Simple weight loss mistakes we all make

Whether you’re starting your weight loss routine for the first or fiftieth time this year, it’s important to be aware of the simple mistakes we can all make when it comes to losing weight.

Here are five common mistakes you may be making that could hamper your weight loss goals.

Your morning wakeup coffee

Coffee might very well be the only thing to wake you up in the morning, but it could mean you're feeding a sweet tooth and the temptation for snacks that should be avoided. A new study from Cornell University found that drinking caffeine can cause our taste buds to react, making drinks and food taste less sweet, which could lead to us craving sugar-filled treats to please our cravings.

Why not try something different in the morning? Matcha has been a huge health trend for a while now, and it's going to give you the little lift you need first thing.

You don’t eat breakfast

Surely we all know how important breakfast is in the morning, no matter how busy and rush you might think you are, it's vital you make time to have something to eat. If you skip breakfast it'll only affect your blood sugar levels, which will undoubtedly leave you craving sugar mid-morning.

Alix Woods, nutritionist at Quest Nutra Pharma, says that an ideal breakfast to balance your blood sugar in the morning is a mixture of whole grain cereal, nuts, seeds and fruits like blueberries, mango and pomegranate.

If you need breakfast on the go, make a shake that includes a mixture of fruit, cereal and protein.

Not moving enough in bed 

Having the energy for a session between the sheets might not be a regular occurrence, but sex is a great way to burn a few extra calories, plus it can help boost your immune system too. Plus, you're pretty much guaranteed to feel a little better afterwards too.

Nutritionist, Dr. Marilyn Glenville says that research has revealed regular sex, once or twice a week, will boost your immune function. The study looked at an antibody which protects against cold and flu, and those who had regular sex saw an increase of this antibody by 30% when you compare it those who don't have regular sex.

Drinking smoothies regularly 

You might very well be getting one or two of your five-a-day, but the reality is, smoothies are packed with sugar. In fact, some can contain as much as 7g of sugar per 100ml, which is nearly a third of your recommended daily allowance.

If you do like drinking smoothies, it's best to make your own, instead of shop-bought options. Try a mixture of blueberries, cucumber, avocado and flax seeds. You can even add in some powdered protein which is going to help keep you fuller for longer.

Not varying your exercise 

Yes exercise is a great way to supplement your weight loss, and keep yourself fit and healthy, but if you stick to that one beloved HIIT, boxing or pilates class you might not be benefiting as much as you think.

If you stick to the same exercise all the time your body will get used to it, plus you might not be working all the muscles you could be. Plus, if you stick to just one form of exercise you're likely to get bored after a while.

Try to mix it up as much as possible and make sure you're doing a mixture of things like weights, cardio, plyometric training and through in some relaxing yoga too.