1. You’re eating too much fruit and carbohydrates.
Truth is, fat doesn’t make you fat…sugar does and fruit and carbs broken down to their simplest form is sugar! The presence of glucose in the bloodstream causes the pancreas to release insulin, and insulin stores excess glucose as fat. If you’re trying to lose weight, fruit intake should be limited to 1 or 2 servings per day and should be lower glycemic fruits like pitted fruit, apples and berries and the best times to eat starchy carbs is after a workout because you are able to quickly use the sugar rather than store it.
2. You’re mindless eating.
Even if you’re eating the healthiest ingredients if you are scarfing them down you’ll be consuming more that your body needs. Eat without distractions, eat with people, say a little gratitude prayer before you eat, slow down and chew lots. Becoming more mindful with what you eat and how you eat can have an extremely transforming effect on the health of your body and brain.
3. You’re stressed.
Cortisol – which we release as a part of the stress response – promotes weight gain, catabolizes (breaks down) muscle, worsens insulin resistance, and promotes fat storage.
Having chronically elevated cortisol levels can also, increase your hunger and cravings for unhealthy foods!
Make a list of all the things that stress you out and make a commitment to reduce the amount of energy you give them. Then make a list of things that make you happy and focus on these.
4. You’re not sleeping enough.
Studies show that a lack of sleep correlates with weight gain and obesity. Sleep is a fundamental pillar to health and a lack of it should be avoided. Tips to sleep better and more sound include:
- Sleep in a pitch black room – no little computer lights or cracks of street light through the blinds.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and stimulants.
- Get to bed at the same time every night and aim for before 11pm.
- Avoid computer, phone and TV screens an hour before bed. If you are going to be on your computer download f.lux at justgetflux.com
5. You’re eating too much food and too often.
Sometimes it is really as simple as, you’re eating more energy than you are expending and that, overtime, is leading to weight gain. There is no proven benefit to eating many small meals throughout the day helps you to lose weight. Try eating fewer meals a day, stopping when you are full and consider intermittent fasting.
6. You’re setting unrealistic goals and your body is at its natural weight.
You need to be realistic with your goals and your intention behind those goals. If you are a 240lbs women you most likely will not look like a fitness model anytime soon. Be realistic and aim to lose 5lbs first, improve your relationship with yourself and with food and as you move in the direction you want to go adapt your goals so that you can keep reaching them. We also need to respect that our bodies are all composed differently and that your body might be happy the way it is.
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