Why Am I Not Losing Weight?
Introduction:
Based on my research and experience with clients, these are among the main reasons that many people, even with strong intention, still struggle with losing or maintaining a healthy weight. Read these 9 possibly hidden culprits to see if any apply to you:
1. Medication
Certain drugs can make it easy to put on pounds and hard to lose them. Some antipsychotic drugs used for bipolar disorder and depression can make patients put on significant amounts of weight. One such medication, olanzapine (Zyprexa) has been shown to promote weight gain. Go to your Pharmacist to inquire if your meds will encourage weight gain! Tip: I know ya’ll know this, but consuming a minimum of 64 oz pure H20 daily can help with the flushing of those toxins and medication effects.
2. Hidden Calories & A Secret
Hidden, empty calories are often found in soda, coffee, energy drinks, fat free/low fat/sugar free foods that are laden with artificial ingredients and preservatives. MSG, Aspartame, and other toxic food additives actually stimulate hunger signals. Also, a secret that is often kept in the cupboards, so to speak: When Glucose levels go up, insulin peaks and pumps thru your system to level off the glucose, and (the secret)- Your Metabolism SLOWS DOWN! This is bad for the body. Translation: Eating refined sugars and carbohydrates on a regular basis will cause you to burn less calories, not tap into stored fat, and overall make it tough for you to lose any pounds.
3. You Are Hungry!
Restricting calories to lose weight may be a self-defeating practice. Not eating enough can cause metabolism to slow down in an attempt to conserve energy. For some people, small meals/snacks of whole (NOT processed) nutrient rich foods will keep metabolism stoked (~every 2-3 hours; depending on activity levels). Suggestion: Learn about a Ketogenic diet. It consists of approximately 5-10% carbs, 70 % healthy fats, and 30% lean proteins. This way of eating helps the body burn fat (and ketones) as fuel and keep metabolism moving!
4. Stress
When your nerves are frazzled, your body releases cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal system that is linked to weight gain. Over production of adrenaline & cortisol can actually encourages fat to store, particularly around the waist line (belly fat). Cortisol trigger: Maxing out on caffeine intake, sugar intake, and inadequate sleep.
5. Poor Sleep Habits
Getting too little shut- eye can predispose you to gain weight. Even one night's lack of sleep is significant enough to disrupt metabolic patterns and give more insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for diabetes. The body goes thru a deep liver cleansing between 1am-3am (on average), but you MUST be in the deep stages of sleep to get this benefit! If not, you will awake with no liver detox, hence feeling sluggish much of the day. Adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Did you know: Gerelin (a hormone) releases when we do not obtain adequate sleep. Gerelin causes the appetite to be triggered, creating major hunger cravings.
6. Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D regulates insulin, which is the hormone that assists in glucose balance and metabolism. Therefore, you could say that vitamin D helps keep sugar levels in check for the body to use it as fuel, versus storing it. It is very common for folks in the northern part of the hemisphere to be deficient in this vitamin. In blood tests, the minimum acceptable result is 35. However, the healthy goal is to be at 50 to 100! Top food sources of vitamin D: wild caught fish, eggs, fresh oranges, and mushrooms. Suggestion: Take up to 5,000 IUs of vitamin D3 a day, especially during the darker months when sunlight is not available.
7. Obvious One: Lack of Physical Activity
Sedentary lifestyle is one of the quickest ways to not only gain weight, but shorten a life span. Optimal ways to exercise: High Intensity Interval Training or Circuit Training (15 - 20 minutes 3 - 4x per week) + Restorative workouts (20 - 30 minutes) such as Yoga or walking 3 - 4x per week. * Please consult with your medical care provider before beginning and new exercise regimen.
8. Dehydration
The same neurotransmitter in the brain that activates the sensation that you are hungry, is the very same neurotransmitter that says “I am thirsty.” Therefore, often times you may not be hungry at all. You are simply thirsty! Do this: Try to consume 60+ ounces of pure water daily for its satiating and cleansing effect to the body.
9. Your Metabolism is in the Dumps
Due to years of poor habits, you may have shifted your metabolic panel into the slow zone. This will call for metabolic support, such as a diet/supplementation of thermogenic. These nutrients help support hormone balance and stimulate calorie burn. Research to see what is optimal for you: Chromium, Fiber, Omega 3’s, Evening Primrose, Enzymes, 5HTP, Pyruvate, Green Tea, Garcinia cambogia, B Complex, L-Carnitine, CLA, Rhodiola, Cacao (Theobromine), Cayenne, Ginger, Mate, Spirulina. *Please consult with your medical care provider and pharmacist before starting any new supplement.
Final Thought
You CAN be the version of yourself that you desire. It takes equipping and effort. You are not only worth it- You are made for health and vibrant living!
✮TRY A SUPER FOOD BOWL FOR ENERGY:
Grab your favorite bowl or plate.
Cut up, prepare, and wash all ingredients.
Arrange your Super Food Bowl ingredients in a circular pattern around the bowl until it eventually fills into the middle. You can also layer of you want!
Ideas to add to you Super Food Bowl:
Avocados
Chickpeas or Hummus
Fresh Herbs such as Basil, Parsley, Dill, Chives, Cilantro
Nuts such as Walnuts, Almonds, Pistachios, Brazil Nuts, Pumpkin seeds
Fresh Fruit such as Berries, Pineapple, Apples, Kiwi, Star fruit, Papaya, Mango
Fresh Veggies such as Broccoli, Carrots, Spinach, Sprouts, Mushrooms, Pea pods
Lean Proteins such as Organic Chicken, Turkey, Salmon
Dried foods such as Dates, Figs, Banana or Plantain Chips
Dressings: I like to purchase healthy blends such as Primal Kitchen Dressings or Bolthouse Farms Dressing
ENJOY!
Do you have any secrets of success to share?
In Grace,
Cara
* This is for your educational purposes only.