You like the low calorie low carb way of eating but you get the feeling that your plan just isn't getting you the results you want. It may even be causing you to gain fat!! No need to panic or change plans. Just check out the quick list below to see what you're doing wrong then fix it and start losing weight.

1. A majority of your calories are consumed at night. Nothing wrong with eating low calorie or low carb but when you eat a majority of your food at night you are sabotaging yourself two ways. 1. You're not reving up your metabolism by eating when you get up. 2. You're taking in most of your calories before bed when you are going to be less active.
Fix: Eat a big breakfast, followed by a mid-morning snack, a moderate lunch, then a small mid-afternoon snack. Your dinner should be your lightest meal. The earlier you eat your meals the faster your metabolism, the more calories your body burns, and the less digestion problems you'll have at night.

2. You get most of your calories from packaged foods. Supplementing is fine but when it takes over your world you are missing out on two things. 1. Nutrients & fiber from real fruits, veggies, and protein. 2. Loads of water from those same foods. Fix: Try to balance real food and packaged food. For example if you eat 2 shakes, 2 bar, and one real meal, try switching to 1 shake, 1 bar, and 2 real meals. If those two meals are primarily low glycemic fruits, veggies, and lean proteins you don't really need to stress about carb and calorie control anyway.

3. You avoid certain foods that you love and are good for you but replace them with worst foods. i.e. low carb cookies (this is the real sin!!). A low carb cookie isn't better than a banana just because Dr. Expert So and So said so. Fix: Learn how to eat balanced meals. It won't hurt you to mix 5-6 slices in a blender with some water, chocolate soy protein and a handful of almonds plus raw oats. The balance between protein, fat, and slow release carbs will control the blood sugar spike and the smaller portion will control carb grams. Plus a few slices of banana provide much needed water and potassium and they won't kill your diet while low carb cookies can really do some damage when you're feeling deprived all the time. Get help with this book: The Sugar Solution: Weight Gain? Memory Lapses? Mood Swings? Fatigue? Your Symptoms Are Real - And Your Solution is Here


4. You overeat fat and protein rather than have a bite of carbs. When you're in a fast food situation (this applies to restaurants as well) a low carb burger may sound better than a big hamburger but option one gets you 490 calories, 37g fat, 6g carbs, and 33g protein, while option two gets you 470 calories, 17g fat, 54g carbs and 24g protein. Fix: Do your research about what to order when eating out. A smart eater knows that ordering the second burger and tearing off 2/3 of the bun is a much better option than all the added fat and protein of the first option. Your body is not meant to handle that kind of fat and protein intake in one meal so be smart about your choices and you'll save calories and carbs in the end. Get help with this book: The Smart Carb Guide to Eating Out