Lying about what you ate is never a good sign. It indicates an unhealthy fixation on food and calories. If you "cheat" on your food log because you feel guilty about that mocha-latte you drank mid-afternoon and think neglecting to write it down means it never happened, or, you choose to tell your partner you ate dinner on the road because you don't feel like consuming dinner calories tonight, you have some food issues you need to work through with a doctor and nutritionist.
Sign #4: You weigh in everyday – sometimes throughout the day
If you find yourself stepping on the scale throughout the day, you need to move it to an out-of-the-way spot where it's not tempting you every time you walk by. Excessive weighing is counterproductive anyway, given the fact your weight varies throughout the day.
A smarter option: weigh in at the gym after your workout.
Sign #5: You're visiting pro-ana websites
The Internet has a wealth of resources when it comes to advice on healthy dieting and fitness. It's also got its share of fringe elements, and that's where we'd place "pro-ana" websites, which provide a community for anorexics and bulimics to share their tips and tricks.
If you find yourself gravitating to the advice of extreme dieters because fitness websites featuring advice from doctors, registered dietitians and nutritionists, certified fitness trainers and the like aren't getting you the results you want…maybe the results you're after aren't healthy.
Sign #6: You're freaking out your friends
If your friends or family seem unnerved by your weight loss, dieting or fitness regimen, get some unbiased professional advice – pronto.
Although we're inclined to give friends and relatives the benefit of the doubt and assume they have your best interests at heart, we'll concede that if your social circle and family is filled with the weight-challenged, your weight loss (even if it's perfectly healthy) may inspire envy and confusion.
So don't drive yourself nuts trying to figure out who's right or wrong: just schedule an appointment with your doctor to find out if you're on the right track, and if not, how to get back onto it.
Page 2 of 2 -- How to tell if you're overdoing your weight-loss efforts on page 1.
