Why Can’t I Lose Weight – 5 Things To Watch Out For

You’re eating healthier and getting some exercise but the pounds still won’t budge. You might be asking yourself, “why can’t I lose weight?” 

There can be many different reasons for a weight plateau. However, the following basic reasons might we ones you have not considered before.

Moreover, there are a few basic things we all tend to do that can really hamper our dieting results.

In the following article, we’ll take a look at these 5 things to watch out for so that weight loss can be easier. 

Reason #1: Dehydration

Did you know that according to research, as much as 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration?

That’s a lot of people. The effects of dehydration can cover everything from tiredness, confusion and cramps to a fast heart rate, poor kidney function and low blood pressure.

Dehydration is very common amongst the elderly. It can be down right dangerous, as extreme dehydration can even lead to death.

When more fluids exit the body than are being ingested, dehydration occurs. One of the reasons that many “diets” tell you to drink your 8 glasses of water per day is to avoid dehydration.

This is important to remember because dehydration can lead to eating more – definitely not what you want when trying to lose weight! 

Proper water consumption is one of the keys to helping burn calories, keep the metabolism burning, break down fat and suppress appetite.

So if you want to lose weight, grab that glass of water before your mouth becomes parched. Keep drinking all day long in order to avoid dehydration and its effects.

One simple way to do this is to make water a part of your daily habits. Keep a reusable water bottle handy at all times and sip as often as you can. Drink a full glass with all of your meals and snacks. Your organs and metabolism will thank you.

Reason #2: Frequently Eating Out

According to one study, more than 56% of Americans eat out at least 2-3 times per week.

That data includes all the times people dine-in, take out and grab food-to-go.

Not only is all that eating out costly over time, it’s also costly for your waistline. The main goal of all restaurant food is to taste great. In order to do that, their foods are loaded with extra fat, sugar and salt – all things that can sabotage your weight loss efforts.

Portion control is non-existent in American restaurants and even if you’re eating a ‘healthy’ meal, it’s probably loaded with additional calories.

In fact, eating out is one of the easiest ways to be getting additional calories that you may be unaware of. 

Most people eat out because it’s convenient or involves social time with friends. However, making your own meals is always the safest choice when losing weight is your goal.

Take some time once a week to meal plan and then prep on the weekends when you have extra time. When you keep your kitchen stocked with staple items, preparing healthy meals becomes even easier.

Take your lunch to work with you each day and plan your meals and snack. Not only will your health thank you but so will your bank account.

 

Reason #3: Not Enough Sleep

According to research, upwards of 50-70 million Americans suffer from lack of sleep. 

Busy lifestyles and stressful jobs along with a multitude of other factors can all lead to sleep deprivation. However, research is showing that long-term sleep loss takes a serious toll on the body. 

Lack of sleep also impacts your weight as it disrupts hormones that play a role in appetite. Therefore, when you don’t get enough sleep, you are more likely to eat the wrong foods or overeat.

Metabolism is affected by chronic sleep deprivation. It can affect how fat is lost as well. Therefore, getting adequate sleep should always be a part of a healthy weight loss plan and lifestyle.

The average adult requires 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Poor sleep or a lack of it can affect the nervous system, immune system and hormones that help keep the body healthy.

Try creating a sleep routine. Go to bed at the same time each night in a darkened, cooled room without electronic distractions. 

Also, avoid caffeine and eating several hours before bedtime. Getting your nightly sleep is important for your overall health as well as your when you want to lose weight.

For more information on sleep deprivation and its effects on weight loss, you may enjoy reading our review article, “What Is Resurge – Fat Burning Fountain of Youth?” This product is aimed at those dieters who suffer from chronic sleep deprivation.

 

Reason #4: Chronic Stress

Every single one of us is dealing with stress on a regular basis. Life is super hectic and can be extremely stressful due to uncertainties and struggles.

However, when the body is chronically stressed, it releases the hormone cortisol which can seriously impact your belly fat. Too much cortisol in the system leads to a slower metabolism, more food cravings and stored belly fat. 

Another problem is that stress tends to lead to emotional eating. It can be an endless cycle. 

Therefore, try to get some control over your stress if you can. Yoga and meditation can be effective tools to help reduce stress. Writing and journalling can also work. Having social therapy with a good friend may also help alleviate some of your worries.

If you can, tackle things that are manageable and try not to focus too much on what you can’t control. Remember that you are in charge of your health so find healthy habits that you can stick with long-term.

To learn more about the hazards of cortisol and how it derails weight loss, you may enjoy reading our article, “Cortisol and Belly Fat – Why You Need To Make The Connection.”

 

Reason #5: You Don’t Mix Up Your Exercise Routine

It’s very easy to get comfortable with doing the same exercises over and over. However, when that happens, you are no longer engaging new muscles that need to be challenged. 

Over time, this can stall your efforts. Plateaus happen when your body has adjusted to all the diet and exercise changes you have implemented. 

For improved results, simply incorporate some new exercises. Challenge your body with a new yoga or pilates routine. Lift some different weights or use hand weights. 

Try breaking up the speed or intensity levels while on your favorite machines to change the ways your muscles react. Small mix ups with exercise routines can lead to faster results.

For more ideas on different ways to exercise, please read our article, “What Is The Best Exercise For Weight Loss?” Here, you will learn about industry recommended weight loss exercises.

 

Final Thoughts on Why Can’t I Lose Weight?

It is very common to hit a weight loss plateau. Many people may not even be aware that certain ordinary factors can sabotage their hard efforts.

Eating the same foods and exercising the same way can lead the body in muscle memory where your efforts stop producing the desired results.

However, there are some easy things you can try doing to get your results back on track. Drinking plenty of water, preparing your own food, getting adequate sleep, reducing stress and mixing up your workout can be excellent factors to examine.

Have you ever hit a weight loss plateau? How did you get past it? Tell us in the comments below.