10 Surprising Things That Can Prevent Weight Loss

Many times you feel that you’re doing all the right things, yet you can’t seem to lose that stubborn weight. Unfortunately, the more you stress over it, the more determined those pounds seems to want to stay put.

Let’s take a close look at some possible triggers keeping you from the body you want.

So-called health foods - Many people are unwittingly eating so-called health foods like yogurt, granola, fruit juices, and gluten free snack foods. Too often these products are loaded with artificial and regular sugar, soy-based oils, sodium, and are heavily processed. Choose real food like fruit, cut-up vegetables, homemade granola, and plain, organic yogurt with fresh fruit.
Environmental toxins - Much of the conventional produce is heavily sprayed with pesticides, so choose organic when possible. The majority of our cleaning and personal care products also contain harsh chemicals that affect your hormones and damage your immune system. Use non-toxic laundry detergents and cleaners.
Stress - Everyone faces stress at times, but it shouldn’t be chronic, ongoing stress. It produces the stress hormone, cortisol, which is responsible for a host of health problems. It often starts a chain reaction of disease. Avoid making decisions or eating when you’re stressed. Look for ways to relax through prayer, meditation, a hot bath, a massage, or exercising.
Sleeplessness - When you don’t get enough sleep, you can easily make poor decisions and eat on the run. You may even get up during the night to have a midnight snack. Try to get 7 - 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Power down all the electronics, and sleep in a dark, cool room.
Your job - Many people feel their greatest stress comes from their job. That often leads to snacking under pressure, eating at your desk, and eating too fast. Bring food from home, and try to get away to a park, quiet place, or even sit in your car with music playing.
Difficult relationships - When there’s problems at home, it’s hard to think clearly, and the last thing on your mind is making healthy choices. When possible, give some distance to non-family relationships until you’re in a better place to deal with the other party. With family members, it’s not so easy. Sometimes, it helps to seek advice and wise counsel from trusted friends or a member of the clergy. You may even need professional counseling. Don’t ever be ashamed to get help. It takes a lot of courage, but it may be the best solution.
Loneliness - When you’re all alone, it’s easy to snack on whatever is on hand throughout the day. People that live alone often struggle with this problem. They may have lost the joy of cooking since they’re alone. Invite friends over at least once or twice a week and cook together. Plan to cook several meals at a time, and freeze them for later in the week.
Busyness - When you have too much on your plate, it’s easy to skip home cooked meals. Let’s face it, cooking takes time. Scale down some of your activities, and make eating healthy meals a priority.
Lack of exercise - Exercise is an essential part of being at your ideal body weight. It’s not only good for your body, but it also sharpens your mind. Pick a variety of different activities, so you don’t get bored. Then, it doesn’t feel like punishment. Find a friend who will hold you accountable, and stick to it. It gets to be fun, believe it or not.
Being obsessed with your weight - If you constantly are worrying about your weight, you will struggle because you’ll get discouraged when you aren’t losing. Stop constantly weighing yourself. Do your best, and work on the other areas. When you stop thinking about it, the pounds will start fall off.

Pick a couple of these areas to work on for a few weeks. Once you’ve made improvements, try another one. Soon, you’ll be on your way to looking and feeling your best.

Need more help? Contact me at maggie@coachmaggie4health, follow my Facebook page, and join my Facebook group.