Weight loss is a common reason for us to make diet and lifestyle modifications, and we all want to achieve the best possible results. However, stepping on the scales after a period of dieting and finding the number is the same, or higher can be a disheartening and upsetting moment.

The truth is that there are a number of reasons that you may not be losing weight. Here are some of the most common:

Skipping Meals

It may seem counterintuitive, but too few calories can be just as bad for weight loss as too many. It can be tempting to try to speed up weight loss by eating very little, but our bodies need food to fuel our everyday lives. If you are constantly under-eating, your body can start holding onto more fat than normal to sustain those everyday tasks. It is important to eat enough of the right foods to hit your goals.

Water retention

Our weight fluctuates day to day because our bodies are 50-65% water. The amount of water within these ranges varies daily in conjunction with how dehydrated we are, hormonal fluctuations, and how much sodium we consume, among some other factors. Our weight may fluctuate up to 3kg a day depending on how much water we retain, which can be disheartening when we step on the scales.

We know that water retention is necessary to keep our bodies working properly, so we shouldn’t necessarily look to lose water weight, however cutting down on sodium (salt) and refined carbohydrates- leading causes of water retention, will benefit your overall health as well as alleviating some of the symptoms.

Sleep

Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep a night. If you are not getting enough sleep, it’s possible that your hormones are out of balance. This can lead to an increased appetite, which makes it much harder if you are trying to achieve weight loss goals! Additionally, a lack of sleep can impact mood and patience meaning you are more likely to reach for comfort food instead of choosing healthier options. Try to track your sleep with an activity tracker. A little extra insight could be helpful for you to understand your sleeping patterns.

Multitasking during meals

It’s not just what you are eating, but where you are eating. We all lead busy lives and eat our meals on the go or at our desk from time to time. However, this can lead to distraction during eating, and it’s easy to not realise the amount of food you are consuming if this is the case, which could increase the number of calories you are taking in. Research shows that mindful eating can be hugely beneficial in aiding weight loss. Try to track where you eat as well as what you eat for a week. Just as with food logging, you may not realize how often you engage in bad habits.

Exercising but not altering diet

We have all heard the phrase you can’t out exercise a bad diet. And it’s true. unfortunately just because you may be exercising more, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can eat what you like. Of course, occasional treats are fine in moderation, but allowing ourselves ‘cheat meals’ on a regular basis will hinder weight loss progress.

Why not review your calories in vs calories out using a fitness tracker so that you can work out how many calories you need to consume to lose weight?

Not planning meals

Properly planned meals are vital for weight loss. Planning meals ahead means you will be less likely to reach for a quick unhealthy fix whilst out and about or opting for a takeaway when at home. It’s also important to know the importance of portion control, as even healthy meals can lead to weight gain if too much is eaten.

Why not let Pure Package do all the hard work for you? We remove the stress of planning and cooking, and deliver tasty perfectly portioned meals to your door. Book your package today.