You may be wondering, "Why can't I lose weight? What am I doing wrong?"
Losing weight can be a frustrating and overwhelming task, especially for busy parents doing their best to balance their work/life balance. Too often these people have tried and failed multiple times.
Well, the truth is, there could be a variety of reasons why you're struggling to shed those extra pounds. But don't worry, you're not alone, and there is a solution.
Here are 7 of the most common reasons why you may be having a hard time losing weight:
1. You're not getting enough sleep. When you're sleep-deprived, your body produces more ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite, and less leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite. So, if you're not getting enough shut-eye, you may be more likely to crave high-calorie foods.
2. You're not drinking enough water. Staying hydrated is crucial for weight loss, as it helps to flush out toxins and keep your metabolism running smoothly. If you're dehydrated, your body may hold onto water, making you feel bloated and heavier.
3. Too many processed foods could be creeping into your diet. Processed foods are often high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to weight gain. Try to focus on whole, unprocessed foods, like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, instead.
4. It might be time to get even more physical. Exercise is essential for weight loss, as it burns calories and helps to build muscle. But, if you're not getting enough physical activity, you may be missing out on the benefits. Make sure to include a combination of cardio and strength training in your exercise routine.
5. Emotional eating habits. Sometimes, we turn to food as a way to cope with stress, boredom, or emotional issues (Something I've battled with through the years). This can lead to overeating and weight gain. Finding healthy ways to cope with your emotions, such as mindfulness, meditation, or therapy, can help you break this cycle.
6. Lack of Customisation - One-size-fits-all weight loss programs may not take into account your unique needs, goals and schedule. This can make it difficult to maintain the program and achieve sustainable weight loss. A personalised weight loss program that is tailored to your unique needs and goals is much more likely to be successful.
7. Lack of Support and Accountability - Losing weight can be a daunting task and it's easy to give in to temptations and slip back into old habits. Having a support system in the form of a personal trainer or a weight loss program that provides personalised coaching and support can make all the difference. When you have someone to hold you accountable, you're more likely to stay on track and achieve your weight loss goals.
As you can see, losing weight is a complex process that can be influenced by a variety of factors. But don't despair!
Losing weight is not impossible, it just takes time, dedication, and the right support system. If you're feeling discouraged and ready for a change, reach out to a personal trainer or a weight loss program that offers personalised coaching and support (like me!). Take the first step towards achieving your weight loss goals and feeling great about yourself. You can do this by reaching out to me today.
The Genius of "Atomic Habits" And How To Make Small Changes That Create BIG Differences
James Clear is a smart man who wrote a book about how to make good habits.
His biggest recommendation is to start small. For example, if you want to run, don't try to run a marathon right away. Start by running a little bit each day, and then do a little more each time. This way you won't get tired too fast and give up.
A great way to build on this is to make a plan and write it down. That way you can see how you're doing and know when you've done something good. You will also see if you need to change something, like if you need to run more or less.
Remember, when you want to build a new habit it’s important to take your time and not rush things. Building good habits takes time and effort. Sometimes you might not do as well as you want, but that's okay. You can try again tomorrow. The important thing is to keep going and don't give up.
It's important that you have fun and enjoy the process of building the habits. It's also important to give yourself a pat on the back when you do something good. This will make you feel good and want to keep going. As he says, “what gets rewarded gets repeated.”
Most people have the best intentions when they start, but they often forget that sometimes life can get in the way. Experiencing setbacks are normal and don't mean you are not doing well. Habits are not a one-time thing. It’s a process that requires continuous effort and it's important to be patient with yourself and to understand that setbacks are normal. The key is to be persistent and not to give up, even when things get tough.
The overarching theme is that it's not just about building one habit, but it's about creating a lifestyle that promotes balance, health and wellness. By following the approach in “Atomic Habits”, you will be able to create habits that will support you in achieving your goals and living the life that you want.
Avoid This Toxic Mindset For Permanent Weight-Loss
Most of us have heard the phrase “no pain, no gain” when it comes to exercise
People think if they don’t push themselves to their limits, then they won’t get any value from exercising. But this type of mindset can lead to burnout and injury.
If improving your health and fitness is important to you, then, it's time to change the way you think of exercise.
Most people view exercise as a punishment for having "fun". Or, something that you must endure to achieve results.
5 Easy Weightloss Habits
Losing weight can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. By making a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can start losing weight and improve your health.
Here are five easy habits to help you shed those extra pounds:
1. Eat more protein:
Protein is an important nutrient that helps keep you full and satisfied. By increasing your protein intake, you can reduce your cravings, which can lead to weight loss.
Good sources of protein include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and nuts.
2. Drink plenty of water:
Water is essential for good health, and it can also help you lose weight. When you're dehydrated, your body may hold onto excess water, which can cause weight gain. By drinking plenty of water, you can flush out excess water and toxins. This will help your body function more efficiently.
3. Get enough sleep:
Lack of sleep can lead to weight gain. It can increase your appetite and cravings for unhealthy foods. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night can help keep your metabolism running smoothly and prevent weight gain.
4. Increase daily movement:
Regular exercise is a crucial part of a balanced healthy lifestyle. It can help you burn calories, boost your metabolism, and improve your muscle mass.
This is most effective as part of a long term plan. Start simple and choose activities you could do on a daily basis, then build up from there. The most accessible and easiest options would be brisk walking or cycling for 30 minutes.
5. Eat slower and be more mindful:
Overeating is a common cause of weight gain, and eating fast can make it worse.
Eating slower and remaining mindful is a great way to combat this. You will become better at recognising when you're full and stop eating before you overeat. Try putting your fork down between bites, and take the time to savour each bite of food.
When these habits become part of your daily routine, you will lose weight and improve your health. It may take some time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it.
You'll notice as you start to see progress, your motivation to stick to the plan will improve.