If you’ve been stuck in a weight-loss plateau for weeks and don’t know how to break through, you need to read the following seven reasons that are probably preventing you from dropping those last few kilos.
1. Not eating enough protein:
Protein is an important nutrient for the body especially if you are on a weight-loss mission. Protein boosts metabolism and helps reduce cravings as it moderates the appetite-regulating hormone, ghrelin. So try to include eggs in your breakfast and chicken in your meals, so that you it keeps you feeling satiated.
2. Not lifting weights:
Most people think cardio is the best way to lose weight. In fact, resistance training also plays a key role as it helps you hold the muscle mass, which is burned along with fat. Weight training also prevents your metabolic rate from slowing down.
3. You haven’t cut down on sugar:
Sugar is the primary cause of weight gain and if you haven’t stopped drinking sugary beverages, forget the weight loss. Sugar in sports drinks and flavoured water is harmful and doubles your calories.
4. Don’t get enough shuteye:
Not getting enough sleep can affect your physical and mental well-being and also increases the risk of obesity. Lack of sleep also plays on your metabolism by making you feel hungry; it is directly linked to the secretion of cortisol, one of the hormones that regulate your appetite.
5. Haven’t cut down on your alcohol intake:
Are you still drinking your regular dose of alcohol? Beer, wine and sugary alcoholic beverages are very high in calories and will only increase your weight woes.
6. You’ve got a medical condition:
Some medical conditions like hypothyroidism and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) make weight loss much harder. But there’s always a solution and you need to talk to your gynaecologist about what to do.
7. You starve yourself:
If you have been following diets that don’t have enough nutritional value, your weight loss is going to be a journey forever. Give yourself a break and up your calorie intake by consuming the right kind of food and without compromising on exercise. Get stronger and gain some muscle.
