5 Surprising Reasons Why You Might Be Having a Hard Time Losing Weight

Do you feel like you’ve tried everything, but can’t seem to shed those extra pounds? Are you eating right and exercising, but still struggling?

If you’re having a hard time with weight loss, you’re not alone. Here are a few surprising reasons why you can’t lose weight:

1. You aren’t eating as often as you should

While this seems counterintuitive at first, there’s a great deal of truth behind it. When I say eat often, I’m referring to having several small meals throughout the day. This will help keep your blood sugar levels and energy balanced.

It may take your body time to adjust to a new eating schedule, but the health benefits are worth it.

2. You’re not drinking enough water

To eat less, drink 8 or 10 glasses of water an hour before dinner. This will naturally suppress your appetite.

“When the stomach senses that it is full, it sends signals to the brain to stop eating,” according to Medical News Today. “Water can help to take up space in the stomach, leading to a feeling of fullness and reducing hunger.”

Fun fact: you may think you’re hungry, but you’re actually thirsty. By drinking a glass of water before a meal, it will help prevent overeating.

3. You aren’t getting enough Vitamin D

 Findings in the Journal of Women’s Health show women with low Vitamin D levels have a greater chance of gaining weight compared to women with normal levels of Vitamin D.

 The reason why is because fat cells have Vitamin D receptors. Lead researcher of the study, Erin LeBlanc, MD explains “Vitamin D could affect where fat cells shrink or get bigger.”

 Sun exposure, age, diet, and pigmentation, all play a role when it comes to Vitamin D, she adds.

To get more Vitamin D, you can spend more time in the sun (don’t forget the SPF!), and eat more fatty fish, seafood, and egg yolks.

 4. You use a hard workout as an excuse to eat

This is a habit I see often with my clients. But just because you burned 800 calories during a training session doesn’t give you a free pass to eat anything you want. Along the same train of thought, it’s also not a good idea to eat something knowing you will work it off later that day.

A better approach is to eat food that you can use as fuel for exercise and a satisfying snack post-workout. The right personal training program, whether a group training, personal fitness training or virtual coaching program can help you balance your workouts and your nutrition. 

5. Your cortisol levels are too high

Stress leads to a wide variety of health problems including weight gain. Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone, and if you’re producing too much of it your appetite goes up.

 High cortisol levels also cause sugar cravings and slow down your metabolism. Needless to say, if you’re trying to lose weight, you’re fighting a losing battle when you’re stressed.

Can you identify with any of the reasons on this list? Share your thoughts below!