Trying to lose weight can be a frustrating experience for many of us. We may start off our journey full of enthusiasm, but over time it can become harder and harder to make progress. If you’re finding yourself not losing as much weight as you expected, don’t despair! There are several things that could be affecting your results; understanding these reasons can help you to make the necessary adjustments and get back on track. Read on to find out more about some of the most common reasons why you’re not losing as much weight as you would like.
1. Not Eating Enough Calories
One of the most common missteps people make when trying to lose weight is not eating enough calories. Many clients get shocked when I tell them this, as they often think that if they eat fewer calories than usual, then they will lose weight faster. This is not the case! Eating too few calories can lead to your body going into ‘starvation mode’ and may even let your body hold onto fat for longer. You may feel like you are eating less and losing weight, but this is usually just water weight loss and not fat loss, which could be why you’re not losing as much weight as you would like.
2. Not Eating the Right Foods
Another common mistake people make when trying to lose weight is not eating the right kinds of food. Many people are under the impression that they can still eat unhealthy foods and lose weight, as long as your calories are low enough! Often I will also see those carb starvers out there too, no carbs lots of processed foods and limited unsaturated fats, fiber, and protein. If you want to see real results, then it is essential that you focus on consuming healthy, high-fiber, nutrient-dense foods higher in protein and unsaturated fats. Eating a balanced diet of nutritious food will not only help you to lose weight, but it will also provide your body with the energy and nutrients it requires to work optimally. The next time you’re hungry, try reaching for some healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, or nuts.
3. Not Exercising Enough
In addition, another reason why you may not be losing as much weight as you would like is that you’re not exercising enough or in any way at all. Exercise helps to decrease inflammation, so if you’re not engaging in regular exercise, then it can make it harder for your body to utilize stored fat for energy. In addition to this, exercise will also help to build muscle which in turn improves your metabolism and helps you to utilize more stored energy throughout the day. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, and if possible, try to have some strength training exercises into your routine too. This is especially important for those looking to gain muscle and lose fat. But realistically, start where you can – a 5-minute walk is better than nothing.
4. Not Getting Enough Sleep
If you’re not getting enough sleep, then this can has a deleterious effect on your weight loss efforts. I always recommend to my clients that they should aim to get at least 5 hours of sleep a night as this allows them to regulate hormones such as ghrelin and leptin, which can affect their appetite and cravings. Not getting enough sleep can also drive your body to release cortisol (the stress hormone) which in turn leads to improved fat storage and water retention. If you feel like you’re not losing enough weight, then try to focus on getting more quality sleep. After all, it’s essential for both our physical and mental health.
5. Not Staying Hydrated
The last thing to consider is whether or not you are staying hydrated throughout the day. Just like the ocean that covers the majority of our planet, our bodies are made up mostly of water! Staying hydrated is not just important for your health, but it can also help to suppress appetite and keep cravings under control. Water is an essential aspect for great looking hair, skin, nails and to keep up pooping regularly. Regular defecation stimulated hormone balancing from your gut that can also aid in weight loss through the gut-brain axis.
Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water each day in order to stay properly hydrated. In addition to this, you should also try to avoid drinking sugary and caffeinated drinks as these can cause spikes in blood sugar, leading you to feel hungrier. If you want to make your water more exciting, try infusing it with some fruit or herbs. This will not only make it more palatable, but it will also provide your body with some extra vitamins and minerals.
Wrapping Up
Being a woman can feel like a full-time job sometimes. Between juggling work, family, and social commitments, it can be hard to find the time and energy to focus on your health. But if you want to reach your ideal weight, then it’s essential that you make an effort to look after yourself. The tips in this blog will help you get back on track with your weight loss goals. If you want help on your journey, then I’m here for you. With my tailored meal plans and personalized weight loss program in Spokane, I can help you reach your goals and feel your very best. With the right plan and a bit of consistency, you can achieve amazing results. Book a FREE consultation today to get started!
