Doing these things could be getting in the way of reaching your weight loss goals.

Trying to lose weight can be frustrating.

Skimp on Sleep

Are you a night owl?

a photo of a woman eating a piece of toast with fruit, peanut butter, and jam on top

Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.

If so, your late nights could be getting in the way of your weight goals.

For optimal health, aim to get 78 hours of quality shut-eye most nights.

Protein and fat are long-acting energy sources that take the body longer to digest.

So what should you start your day with?

Include protein-rich foods like Greek yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese, deli turkey or other meats.

you might even add nuts and seeds to cereals, oatmeal and smoothies, Archangeli recommends.

you might also check out thesehigh-protein breakfast recipesfor more inspiration.

Eat Mindlessly

You roll out of bed, shuffle to the kitchen, anduh-ohthe fridge is empty.

Planning breakfast the night before makes mornings less chaotic and allows eating to feel more intentional, she says.

And honestly, shes onto something.

Its like giving your future self a little gifthigh-protein overnight oatsthat are ready-to-eat,egg muffinsthat just need reheating.

No stress, just a solid start to the day that keeps you on track with your goals.

If its screaming for a rest, listen.

Step on the Scale

Whats one of the first things you do when you wake up?

If its stepping on a scale, you might want to re-think this common ritual.

While weight feels like an objective measure of progress, it doesnt tell the whole story.

Or perhaps you force yourself to drink a kale smoothie because its healthy, despite feeling bloated or indifferent.

This autopilot approach can throw you off track before the day even begins.

How do I want to feel in a few hours?, Beck explains.

Together, these habits can help foster a more balanced, feel-good approach to well-being.

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