Weight is so hard to lose, y’all. I know I’ve done it and kept it off. But, here’s a little secret; I gained 30lbs in the course of a few months after starting a medicine to treat my bipolar. It’s taken me a year to get 20 of those pounds off and I’m still working on the last stubborn 10.
So, know that you’re not alone. If you’re actively working to lose weight it can be a challenging process, and there are various factors that can make it difficult for some individuals.
I’ve come up with five common reasons why you might be struggling to lose weight. Here they go!
1. Poor Diet Choices: One of the most significant factors affecting weight loss is your diet. Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugary beverages, and excessive calories can make it challenging to create a calorie deficit, which is necessary for weight loss. Lack of portion control and overeating can also hinder your progress. Try not to drink your calories. Instead, drink zero calorie beverages like water. If you need fizz and flavor drink seltzer water or Coke has zero calorie drinks. Also, track your calories. Find out how many calories you should consume by clicking here.
2. Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain and make it difficult to shed excess pounds. Regular physical activity, such as cardio and strength training exercises, helps burn calories and boost your metabolism, which is crucial for weight loss. Don’t be afraid to lift weights. Building muscle helps to burn fat.
3. Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and insulin resistance, can affect your metabolism and make it harder to lose weight. If you suspect a medical condition may be contributing to your weight issues, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance.
4. Emotional Eating: Emotional factors, such as stress, depression, or anxiety, can lead to emotional eating, where you consume excess calories to cope with your emotions. This can impede your weight loss progress, as it can be challenging to address the root causes of emotional eating. See a therapist, meditate, go for a walk, or practice some other form of self-care.
5. Inadequate Sleep: Lack of quality sleep can disrupt your body's hormonal balance, leading to increased hunger and cravings for high-calorie foods. Additionally, fatigue from poor sleep can make it harder to find the energy for regular exercise. Strive for at least 7 hours of sleep.
It's important to remember that everyone's body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you're struggling to lose weight, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian. They can help identify the specific factors affecting your weight loss and create a personalized plan to address your unique needs and goals.
From reading this, can you figure out what’s impeding your own weight loss? I know mine lol. Food is good and I’ve been eating it without tracking my caloric intake. I’ve since gotten back to tracking but now I’m on vacation and tracking calories and working out is on pause. I’m still being mindful of how eat though.
