I think we've all dealt with the frustrations of trying to lose weight. One day you look in the mirror and decide it is time to get back on track. You start eating healthier and exercising more. Weeks and months go by and after all of those skipped desserts you are ready for the scale to tell you it was all worth it.
You step on the scale and your heart drops. You didn't lose one pound!
Now you begin to panic. You go online and buy all of these expensive weight loss supplements and workouts hoping that something changes.
A few more weeks go by and you step on the scale... What!? You gained weight!
What is going on!?
This can kill all of your motivation and can be a real downer. I have seen many people give up on their diet and exercise plan after trying so hard and not seeing any results.
Today's post highlights 5 things that you should look at (BEFORE spending crazy amounts of money on supplements and workout plans) if you find that your weight just won't budge.
You’re Too Stressed Out
When your body is stressed out, it secretes a hormone called cortisol. This hormone is very necessary for your body to survive, but too much of this hormone for too long will cause your body to hold onto excess body fat. Chronic stress may even cause hormone imbalances, which can cause major weight loss issues. And let’s not forget about the dreaded “stress eating”. Many people find that when they are stressed they are more likely to snack on foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates.
A lot of you may be thinking, “Great, all I have to do to lose this belly fat is to quit my job and live like a monk!” That is far from the truth! You can make major improvements to your health and your mental well being by just remembering to take some time out of your day for yourself. Whether it is deep breathing, some meditation, or finding a hobby that you love to do. Making this change will make you feel so much better, and your body will begin to calm down and secrete less cortisol.
You Are Trying to “Out-Exercise” a Bad Diet
How many times have you heard a friend say, “I can eat this pizza or dessert because I just had a tough workout!” Don’t get me wrong, I believe in balance in your diet and don’t want anyone completely eliminating the foods they love. However, there are plenty of people out there who use exercise as their excuse to eat way too many calories because they “deserve” it after a tough workout.
If this sounds like you, then you may not be creating the caloric deficit that your body needs to lose weight. Nutrition is a HUGE part of your weight loss plan and you don’t want to use your workouts as an excuse to eat too much.
You’re Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Like I said above, I am all for a nutrition plan with that promotes balance between healthy foods and the “not-so-healthy” foods you love. When it comes to fat loss, though, you may want to take a little break from the alcohol.
Alcohol causes a lot of problems for a weight loss plan. Most of the popular alcoholic beverages are high in sugar, calories, and carbohydrates. Alcohol also effects your hormones negatively and will prevent you from losing fat and may even cause your body to hold onto fat, especially around your waist.
You’re Not Sleeping Enough (or Well)
Sleep has been found to be one of the most important aspects of your health and weight loss journey. Many fitness professionals (including myself) are beginning to believe that sleep is just as or even more important that your nutrition and exercise.
If you find that your diet and exercise are in check, but you just can’t lose that extra weight, you may need to take a look at your sleep habits. Sleep problems can mess with your hormones and your metabolism, greatly effecting your fat loss goals.
Your Cheat Day is Way Too Epic
Many dieters allow themselves a cheat meal or a cheat day when following their weight loss plan. I usually advise my clients to try and stick to a cheat meal and leave it at that. I have seen some cheat days become way too epic.
If you find yourself on a cheat day eating pancakes, donuts, etc. for breakfast, a pizza all to yourself at lunch, and cakes, candy, and ice cream for dessert after dinner, you will probably find that you just ruined your entire caloric deficit for the week.
Cheat meals are FINE! Just don’t go overboard and you will be fine.
Your Solution
Without working with you directly (if you would like to work with me, click here!), there is no way that I could know exactly what is causing your weight loss problems. My advice to you is to become mindful of your day and your habits and you will be able to figure out what is wrong. Take the 5 things above into consideration and you may just find the solution!
Are you having trouble losing that extra weight? Can't figure out why the belly fat just won't come off? Make sure to check out our FREE ebook. 3 Commons Fat Loss Mistakes and What You Should Really Be Doing to Lose Fat Fast!
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