Losing weight is one of the top resolutions made every year, yet only a small percent of people achieve successful weight-loss and maintenance. The four common reasons why it can be hard to lose weight on diets are below. Of course there are many other reasons non-diet related which affects one’s weight including medical conditions and side effects of certain medications.
1. Underestimating calorie consumption
Its easy to underestimate the number of calories one eats a day. The biggest source is from carbs and simple sugars which I notice are the most over consumed. We are a nation of carb lovers! Keeping a food diary can be helpful, you’ll be surprised at what and how much you eat.
2. Overestimating physical activity
A common excuse I hear is ‘I don’t have the time to exercise’. The positive thing is exercise can be any form of movement so even a daily 10 minute power walk count towards calorie burning. However if you want to trim and tone and also get healthy you need to ensure to incorporate more activity into your day. The disadvantage of gyms is they can take up time in terms of the commuting, changing and also not to forget socially, as one meets and greets others. However if you are strict about it and manage your time a good workout can be achieved. Classes are good, especially as many encompass the warmup and cool down into the session saving time. Some of my fave quick exercises that doon’t cost a penny are:
1) Skipping- the best way of training- both aerobic and anaerobic
2)Power walking- great way to warm up
3) Cycling- great aerobic fat burner and if you go outdoors even better
4) Swimming-great for joints and toning the body
3. Poor meal spacing
You need a steady stream of energy throughout the day to maintain optimal energy and to prevent metabolism from slowing down. Eating breakfast within an hour of waking up, followed by a healthy meal or snack every three to four hours will keep your metabolism steady.
4. Insufficient sleep
Scientific research shows us that getting less than six hours of sleep each night leads to elevated levels of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates the appetite and can lead to craving high-calorie foods. It can also lead to raise levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which has also been linked with weight gain.
