Running to Lose Weight? Don’t Make These Mistakes

Description: Running to lose weight is one of the best approaches. However, there are some things you need to be aware of. Read on to learn the most important aspects.

Together with the proper diet, day-to-day running is the best way out for those who want to lose some extra pounds. However, no matter how ambitious you may be, there are some elementary steps you must never skip. We have analyzed the most common mistakes people in the rush of losing weight are exposed to so you won’t repeat them. Having the right equipment for running will not only improve your results but keep you safe from injuries in the long run.

Neglect Refueling

Running to lose weight should always be accompanied by a proper diet that supports your end goal. When it comes to losing weight, most people think they should immediately say no to carbs and even skip entire meals to achieve results faster. However, that’s a huge mistake because by doing so, you’re cutting the fuel your body needs to run. It’s like you discharge your portable power station for camping and for healthy living. Even after a mild run, you need around 50 grams of carbohydrates to refuel and give the body its glycogen so that the muscles can quickly regenerate and keep you going on your next session.

Entering Starvation Mode

If you’re running every day to lose weight, you should also keep an eye on your calorie intake. When you’re doing heavy physical exercise, your body needs extra calories for burning. And if you cut down on your regular calorie consumption and also start running, your body will immediately notice there’s not enough fuel to go around. It will soon enter a starvation mode, which means that no matter what running plan to lose weight you’re following – it won’t work anymore. The metabolism slows down, and your body will hold on to everything it can, making losing weight almost impossible.

Losing the Joy of Running to Lose Weight

Every time you check out those stories about running to lose weight before and after the meal, you need to remind yourself this is a long haul. You most probably won’t see any results during the first week of jogging, but you should not give up. Mentally preparing for this process is just as important as physical. To put it simply, if you force yourself on following restrictive diets, your brain can be your worst enemy because when the body identifies it loses the resources for running, the chemical warfare in your brain and body starts. In other words, your body doesn’t stand a chance in a fight between brain chemistry and willpower. The brain will always win, and not respecting your diet can easily translate into losing the joy of running altogether. Experts also recommend running for other goals like better sleep or a good mood.

Conclusion: Of course, the list of mistakes you can make when trying to lose weight through jogging can go on with things like running too much, exhausting yourself, and many other examples. We’ve focused on the less-obvious ones that are especially tricky because you don’t necessarily realize you’ve fallen in a trap.

What’s your opinion on these tips for runners who want to drop the extra pounds? If you want to contribute with your personal experience, feel free to do so through the comment section below!

Author’s bio: Daniel Graves started running in school as part of physical education classes. However, he discovered how running helps him relax and cope with everything that was going on in his teenage life. That’s how a life-long partnership was formed, and even though he never took it to a semi-pro or pro level, he’s still averaging 20km per week in his best workout shoes for men and loves to inspire other people looking for their thing.