Let's talk honestly about weight loss.
It's rarely the "one thing" you aren't doing.
It's often your habits and behaviors, as well as poorly applied knowledge that hold you back.
If you've had a history of losing weight, then gaining it all back again (or more), or are simply interested in making a change for the better for your health, read this.
#1-Your Sleep Habits Are you sleeping 7-9 hours each night? Do you have a sleep ritual? Do you prioritize sleep? Do you turn off your phone, tablet, and/or wifi? Is the room cold, dark, and quiet?
If you answered no to any of these questions, disrupted sleep may be holding you back.
#2-Your Stress Level Do you bring work home? Do you often argue with your spouse/partner? Do you get frustrated with traffic and your commute? Are you always in a hurry? Is it hard to wind down at the end of the day?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your cortisol and adrenaline may be high, which will affect weight loss.
#3-Your Daily Movement Habits Do you sit most of the day? Do you walk less than 3 miles each day? Do you perform regular exercise? Do you strength train 2 or more days/week?
If you are lacking daily movement, your body will hold on to weight. It will only adapt to the demands you place on it.
#4-Calorie Deficit Do you think calories outside the body are the same as inside the body? Do you think all food is created equal? Do you believe that your body is a simple bank account, where eating less guarantees weight loss?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you don't understand the impact of food.
#5-Your Hormones and Gut Do you think that an apple and a piece of candy are the same inside your body? Do you starve yourself, then gorge? Do vegetables matter? Do you eat enough fiber? Do you understand how foods and medicines can affect the microbiome of the gut?
If you can't definitely answer these, you've got some work ahead.
#6-Are you being honest about 1-5?
If not, you aren't giving yourself an opportunity to succeed.
Losing weight requires a basic understanding of the factors that affect it, as well as behavioral changes and trade offs. You've gotta first be honest with yourself, then seek out the help of a professional who can tailor a program for you, based on your life.
Just because paleo, calorie counting, keto, or carb cycling worked for your friends, doesn't mean it's best suited for your needs.
If you'd like to learn more about getting a handle on your weight, I'm here to help!
-Aaron
www.renegadefitnessmiami.com
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