7 Real reasons why you're not losing weight

Weight loss - one thing we all desire but doesn't always happen as quickly as we might like. Yes, we know it's a process, it's going to take some time but most of us are very impatient. Most of us don't understand that weight loss is not a sprint, it's a marathon and we need to learn to be patient if we want to see a change in the long run. However, there may be reasons you might not be losing weight that are worth considering as you can continue with your progress. In this blog you are going to discover 7 of the most common reasons as to why you might not be losing weight.

1. You're binge eating... HEALTHY FOOD !

Binge eating is the consumption of large quantities of food in a short period of time, it is a common side effect of fad dieting. Some people binge on junk food & treats but most of the time if you are trying to kick off your health & fitness journey you will most likely binge on relatively healthy foods. You may binge on nuts, fruits, grains etc. and even though these foods are healthier the calories always add up and may be a significant reason to why you aren't losing weight.

2. You're not getting enough sleep

Lack of sleep can contribute to weight gain MAJORLY. Lack of sleep can cause you to:

- Feel hungry, even when you're not.

- Feel unmotivated & fatigued

- Feel moody (cranky, angry etc.)

Creating a good sleeping routine is crucial for your weight loss goals. Avoiding any type of caffeine or stimulants before bedtime is a great place to start. A good nights sleep helps your body to repair and recover. When your body has had enough rest & recovery time that is when your bodies performance is peak.

Learn more: 10 Ways to Sleep Better Tonight

3. You're taking weekends off

I am the first to admit I sometimes take weekends off, I love to indulge and splurge and reward myself with foods I don't often get to have. However, luckily I know when enough is enough and structure my lifestyle so I can indulge when I please. However, some get a little to relaxed each weekend and find themselves slacking on not only their nutrition but their exercise as well. If you find you are consistently letting go each weekend it's time to take a step back and consider whether this is a real reason you aren't losing the weight you want to.

4. Your expectations are unrealistic

This day in age we look at the Instagram models, the perfectly sculpted women on TV, and don't even get me started on those magazines. Having all of these external influences it is easy to want to look like them but for many it can be an unrealistic goal to strive for. Focus on what you want to feel like, what you want to be able to achieve through the fitness journey and how you are going to get there. Start to create goals that you feel you can reach instead of looking up to a women who most likely has the best personal trainers, personal chefs & much more.

For more info on body positivity check out Jameela Jamils instagram page I weigh.

5. You have an underlying medical condition

There are so many medical conditions that can be messing with your ability to lose weight. For many women they experience hormonal imbalances more often and is one of the leading causes it can be harder for women to lose weight than men. The more common medical conditions include PMS, depression, anxiety and irregular menstrual cycles. It is always best to check with your GP who can support and assist you and will lead you to take appropriate action

6. You're stressed out

Stress is a major factor in weight gain & weight loss. Long term stress can mess with your mentality making you feel fatigued, distracted & upset. Feeling these emotions and stressing can cause you to have high levels of cortisol. High levels of cortisol leads to weight gain, high blood pressure, reduce in energy levels and can also contribute to diabetes. Start trying to reduce your stress levels before it starts negatively impacting your health.

Learn more: Dealing with stress

7. Your metabolism has slowed

One of the main reasons our metabolism slows can be because of age, particularly if you don't look after yourself. If your metabolism has slowed and you continue to eat the same amount of food/calories your weight is going to slowly increase over time. Start exercising, eating well & lifting weight to try and boost that metabolism.

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In conclusion, weight loss is a journey and you have to enjoy every up & down that comes with it. If you find you are having any issues losing weight try implementing some strategies that are going to push you forward in your health journey.

In the end changing your weight is a lifetyle choice. You must put in the effort if you want to see results. Good luck x