Are you one of millions who is looking for ways to lose weight and keep it off for good? If so, you are not alone, every day there are thousands of diet products sold. The problem is very few people are losing weight and then maintaining that weight loss. Could there be other factors at play that make it difficult, if not impossible, for you to lose weight?
Sleep
Are you surprised that sleep is on the list of possible reasons why fat loss diets are not working for you? Most people do not realize how vital a good night's rest is to overall health and in fact weight loss. Studies are now being done to determine exactly why weight loss is affected by lack of sleep. Some studies show that lack of sleep affects your metabolism, this is the mechanism that determines how many calories you burn and at what rate. In addition to this, sleep affects the amount of cortisol released; this is the hormone that regulates appetite.
Few would argue with the fact that when you are not properly rested, you get cranky and even depressed. Depression can lead to overeating and that in turn leads to weight gain not weight loss! Researchers agree that the average human should get at least eight hours of sleep per night and this on a regular schedule. Try to go to bed around the same time each night to put your body on schedule. This will alleviate stress and balance your metabolism.
Stress
When you are extremely stressed, the body manufactures cortisol. Cortisol is the hormone that regulates appetite, over production causes overeating and weight gain around the midsection. If you are noticing, an increase in fat stores around your abdomen cortisol could be the culprit.
Find some relaxation techniques that work for you. Meditation is a good place to start, as is exercise and a long soak in the tub. Do whatever it takes for you to feel more at ease and reduce stress.
Medical Issues
You have probably heard someone say that his or her weight gain is a result of a thyroid problem. You may have even chuckled a bit because the term has become somewhat of a joke over the years. However, you should never discount the possibility; there are a number of symptoms and risks you should consider.
1) Radiation exposure
2) Family history of thyroid disorder
3) Family history of autoimmune disorder
4) Fatigue
5) Fast weight gain or an inability to lose weight
6) Memory loss
This is but a sample of 33 distinct symptoms and risk factors is you have any of the above you should have your thyroid evaluated. In fact, the first thing you should do when trying to lose weight is see your doctor.
Plateau
This is a place many people are familiar with; you have done everything right and lost some weight. Then all of a sudden no matter how hard you try you cannot lose another ounce. You have hit a plateau. This can occur for many reasons, you have dropped your caloric intake to low or you are exercising too much in response to both of these the body will slow your metabolism so that you do not burn as many calories.
If you have hit a plateau, you can take various steps to overcome it. Below are a few weight loss tips:
1) Keep your caloric intake just below maintenance this will prevent the metabolic slow down
2) Change your exercise routine, do not allow the body to get used to one set routine
3) Increase lean muscle mass, lean muscle burns more calories than fat.
Conclusion
Cover all your bases before you decide that you will never be able to lose weight. Cut yourself some slack and explore some of these possible conditions. You could be on your way to significant weight loss in no time.
Your Motivation to Lose Weight
The weight loss market, as a niche market, is huge and growing ever bigger. You would assume that, with the amount of advice freely abounding, people would be able to follow instructions and lose their excess weight. In the majority of cases, however, this simply does not happen. But, why?
When Enough Is Enough And Too Much Is More Than Enough
Your weight loss plan is doing well but 'you must take more water with it' you frequently hear. Well, yes. You should drink adequate amounts of fluid because your body is made up of 98% water. Every cell in your body is bathed in fluid. By the time you start to feel thirsty your body is already starting to dehydrate - which is why it sent out that 'thirsty' signal to your brain.
Success At Dieting Is Treating Yourself With Kindness
You need to be realistic and learn to listen to your body. An exercise plan does not have to be so rigorous it would challenge an Olympic athlete; simply building up a bit more muscle would help to speed up your metabolism as muscle is more efficient at burning fat than body fat is. If you don't want to go to the gym, heft a couple of baked bean cans around - there are plenty of exercises online that show you a few calisthenics with weights. Take the dogs for a walk and get some fresh air - at best, it will get you away from the kitchen and the refrigerator door.
