Top 10 Reasons You’re Not Losing Weight

Let’s face it: Losing weight is hard. It takes motivation, determination, and persistence. You’re putting in the work, eating clean, and staying motivated, so why aren’t you losing the weight? Here are ten reasons that explain why you may not be dropping the pounds.

 

1. You’re Not Drinking Enough Water

One of the oldest rules in the book is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. This might seem like a lot, but staying hydrated is essential. Filling up on water can also help with portion control. In fact, studies have shown that drinking more water increases your metabolism.

 

2. You’re Skimping on Protein

When lowering your overall calorie intake, don’t cut out protein. You need to eat enough protein to stay fueled. Try starting your day with eggs, which will help curb your appetite.

 

3. You’re Not Getting Enough Sleep

Research has shown that poor sleep alters the hormones that control hunger. Let your body and mind rest fully with at least seven hours of sleep a night.

 

4. You’re Drinking Your Calories

Do you wake up each morning and enjoy a cup of coffee? Or maybe you sip on fruit juice instead of water, thinking it’s a healthier option. And let’s not forget alcohol, which contains about 7 calories per gram. If you want to see better weight-loss results, stick to drinking only water.

 

5. You’re Only Doing Low-Intensity Cardio Workouts

While taking a daily walk is great, it’s not going to help you lose a steady amount of weight. Switch up your workouts to also include high-intensity training.

 

6. You're Not Eating Whole Foods

It can be easy to grab a granola bar or a protein bar that’s labeled healthy, but remember that these so-called “healthy” options are also processed foods. Stick to single-ingredient, whole foods such as tomatoes and carrots.

 

7. You’re Not Lifting Weights

While we have mentioned the benefits of high-intensity training, it’s also important to lift weights. Weightlifting not only tones your body, but it also helps retain muscle mass.

 

8. You’re Eating Too Often

If you’ve heard that multiple small meals a day boosts your metabolism, helping weight loss, know that this is a myth. Eating too often may result in excessive calorie intake. Instead, look into intermittent fasting. This method of eating trains your body to go without food for an extended period.

 

9. You’re Too Focused on Dieting

In most cases, diets are hard to keep. You also may find yourself quickly gaining back any weight that you lost. Instead of looking at the way you eat as a diet, look at it as making healthy choices that will make you happy in the long run. Never deprive your body of the nutrients it needs; nourish it instead.

 

10. You’re Too Hard on Yourself

Remember, nothing comes overnight. Give yourself enough time to get settled into a new routine and lifestyle. Remember, weight loss takes time. Don’t give up if you hit a plateau.