Trying to lose weight can be a frustrating and often discouraging experience. While diet and exercise are the most common ways to shed pounds, there are many mistakes that can sabotage your weight loss goals.

Here are ten common mistakes we make when trying to lose weight:.

1. Skipping Meals

Skipping meals may seem like a good way to cut calories, but it can actually backfire. When you skip meals, you’ll likely be so hungry by the time you do eat that you end up overeating or making poor food choices.

Plus, skipping meals can slow down your metabolism, making it harder to lose weight in the long run.

2. Relying on Fad Diets

Fad diets are popular because they promise quick weight loss, but they often lack essential nutrients and can be difficult to sustain over time.

Instead of relying on a trendy diet, focus on making sustainable lifestyle changes that include a balanced diet and regular exercise.

3. Not Drinking Enough Water

Drinking enough water is key to overall health, and it can also help you lose weight. Dehydration can trick your body into thinking it’s hungry, leading you to eat more than you need.

Staying hydrated can also help boost your metabolism and aid in digestion.

4. Not Getting Enough Sleep

A lack of sleep can not only leave you feeling tired and irritable, but it can also affect your weight loss progress. Sleep deprivation can increase your appetite and lead to poor food choices, as well as lower your metabolism and decrease fat loss.

5. Eating Too Many Processed Foods

Processed foods are often high in calories, fat, and sugar, making them a poor choice for weight loss. Instead, focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

6. Not Tracking Your Food Intake

Keeping track of what you eat can help you stay accountable and make better choices. Whether you use an app or a journal, tracking your food intake can help you identify patterns and areas where you need to make changes.

7. Overestimating Calories Burned

Exercise is an important part of weight loss, but it’s easy to overestimate how many calories you’re burning.

Instead of relying on workout machines or apps, focus on incorporating a variety of physical activity into your day, like walking, cycling, or dancing.

8. Rewarding Yourself with Food

Rewarding yourself with food after a workout or a hard day can undo all your hard work. Instead, find non-food rewards, like a massage or a new book, to celebrate your progress.

9. Setting Unrealistic Goals

Setting goals that are too lofty can set you up for disappointment and frustration. Focus on small, achievable goals that can help you build momentum and keep you motivated.