How to Avoid Common Weight Loss Mistakes

By Christine Luff, About.com Guide

Updated May 14, 2013

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Some runners assume that because they're running or doing other forms of exercise, they're supposed to drink sports drinks. But the truth is that, while it's important that you use sports drinks to replace electrolytes during your long runs, you don't need to constantly drink them when you're not running. Not only are they high in calories, but they also have very little nutritional benefit and they won't keep you full.

How to fix it: Stay away from sugary sports drinks, unless you're running more than 90 minutes and need to replace electrolytes lost through sweat. You should also try to avoid fruit juices (whole fruit is always better), regular soda, and high-calorie specialty coffee beverages. Plain water is fine for staying hydrated during the week. If that's too boring for you, try squeezing a lemon in your water or drink no-calorie flavored seltzer water. Also, try to limit beer and alcohol consumption to 1-2 glasses per week.

Previous

• Mistake #1: Unrealistic Expectations
• Mistake #2: Depriving Yourself
• Mistake #3: Using Food as a Reward
• Mistake #4: Skipping Meals
• Mistake #5: Drinking Too Many Calories
• Mistake #6: Overestimating Your Calories Burned
• Mistake #7: Not Readjusting Calorie Needs

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