Losing weight is no small feat. Achieving it requires changes in your daily routine, eating habits, and even your social life. That's why it's easy to fall prey to pills or miracle diets to achieve results in the shortest time possible. While there are many products that promise immediate results, unfortunately, there is no substitute for eating well and exercising. Make sure not to fall into these traps when starting a regimen so you won't be disappointed.

You just finished a detox diet

Most detox diets involve drastic calorie restriction, which can be very bad news for your waistline. When your body perceives that it is starving, your metabolism slows down, trying to compensate for the decrease in calories and attempts to reserve the calories you consume. Thus, when you return to a normal diet, you will gain back all the weight you lost. Instead, try this: the best way to help your body eliminate the waste from digestion is to increase your water intake, so your kidneys can work efficiently in eliminating toxins. Additionally, increasing your intake of plant-based proteins like beans and lentils can help liver function, another organ responsible for excreting waste from the body.

You think all calories are the same

When it comes to losing weight, reducing calories is important. However, not all calories are created equal. Some calories, like those from high-fiber or protein-rich foods, speed up your metabolism. Moreover, if they are low glycemic index foods like milk and grains, they keep you fuller for longer, making you less tempted to overeat at your next meal. For this reason, include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fiber in all your meals and snacks. Fiber and protein slow down the rate at which food moves through the digestive tract, making you feel fuller and allowing your body to absorb the nutrients you need more efficiently.

You eliminate all carbohydrates from your meals

Eliminating all refined carbohydrates like cookies, white flour, or chips is never a bad idea. However, overly limiting your carbohydrate intake can result in a negative impact on your body. Instead, try to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, and when you eat grains, make sure they are not refined but whole: brown rice, whole grain bread, or corn tortillas are good sources of carbohydrates that you can eat in moderation at each meal.