Target

The Weight Question

We sat down with Julianna Vocca, an expert in nutrition and metabolism, and asked her THE QUESTION:

What are the biggest mistakes people make when trying to lose weight, and what should they focus on instead?

The biggest mistake people make when trying to lose weight is expecting it to happen fast. Weight gain rarely happens overnight and weight loss won't either. A realistic pace is 1–2 pounds per week; this is steady enough to be sustainable and slow enough to protect your metabolism. The scale isn't a perfect progress report. Your weight can swing 2–4 pounds in a few days thanks to fluid shifts, hormones, and even how much food is still in your system. That's normal and not a setback. What does drive real change is a consistent calorie deficit paired with habits that protect muscle. Too little exercise slows metabolism; too much ramps up stress and backfires. The sweet spot: lifting weights and moderate cardio 3–4 days a week. For smoother progress, prioritize protein and fiber at every meal to help with appetite control. Lift weights to maintain muscle. Limit sugary drinks and ultra‑processed "diet" foods. Eat when you're actually hungry. Monitor portion sizes and read nutrition labels to understand your choices and quantities. Slow, steady, and strength‑focused wins every time.

For addition strategies, Julianna can be reached at: Juliana Vocca MS RD Owner/Women's Health and Media Dietitian www.primewomennutrition.com