Top 6 Reasons You Can’t Lose Weight
1. You consume the wrong foods.
A diet too high in sugar: (>25 grams sugar/day).
Too many empty calories: these are foods that are high in calories and low in nutrients (processed foods).
Too many simple carbohydrates or starchy foods that are contributing to a blood sugar imbalance.
Too few healthy fats.
A diet lacking in fiber.
2. You perform the wrong type of exercise.
Multiple, long (>45 min) cardio sessions each week. Long cardio sessions have been proven to increase cortisol, which can cause an increase in fat.
Avoiding strength training and heavy lifting (no, ladies – you will not bulk up).
Exercising too much (7 days/week).
Not exercising enough (< 3x/week).
3. You have thyroid issues:
Thyroid problems are extremely common these days. I would suggest seeing a functional doctor (naturopath) and having all (TSH, T4, T3, Free T3, and thyroid antibodies) of your thyroid numbers tested. Keep in mind that even if your thyroid is just slightly low, losing weight can be impossible.
4. You have a hormonal imbalance:
Hormonal imbalances are also extremely common. Stress (which we all have plenty of) releases a hormone called cortisol, which can wreak havoc on your sex hormones. Also, hormones begin to decline with age. There are many things you can do to help balance hormones naturally.
Inflammation in the gut (food sensitivities) can significantly slow thyroid function.
5. You are dehydrated.
More than 80 percent of Americans are dehydrated. Dehydration dramatically slows metabolism as well as causes overeating. You should consume at least half of your body weight in ounces each day (ex. a 180-lb. man should consume 90 oz. of water each day). Most people don't drink enough water. Drinking water is the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to lose weight. The health benefits of proper hydration are endless.
6. You are not eating enough.
Caloric restriction forces the body to store fat and can also lead to a decrease in thyroid function. Also, skipping meals will slow down metabolism and lead to blood sugar issues. Starving yourself or skipping meals is NOT the answer to weight loss and, in fact, is one of the most counter-productive things you can do when trying to lose weight. The key to long-term weight loss is regulating blood sugar.