Weight loss can be tricky. Sometimes, even when you’re doing all the right things, weight loss can come to a screeching halt.
This can happen for a number of reasons, but, more often than not, it’s comes down to something that requires a serious lifestyle change to fix. Here are 5 of the most common, yet not-so-obvious reasons you’re not losing weight, plus some tried-and-true.
1. You’re Stressed “Stress is the silent killer.” This is especially true when it comes to weight loss. Stress releases cortisol (often simply referred to as “the stress hormone”)—and in today’s society, excessively high cortisol levels are incredibly common. Cortisol degrades muscle tissue and encourages the storage of body fat, and is has been linked to other health issues that are a lot more serious than a few extra pounds around your waist.
If you want to get lean, then you need to make a serious effort to lower your stress levels. (Easier said than done, I know!) Eat in the Zone (this increases the serotonin levels in your brain), surround yourself with positive people, meditate and get plenty of sleep.
2. You’re Not Getting Enough Sleep. Not only does enough sleep reduce levels of cortisol, but it also produces growth hormone (GH). GH pretty much has the opposite effect of cortisol on the body—it encourages fat loss, supports your immune system, and helps to keep your organs functioning properly. Eating in the Zone keeps fat burning while you sleep and increases the dose of growth hormone that helps repair your body while you sleep.
Sleep also balances the hormones that control hunger. If you’ve ever gone to bed hungry and woken up not hungry, this is why. On the flip side, if you miss a night’s sleep you are likely to eat more the next day. While it varies from person to person, most of us should aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night although if you are in the Zone you may sleep shorter but the quality of your sleep is better. it is important to have a one block snack before you go to bed. This could be a glass of milk, half a cup of low fat plain yogurt and some nuts or half a Zone bar.
3. You’re Not Drinking Enough Water. You’re probably sick and tired of hearing about how important water is to your health, but most people still don’t drink enough of it. This is a particular problem in the elderly who don’t drink enough water and are prone to dehydration.
There’s a whole host of benefits to drinking enough water, one of which is proper kidney function. Dehydration impairs your kidneys, and when your kidneys aren’t working properly, your liver has to pick up the slack. Your liver is responsible for the metabolism of fat, which means fat cannot be metabolized as efficiently when your liver has to work twice as hard to remove toxins.
The solution is simple: when you’re thirsty, drink water. In particular, ensure that you are hydrated around workouts.
4. You Have Poor Digestion. The gut is incredibly complicated, and scientists are only scratching the surface when it comes to understanding how the natural micro-biome of gut bacteria works. But one thing is clear: whether you want to improve your ability to lose fat, boost your immune system, clear up your skin, or even just feel better on daily basis, it all starts with gut health.
But there are steps you can take to help prevent any malfunctions: reduce stress and eat in the Zone. Minimize the consumption of legumes, grains, sugar and chew your food until it’s mush before swallowing.
5. You’re Not Eating Enough Fibre. Fibre aids digestive health and helps to create a sense of fullness.
It’s estimated that only 5% of the population get enough fibre. Why are people missing out? Most of us assume we’re getting enough from grain-based products like bread and cereal, but the reality is these highly-processed foods have been stripped of their nutrients and fibre and really have no benefit in our diet. Instead, eat one block of fruit with every meal and plenty of favourable vegetables.
Eating a balanced diet in the Zone helps with all these things. Many of our clients start off with a hiss and a roar and get a bit upset when the weight loss stops. Often this is just a plateau and it starts again in the next few weeks. Eating in the Zone is a lifestyle, not something you do until you reach a “goal” weight. Weight loss in the Zone is a bonus and many of our clients come to us to learn how to eat a healthy diet with all the other benefits along the way including feeling better, having more energy, sleeping better, controlling blood sugar levels, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
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