7 ‘Healthy’ Habits That May Slow Weight Loss, According to a Dietitian

• Some diet habits seem healthy but may be unhelpful for weight loss, a dietitian said.
• Common strategies like cutting out junk food, drinking green juice, and having protein shakes can backfire. 
• Trying to speed up weight loss with fasting, fitness challenges, or diet foods can do more harm than good. 

Some habits that seem healthy could be disrupting your weight loss efforts, and may not be as good for you as you think, according to a registered dietitian.

Popular dieting strategies that promise fast weight loss results could leave you feeling frustrated and deprived instead, said Jaclyn London, registered dietitian and author of Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked): 11 Science-Based Ways to Eat More, Stress Less, and Feel Great About Your Body. 

“There’s no guarantee with the science of weight loss. As dietitians, our whole practice is about finding what works for an individual,” she said. 

She said you should be skeptical of common dieting habits that seem healthy but could be detrimental to your weight loss and wellbeing, including fasting, juice cleanses, diet foods, and excessive restrictions. While some people may have weight-loss success after making dramatic changes, it’s better for long-term health to focus on consistency and small, sustainable tweaks to your current habits, London said.