Why Am I Not Losing Weight? Breaking Down the 5 Most Common Reasons
Are you doing “all the right things,” but still not losing weight? Sometimes eating right and having a consistent workout regime just aren’t enough when you’re trying to shed pounds. But don’t despair — there’s probably a reason why your current routine isn’t doing the trick. For instance, perhaps you’re not losing weight because you’re not keeping track of your calorie intake. It’s pretty simple: To lose weight, you must expend more calories than you take in.
If you dine out frequently, it can be tough to really keep tabs on how many calories (and how much sodium and fat) you are consuming. Do your research and try to order meals that are based on whole, fresh foods with a focus on produce — vegetables and fruit are naturally filled with fiber, which will help you feel full for longer. It’s also a good idea to plan out your meals ahead of time, so you can control what goes into your body. Read on to learn about some other reasons you may be having a tough time shaving off the extra pounds, as told by our resident health and fitness expert, Denise Austin.
1. You’re not getting enough sleep.
Getting less than seven hours of sleep has been linked to weight gain, as the hormones that are related to hunger and appetite can get thrown off. So, make it a point to get plenty of rest. Check out these trusted tricks for falling asleep (and staying asleep!) so you can get a better snooze and improve your overall wellbeing.
2. You’re not drinking enough water.
If your mouth always feels a little dry or you always feel a little tired, you may not be drinking enough water. And on the flip side, you may be drinking too many sugary beverages! If you regularly sip on things like juice, soda and coffee, you are adding extra calories to your bottom line. (That makes losing weight twice as hard.) Make it a goal to swap out soda for water, which will keep you hydrated and feeling fuller. And order your coffee without the extra creamers. You can also save calories by watering down juice.
“I love to add a splash of sparkling water to cut down on the sugar and add a bit of bubbles!” says Denise. Don’t forget that cocktails have added calories too, not to mention drinking too much alcohol can lead to feeling sluggish. So, limit yourself to one non-water beverage per day or less — you’ll feel great and be more prone to sticking with a healthy eating and workout plan!
3. You’re experiencing medical issues.
If you’re having medical troubles, that can easily slow down (or stop) your success. Your thyroid, menopause or age-related concerns can all lead to weight gain. Talk with your doctor if you suspect there is a medical issue at play — she can help tailor a plan specifically to you.
4: You’re sticking with the same routine.
When it comes to working out, if you do the same thing day after day, it not only gets boring, but your body can also adjust to what you are doing. The result is that you may not get as much weight-loss benefit. Denise’s advice: Mix it up! Head to DeniseAustin.com for hundreds of effective workouts, recipes, sleep tips, and more. (And if you need a quick routine for when you don’t have time, try her eight-minute standing abs routine.)
5: You have low energy.
We all go through phases of having more or less energy due to seasonal changes, hormones, sleep issues, and more. Denise likes to balance those phases out with Juvenon Energy Formula, a natural supplement that has 12 “young-again” nutrients that give you the energy needed to stick with a workout routine (Buy from Juvenon, $44.95).
By incorporating these tips into your day-to-day lifestyle — and by sticking with a consistent workout schedule and a healthful eating plan — you can lose those last stubborn extra pounds!
This article originally appeared in our print magazine, Denise Austin’s Fit Over 50.
