Why am I not losing weight?

Reason #1: Eating the Wrong Foods

A walk  through the grocery store reveals aisle after aisle laden with foods that advertisers would like us to believe will help us to lose weight. Beware! These ‘fake’ foods can starve your body for nutrients and you end up craving more to eat, because despite the meal you just consumed your body is still lacking in the nutrients it needs. Feeding your body what it needs satisfy's it, therefore satisfying you!  Take a look in your cabinets and pantry. Are they loaded with food in boxes and bags? These are fake foods. Check the labels of these foods. Do they contain all natural ingredients without preservatives, additives, and dyes? If you eat more processed foods every week than fresh foods you could be seriously harming your own weight loss goals.  

The first step is to eliminate or at least seriously cut down on the fake foods. Opt for real foods instead. Real foods are the foods that God gave us to begin with; apples, oranges, carrots, etc. You remember these nourishing foods, right?  Load your plate with fresh fruits and veggies.  Choose meats and dairy that are lean, high fiber carbs, and don't forget to add fat to your diet!  The food pyramid....back to basics.

Reason #2: The Wrong Kind of Exercise

Are you one of the die-hard exercisers who despite your dedication can’t seem to shake that extra weight? Switch it up.  Alternating HIIT and cardio workouts has shown to be very effective in recent studies.  Example: Instead of just running or walking on the treadmill do bursts of high intensity running or sprinting followed by a cool down. For example, you can sprint full force for thirty to ninety seconds, slow down and walk for two minutes, then rev it up sprints again for 30-90 seconds. Continue this routine for ten to twenty minutes. This type of training causes your body to burn fat for the next 36 hours to replenish your body’s vital energy (glycogen) stores. It really is possible to burn fat while you sleep!

Reason #3: Thyroid Problems

Some of the most important chemicals when it comes to weight and metabolism are the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4 aka triiodothyronine and thyroxine.  These hormones can be thrown out of whack by many issues. From a diet with too much or too little iodine, to toxicity from amalgam fillings, to an undiagnosed medical condition.

Hyperthyroidism (too much T4):

• Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Racing heart
• Unexplained weight loss
• High amounts of perspiration
• Muscle weakness
• Multiple bowel movements
• Thin, brittle hair

Hypothyroidism (too little T4):

• Fatigue
• Dry hair, skin
• Unexplainable weight gain
• Constipation
• Muscle weakness and discomfort

If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms consult your health care practitioner to learn more.

Reason #4: Hormone Imbalances

It’s not just the thyroid hormones that can impact your metabolism and weight. Cortisol, aka the stress hormone, can block your attempts to lose weight too. This fight or flight hormone increases your appetite, makes you crave loads of carbs, and keeps fat in your mid section.  While you can get tests to evaluate the cortisol level in your blood, only you can determine your own level of stress. Take some time to evaluate if you are living in a constant (or close to constant) state of stress.

What to Do:

The best way to lower your cortisol levels is by decreasing stress. Learn to say no, take time to exercise (a huge stress buster as well as a great way to burn calories, improve sleep, and feel great), take up a hobby (and stick to it), and use breathing techniques to ward off stress when it first starts.

Reason #5: Birth Control Pills (or Other Synthetic Hormones)

According to the Mayo Clinic, taking the birth control pill can make you more likely to suffer from fluid retention. It also makes fat cells or adipose cells grow larger in size. This is due to the effect of estrogen in the birth control pill on the body chemistry.  If you take the birth control pill and find since you’ve started you’ve gained weight or your clothes feel tight or uncomfortable the ‘pill’ may be the cause.

Our bodies operate on a delicate balance. We throw so much at our precious bodies on a daily basis we often forget how important it is to protect. If you’ve been struggling to achieve your goals consider these five very common roadblocks for women trying to lose weight. Once you know the cause for you – take action!