10 bad habits that make you gain weight

Even if you have been doing everything to have an ideal body, there are times when you do things wrong and gain weight.

You may know the basic rules of weight loss: avoid eating too much fat and starch, drink plenty of water and limit alcohol, but putting them into practice is not easy. Here are 10 bad habits that completely sabotage your weight loss plan.

1. Stress

Stress causes weight gain because when you're stressed, you don't care to read labels and may make unhealthy decisions.

Stress causes fat storage — especially around the waist — increases appetite and releases hunger/satiety hormones, making it harder to detect when you're full.

2. Lack of sleep

Lack of sleep makes you tired. When you feel tired, you seek energy from sugar and caffeine. Eating sugar gives you an immediate energy high, followed by a quick crash, and can then lead to weight gain.

Lack of sleep increases the amount of hormones that stimulate appetite, increase fat production and make the body grow.

3. Lie on the couch

Tired of going to the gym and wanting to lie on the couch? Don't do it. Regular exercise not only makes you feel less stressed, happier, and healthier, but it also helps you lose weight.

4. Multitasking while eating

Don't do anything else while you eat. When you eat and do something else at the same time, like watching TV, working on the computer, reading, or driving, the signals from your stomach to your brain get interrupted, and you don't get the signal that you're full.

5. Eat at restaurants

If you eat out, you're more likely to eat foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar. When you eat at home, you can control what you eat, and help you achieve your desired waistline.

6. Adding unhealthy foods to healthy foods

Salads are great for lunch, as long as you're careful about what you add to them. Calories and fat in toppings (like cheese, croutons, and cream) can really add up, so add just a little to your salad. A great way to cut calories is to replace bad fats with good fats, or leave them alone and add them to your salad.

7. Using the wrong "diet" food/drink label

Foods that are considered “diet” foods can be dangerous and hinder your weight loss. Starchy “diet” foods are more about marketing than health. These “diet” foods have little nutritional value and are high in preservatives and salt, which are not good for weight loss.

8. Eat fruit

Fruits are eaten during the summer and are packed with vitamins, but they are also high in calories and sugar if you are not careful.

Bananas, plums, and mangoes are high-calorie fruits, with 1 cup of mango containing 107 calories. Limit your fruit intake and choose lower-calorie fruits, such as apples, cantaloupe, or berries, to curb your appetite without adding excess carbs.

9. Eating breakfast the wrong way

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so choose foods that provide you with protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Avoid cereals with dried fruit and honey, as these ingredients add sugar and fat.

It's important to be aware of portion sizes, the type of milk you choose, and other toppings, like sugar or honey. It's best to start your day with a mostly protein-based meal, as this can help balance blood sugar levels.

It's best to start your day with a mostly protein-based meal, as it can help balance blood sugar levels.

10. Dehydration

Not drinking enough water can be a reason for weight gain. Drinking water helps flush toxins out of your body and keeps you hydrated. Drinking less water can cause your body to retain fat and cause weight gain.

According to VOV