage to vital organs, body tissues, and even death.
The loss in weight could be in the form of degeneration of lean skeletal muscle mass. This is not good. This is actually quite bad if your ultimate goal is to reduce body fat and keep it off.
Lean skeletal muscle tissue is your friend. It is a very active and effective fat burning engine. Lean skeletal muscle tissue allows you to burn more calories while you sleep or relax. And if your weight loss plan causes you to have less lean muscle mass, once you finish your diet or weight loss plan, you have lessened your ability to burn calories and fat. You could have a yo-yo effect and actually store an even greater amount of body fat than before you started your weight loss plan.
You may have gained fat, but show a net loss of weight because of water loss or reduced amount of lean muscle mass.
A healthier approach to weight loss is to shift the focus onto effective methods of reducing body fat levels. Pay more attention to your body composition (i.e. percentage of body fat, water, lean tissues, etc.) and set healthy goals based on those numbers.
Try to build lean muscle mass, reduce body fat, and maintain a healthy hydration level as you do this. Be sure to consult with your Doctor or trusted medical professional as you decide on a diet and exercise plan that is in line with your optimum health.
Nick J. Lang teaches Biology and coaches football, wrestling and track at the high school level. He also enjoys teaching internet marketing strategies to home business owners through his FREE Coaching Program found at:
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