Kristine Sorensen

(KDKA) PITTSBURGH Anyone who has ever tried to shed a few extra pounds has most likely hit the point where they just can’t lose any weight, no matter what they try.

What they don’t know is that they could be making a few common mistakes that can actually sabotage their weight loss goals.

Top 5 Diet Mistakes

1. Eating too much healthy food

Think you can eat as much healthy food as you want just because it’s healthy? Think again. UPMC Dietician Leslie Bonci says eating too much of a healthy food ? or even things labeled ‘fat free’ or ‘light’ can derail your diet.

“Something can be healthy,” Bonci explains, “but there are very few things in this world that are calorie free — except for air and water.”

Serving size is extremely important. For example, while a half of a cup of granola can be healthy ? a big cereal bowl full can add up to 800 calories. Likewise, one serving of 10 baked potato chips won’t do your diet in, but eating half the bag quickly adds up to 600 calories.

2. Skipping breakfast (or any meal)

Skipping breakfast ? or any meal ? thinking it will mean fewer calories is another common diet mistake.

“The body usually ends up playing catch-up. If we miss that meal,” Bonci adds, “we tend to over-compensate at some point later in day.”

Eating breakfast also helps ensure that you’re burning calories more efficiently. Bonci says it’s a good idea to eat every three or four hours.

3. Forgetting about liquid calories

Think having a latte with lunch isn’t a big deal? Failing to consider those liquid calories can take a toll on your scale.

In fact, you may actually be having a full meal’s worth of calories without even eating anything substantial!

“If it’s not water and if it’s not black coffee or tea, there’s going to be calories to it,” Bonci reminds dieters, “but because beverages don’t make people feel full, they’re not thinking about what a tremendous calorie cost it can be.”

4. Taking weekends off

Larry Vasko of McKeesport says it’s easy to stray from one’s diet on the weekends. “If you had a good week, you kind of maybe treat yourself a little bit,” Vasko adds, “but just have to jump back on again.”

Bonci, however, warns that overdoing it on the weekends can cancel out all your hard work during the week.

5. Swearing off treats

If you think dieting means you can never have any of your favorite treats, you may want to re-evaluate.

“If you give it up entirely,” Bonci adds, “there’s going to be a point where once you do have it.. [you’ll] want a lot!”

Instead of splurging, it’s better to allow yourself to have a small amount every few days.

These are just a few of the common mistakes people make.

Overall, Bonci emphasizes the key to shedding those pounds is to cut calories and exercise.

Source: Kdka.com