Losing weight can be a daunting task and lead to some downright risky habits that can do more bad than good when it comes to your health. Eliminating a whole food group, skipping meals throughout the day, getting on the scale every morning (something that can set you up for a good or bad mood for the day), or simply taking supplements instead of eating whole foods are not the best ways to lose weight and keep it off long-term.

Of all the things you should avoid, there are six things you should never do:

1. Cutting Calories Way Too Low

Not only will you lose precious muscle but cutting calories too severely can cause health risks like Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance. Your metabolism will slow down from losing muscle, water, and fat and your body will lack nutrients.

Instead: Eat at least 1,200 calories per day that include good quality protein, fats, and carbohydrates.

2. Diet Pills

Over-the counter formulas are full of caffeine and diuretics that put tremendous strain on the adrenal glands, kidneys, and heart and cause headaches and anxiety.

Instead: Make exercise a daily part of your routine and focus on whole foods.

3. Cleansing

Detoxing the body does help your body get rid of toxins however, it needs to be supervised by a medical or holistic practitioner. It can cause severe dehydration.

Instead: Drink plenty of clean, pure water and high-fiber foods.

4. Vomiting

Chewing food only to spit it out or throw it up is not only unhealthy and unsafe, but it can cause severe damage to the esophagus, mouth, and teeth.

Instead: Focus on choosing healthy foods at each meal. If you slip up or make a mistake, commit to eating better at the next meal.



5. Living at the Gym

Going to the gym every day is a good thing, but extreme exercising can put you at risk for injury, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.

Instead: More is not always better. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of exercise five days per week and strength training three days a week. Plus it's a great way to reduce stress.

6. Skipping Meals

This is one of the worst ways to try and lose weight as it will force your body to store fat.

Instead: Eat mini-meals every three to four hours that include protein and fiber is the best way to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

The best weight loss method is finding a plan that you can stay with long term. Be mindful of what you eat, listen to your body, and forget the extreme weight loss products and schemes that do not work in the long term.