So... we're a few weeks into the new year by now and you've been working hard at all those New Year's resolutions. This is the year you're going to eat well and lose weight! And you've been good- really good! You've been doing everything right, but those pounds are just not melting away! It's very frustrating to put in the effort and not get the results you were expecting, isn't it? You bet! So what's getting in the way of losing weight?
Click through for some reasons you might not be shedding the weight.
1. You're setting your goals too high. Don't focus so much on the number of pounds you want to lose or you might feel overwhelmed. Instead, see your goal as more of a lifestyle thing and focus on reaching a balance between what you'd like to change and what is realistic for you. This will make it all much easier to stick with.
2 .You're being impatient or unrealistic. Effective weight loss can take some time. You might feel like all the sacrifices you've been making should be zapping those pounds like crazy, but unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Slow and steady weight loss is healthiest and will have the most permanent results, so hang in there- your efforts will pay off! And because your weight can fluctuate pretty often, weigh yourself only once a week to avoid becoming obsessive about the numbers.
3. You're making poor choices. A healthy diet for weight loss should be 40% protein, 30% carbs, and 30% healthy fat. Pay attention to food labels and sty informed. A product labeled as "low-fat" is not always as diet friendly as it sounds. It might be loaded with extra sugar that's just unnecessary carbs that won't satisfy you. It's essential that you eat enough protein, which keeps you satisfied and helps with weight loss.
4. You're depriving yourself. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when you're trying to lose weight is to swear off ice cream, or pasta, or whatever it is that does it for you. Knowing that you'll never again get to enjoy your guilty pleasures is a sure way to sabotage your efforts. Plan for treats and be aware of portion size. And when you eat them, enjoy every bite!
5. You're not exercising. Or not exercising enough. In order to lose weight you have to burn more calories than you consume, and exercise is a fabulous calorie buster. It's important to mix it up and get a good mix of cardio and weight training; cardio burns calories, and weight training builds muscle mass, which increases your metabolism.
6. You're not getting enough sleep. Being tired can weaken your will-power and cause food cravings. Getting fewer than 7 hours each night messes with the hormones that affect hunger and stress.
7. You're too stressed. Stress hormones can cause weight gain, or make it difficult to shed pounds. Yeah, life is stressful, but take time to relax for 20 minutes every day. Meditation, yoga, and any exercise are all excellent stress relievers.
8. You're drinking diet soda. I know how weird that sounds, but it's true that people who drink diet soda are heavier than those who don't. Even though it's sugar free, the sweet taste can stimulate hunger.
9. You're not eating enough. Also sounds weird, but if your body goes into 'starvation mode' it will hold on to those calories. Eat regular meals to keep your blood sugar steady and your metabolism working throughout the day.
10. You're not keeping track. Keeping a food log is the best way to know exactly what you're eating all the time. There are so many food apps you can use that really help because they calculate everything.
Here are some great ones for you to check out.
Are any of these obstacles getting in the way of your weight loss goals? Make some small changes, and be patient! In time you'll get the results you wanted!
