3 surprising reasons you're not losing weight (and how to overcome them!)

Are you struggling to lose those stubborn kilos? Are you tired of trying to lose weight but the weight keeps stacking on despite your best efforts?

It might be time to look beyond the usual suspects of diet and exercise. Here are three unexpected factors that could be hindering your weight loss progress, along with practical solutions to help you get back on track.

1. Crash dieting and nutrient deficiency:

Crash dieting, or severely restricting your calorie intake, may seem like a quick fix for weight loss, but it can actually do more harm than good. When you drastically reduce your calorie intake, you're likely not getting enough of the essential nutrients your body needs to function properly. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can impact your metabolism and energy levels, making it harder to lose weight.

Furthermore, crash dieting can slow down your metabolism as your body tries to conserve energy in response to the perceived famine. This can make it harder to lose weight in the long run and may even lead to weight gain once you resume normal eating habits.

Solution:

Instead of crash dieting, make sure you are eating ENOUGH  calories for your own unique requirements. Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats in your meals. If you stick to unprocessed whole foods, counting calories becomes a thing of the past! Consider consulting with a registered nutritionist to create a sustainable eating plan that meets your nutritional needs.

2. Eating excessive starchy and sugary foods:

Consuming too many starchy and sugary foods can absolutely sabotage your weight loss efforts. These foods are often high in calories and low in nutrients, leading to weight gain and poor health outcomes. Additionally, starchy and sugary foods can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can increase hunger and cravings, making it harder to stick to a healthy eating plan. High starch foods include; bread, pasta, crackers, sweet treats and bakery food.

Solution:

Limit your intake of starchy and sugary foods and focus on whole, unprocessed foods instead. Choose carbohydrates like  vegetables, salads and fruits which are rich in fibre and other crucial nutrients. Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar, and enjoy sweet treats occasionally.

3. Not meeting your protein requirements:

Protein is an essential nutrient for weight loss and overall health. It helps to build and repair tissues, including muscles, which can boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories at rest. Additionally, protein helps you feel full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating.

If you're not getting enough protein in your diet, you may be more prone to muscle loss, which can slow down your metabolism and make it harder to lose weight.

Solution:

Make sure to include a source of protein in each meal and snack. Good sources of protein include grass fed beef, chicken, fish, eggs, raw dairy products and nuts. Aim to include a variety of protein sources in your diet to ensure you're getting all the essential amino acids your body needs. Aim for at least 1.5 grams of protein per kg of body weight daily.

Let's go!

Weight loss is a complex process influenced by various factors. By addressing these unexpected factors, such as crash dieting and nutrient deficiencies, excessive starchy and sugary foods, and not meeting your protein requirements, you can certainly enhance your weight loss efforts and achieve long-lasting results. Focus on making sustainable lifestyle changes and listen to your body's needs to achieve your weight loss goals.

Ready to take the next step towards a healthier you?

Book a free 20-minute health reset call at Nutrition Queensland today! Discover more secrets to long lasting results and a healthier, happier life.

Your friend and nutritionist,

Kate x