Weight loss necessitates a high level of discipline. Nevertheless, embarking on a weight loss journey should not compel individuals to resort to extreme tactics such as skipping meals, comparing their progress with others, or neglecting rest. Riva Siggins, a fitness coach known for sharing workout and fitness advice on social media, advocates for a balanced approach. She recently utilized her Instagram platform to highlight several practices to avoid during the weight loss process.

In her post titled "6 Things You DON’T Have to Do to Lose Weight," Riva emphasized the importance of steering clear of certain behaviors. She stated, “Stop doing these 6 things⬇️ Even when I was deep into prep, which is the most extreme form of a fat loss phase I’ve ever done, I still didn’t do any of these things,” in her caption.

Skipping Meals

According to Riva, skipping meals only exacerbates hunger and complicates adherence to a caloric deficit. She recommends “prioritizing 3-4 nutrient-dense, macro-balanced meals daily to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.” To achieve this, she incorporates a scoop of cereal protein into her morning oats, ensuring a high-protein start to her day.

Labelling foods as good or bad

Riva articulated that “All foods serve a purpose.” She advocates for the majority of daily caloric intake to come from high-quality foods that offer greater nutritional benefits and volume, such as complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats. However, she also noted that processed foods and sweets can be enjoyed in moderation. “You’re not a bad person for eating a chocolate bar, and if you fit these foods into your deficit calories, you’ll still lose weight,” she remarked.

Just doing cardio

According to Riva, resistance training holds equal significance to cardiovascular exercise. "To reduce body fat, it is essential to maintain a caloric deficit while striving to preserve as much muscle mass as possible. Solely focusing on cardio can lead to substantial muscle loss, which is unnecessary. I consistently advocate for a structured resistance training regimen alongside a weekly target for steps and cardio to enhance overall daily activity," she articulated.

Copying other influencers

Each individual possesses distinct characteristics and body types. Consequently, the caloric intake and objectives one should pursue are contingent upon personal factors such as height, weight, age, gender, and activity level, rather than the weight loss methods of influencers.

Training everyday

Rest and recovery are equally crucial as adhering to caloric intake and exercise routines. "Overtraining can lead to injuries, burnout, and persistent fatigue," Riva noted.

Neglecting carbs

According to the fitness coach, carbohydrates do not contribute to weight gain; rather, it is the consumption of excess calories that does. She recommended that carbohydrates should constitute the largest portion of daily caloric intake, even when the aim is fat loss, as they serve as the body's preferred source of energy.

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