I was led to start this series because I so often I hear “I’m doing all the right things, eating healthy and exercising everyday” – The weight is not coming off.
I say this with all due respect – “you don’t know what you don’t know”. Nutrition, weight loss, exercise, lifestyle changes are not as easy as 1-2-3 and a ‘Google Search’.
If it was, we ALL would be at our ideal weight, no medications, no stress, normal BP, No Diabetes, No High Cholesterol, No inflammation, etc – I think you get the point.
My goal here is to help bridge the gap between your weight loss/eating struggles and the goals you’re trying to achieve not just for the short-term, but for LIFE!
At the end of the day, its all about “Stepping into Your Highest Level of Health” in the most sensible and enjoyable way possible!
You’re Not Eating Real Food
A low-carb diet is about more than just lowering your intake of carbs. You have to replace those empty carbohydrates with real, nutritious foods.
Throw away all processed low-carb products like Atkins bars, as they are not real food and not good for your health.
To lose weight, stick to lean protein (planted and/or animal), fish, eggs, healthy fats, vegetables balanced with adequate amounts of carbs so there is some premium gas in your tank!
Also, “treats” like paleo (and keto) cookies and brownies can cause problems even though they’re made with healthy ingredients. They should be considered occasional treats, not something you eat every day.
You’re Not Sleeping Enough
Sleep is incredibly important for overall health. Study after Study continues to show that a lack of sleep correlates with weight gain and obesity. This gives more proof that weight loss is not as easy as 1-2-3 (or a ‘google search’) and not just about food and exercise!
A lack of sleep can make you feel hungrier. It will also make you tired and less motivated to exercise and eat healthy. Sleep is one of the pillars of health. If you’re doing everything right but still not getting proper sleep, you won’t see the results you might expect.
Getting adequate sleep is an area I attack day one with new clients. It is so vital to success and takes time to make the shifts in lifestyle.
You’ve Been “Restricting carbs/calories” for Too Long
It’s a not a good idea to have the body in a severe calorie deficit for long periods of time.
Honestly, it’s not necessary to restrict calories to the point of deprivation in order to lose weight or improve health outcomes.
What is deprivation? I saw a post one day – this person was on keto and celebrating the current weight lost. In that same post – “I am craving a pizza sooo bad” – in all caps!
My reply was “Eat some pizza”.
Moral of the story, if you are having strong cravings on a regular basis, this is deprivation.
Fruit for thought: Willpower will win a few battles. Craving will win the War!
Summary
It is important to have realistic expectations. At the end of the day, weight loss takes time.
It is a marathon — not a 100 yard dash. Losing 1–2 pounds per week is a realistic goal. It sounds good to lose 25-30 pounds in 30-45 days. Just know the body pays a high price in the long run
It’s all about what you can sustain for the long haul – Balanced nutrition, effective exercise, quality sleep, time management while enjoying life in the process!
No matter what changes you make in how you eat or diets you’ve tried:
- Are you still struck at your present weight? Or gaining?
- BP still high?
- Blood sugar levels still high? Its not normal for your A1c to remain in Pre-Diabetic range a year after being told by your doctor its elevated.
- Cholesterol still elevated.
- Tired ALL the time?
You do not have to accept any of this as your normal! There are solutions…
Click [here] to have a conversation!