Drop It Like It's Hot

It's frustrating: You've been working to build healthier habits but aren't seeing a boost in energy or confidence. The truth is, your daily efforts might not be as helpful as you hoped. Check your routine for the following traps.

- By Lisa Turner and the Clean Eating Team

1. EATING TOO LITTLE

In the truest sense, calories equal energy. And if you're restricting calorie intake too much, your body lacks essential fuel.

In fact, when you significantly restrict calories, your systems don't have enough energy to perform their most essential functions.Instead, the body adapts and tries to conserve energy, slowing down your metabolism in the process. This can lead to feeling sluggish, unfocused and even unmotivated.

While being mindful of your calorie intake, you should home in on nutrient-dense calories so your body gets everything it needs to run like a welloiled machine.

Nutrient-dense calories will fill you up with goodfor-you vitamins, minerals, fats and other must-haves so you can keep your body properly fueled and operating at its best.

Additionally, instead of cutting back on calories, try incorporating more foods that'll satiate your hunger and help you feel fuller for longer periods of time. Filling foods deliver those much-needed, energy-generating calories without leaving you hungry or unsatisfied. One of the best options? Protein! Protein powers nearly every one of your body's systems, from cell repair to strengthening muscle. And it's as filling as it is beneficial.

A protein-packed breakfast or snack will help keep you on track. Try this savory-sweet granola bowl: cleaneating.com/apricotplumbowl.

2. RELYING ON “DIET” FOODS