Sometimes we think we’re doing everything right to lose weight. We eat right and exercise just like the pros tell us to but nothing seems to happen. I’ve been there. I know how frustrating it can be. You feel as though you are starving yourself and know that the workouts you are doing should be making your butt melt off but every morning you end up staring at the very same numbers on the scale.
Nothing is happening and you’re about to dive into some ice cream to get over your feeling of inadequacy.
Well, don’t touch that spoon!
Here are a few questions you should ask yourself and why:
Are you getting enough sleep every night?
Believe it or not, those who don’t get enough sleep simply will not lose weight. This is just one of the many ways our bodies protect us. For more information on this phenomenon, see this blog.
Are you drinking a lot of diet soda?
Yes, even diet soda is no-no now. Well, it always has been but we just didn’t realize it. For more information on why diet soda is bad for your diet, visit this blog.
Are you eating enough vegetables and fruit?
Fiber, and regularity, are critical to weight loss. Not only does fiber keep you regular but it also helps you to feel full before you’ve eaten too much.
Are you eating too many starchy carbohydrates like bread?
Some of us are very sensitive to starchy carbohydrates. Those who are pre-diabetic (and don’t know it) may notice this first. Being overly sensitive to starchy carbs can make weight loss on the food pyramid practically impossible.
Are you getting at least 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight?
Yes, protein matters! Whether you are a vegetarian or not, you need protein. For those who aren’t vegetarians, it is just easier to come by. Protein intake has a significant effect on weight loss. It helps your body burn its fat stores by making sure that plenty of protein for muscle building (and sparing) is available.
Has your workout caused you to start eating more?
This is one of those things that we may not even realize. Getting in a good workout can really increase your hunger. Many people also use the excuse “I’m burning more calories so I can eat more”. My answer to that? “Sure you can – if you don’t want to lose weight!”
Have you changed anything in your regular menu lately?
You may have a sensitivity to a particular food you’ve started eating recently. Food allergies happen.
If you’re waiting for the numbers to drop and think they’ve had enough time to do it, ask yourself these questions and see what you come up with.