The 3 most common mistakes I see people make when starting their weight loss journey:


1. Setting unrealistic goals

Setting unrealistic weight loss goals can quickly lead to people becoming disheartened and losing motivation on their weight loss journey. The importance of setting small realistic goals appropriate to your lifestyle cannot be overstated.

2. Fad diets

A fad diet is any diet that guarantees rapid weight loss without a scientific basis (think Lemon Detox Diet). Although Fad diets may provide short-term results (mostly due to loss of water stores and break down of muscle mass), their restrictive nature makes them difficult to sustain in the long term. Often fad diets eliminate entire foods groups which can put us at risk of nutritional deficiencies.

3. Getting advice from the internet

A recent survey from LiveLighter suggests that 44% of people rely on the internet for weight loss guidance, making it a common first-step that people choose. This is likely not the best of source of information, for a number of reasons.

The problem is, many people who post on the internet do not require any qualification or reputable nutrition knowledge. Information provided on web pages may serve to advertise various weight loss products or regimes, which may not be proven, or may not be suitable for you.


So, who do you look to for weight loss advice?

We recommend you consult an expert in dietetics and nutrition. An Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) has completed a four-year University degree learning how to apply the science of nutrition – for people in your specific situation.

An Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) will work with you to:
· Understand your personal challenge with weight and create a program to suit your needs.
· Provide nutrition education & counselling to change your eating behaviors.
· Provide meal plans to suit your lifestyle and requirements.
· Provide strategies to cope with setbacks.