When you first set out on your weight loss journey, you may find that it doesn’t take a lot of effort for the initial pounds to fall off. After a while, however, you may not lose weight as easily. In fact, you may stop losing weight altogether. There are numerous reasons that may be inhibiting weight loss, the most common of which are detailed below.
Consuming Too Much Alcohol & Sugary Drinks
Alcohol and sugar are your enemies if you are trying to lose weight. The calories and sugar content will differ depending on the type of alcohol and what you mix it with. Mixing alcohol and soda is an absolute “no no” if you want to lose weight. Not only does alcohol and sugar slow your metabolism, but they also damage the liver. Excess sugar consumption can lead to fat storage around the midsection, so try to avoid drinking or drastically limit your consumption.
You Are Not Consistent With Exercise
Whether you like it or not, exercise is an integral element of weight loss. Fitness experts recommend about an hour of physical activity each day if you are trying to lose weight. For those who take part in high-intensity workouts, 30 minutes is the target number. You don’t have to follow those rules of exercise, but it is important to be consistent and to challenge yourself every day. Don’t let the body get used to a workout regimen. Find different activities to do so that workouts are enjoyable, not stressful.
You Aren’t Keeping Track Of What You’re Eating
Most people aren’t aware of how much food they actually eat. If you are trying to lose weight, keeping track of the calories, nutrients, and types of food is paramount. Research suggests that 1,500 calories a day can help you lose weight, but this number can change slightly if you are exercising a lot. Try keeping a food diary, controlling your portions, and taking pictures of your meals to know what you are putting in your body.
Eating Foods That The Body Doesn’t Agree With
Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, and more are becoming more popular because people are realizing that they have food sensitivities or intolerances. It may take an elimination diet to make yourself aware of which foods negatively affect your body. These aren’t the same as allergies and continuing to eat the same foods, to which you are intolerant, can cause hormonal imbalances, weight gain, acne, and more. If you eat dairy, for example, take it away for a month and see if you have an easier time losing weight.
You Aren’t Eating Right After Exercising
This is a common mistake, but people want to reward themselves after working out. If you keep eating the wrong foods after exercising, the effort you exerted and calories you burned will be for naught. You’ll be on a hamster wheel until you eat the right foods after exercising. Part of losing weight is fueling the body with what it needs during the recovery period after a workout.
You Aren’t Sleeping Well
A good night’s sleep has more of an effect on your body than helping you feel less groggy in the morning. Studies have shown that a poor sleep pattern is high on the list of risk factors for obesity. Adults who don’t sleep well have a 55% greater risk of becoming obese. Your metabolism can slow when you aren’t well rested, and staying up too late promotes unnecessary and unhealthy snacking.
You Aren’t Drinking Enough Water
Water helps to flush waste and fat from your body via urine. Not drinking enough water can cause the body to hold onto excess fluid and fat. One study found that people who drank 16 ounces of water 30 minutes before their meals lost 44% more weight than people who didn’t drink water before eating. Sufficiently hydrating yourself works to reduce your caloric intake and increase the number of calories you burn.
