Why Can't I Lose Weight

Why do I feel so poorly? Why can’t I lose weight?

There are five primary causes for these common symptoms.

The first cause is eating too much sugar. Many people don’t realize that eating processed carbohydrates such as pasta, cereal and bread, and even wheat bread causes blood sugar levels to rise just as much as eating sugar.

The second cause is not enough nutrient dense whole foods. Nutrient dense whole foods feed our body and give us energy. When we feel tired and reach for something sweet or a cup of coffee for a boost of energy, we are actually draining our body of energy. In reality, after a short temporary high, it makes us feel worse! Eating the wrong foods also makes us feel hungrier, making weight loss more difficult. We need to eat healthy fats, clean proteins and loads of colorful vegetables and fruit. The food on our plates should look like a rainbow. In addition, to plenty of nutrient dense whole foods, we need to drink enough water. Being hydrated helps cleanse and energize the body.

The third cause is poor sleep patterns. Our super busy, stressed out modern world where we juggle work and family responsibilities has made sleep a low priority. Inadequate sleep affects hormones that make us hungrier and store fat. It also increases cravings and causes us to make poor food choices. Sleep is the time our bodies naturally detoxify and reset. Poor sleep contributes to chronic disease and weight gain.

The fourth cause is eating too late an at the wrong time. Eating late affects our sleep so we feel sluggish the next day. Also, eating too frequently does not give the body a chance to repair itself. Eating earlier, in order to give your body a 12 - 14 hour break between your last meal and your first meal the next day is important. This gives your body a chance to detoxify and repair itself.

Lastly, the fifth cause is lack of exercise. Exercise doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym. Picking something you enjoy will make it easier to incorporate it into your daily life. Just 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise will help your body burn the calories that you eat. It is important to remember not to use exercise as an excuse to make poor food choices.

How to feel better, have more energy, lose weight

Feeling better requires a systematic approach. The key features to this approach include:

1. Eat the right foods! Take out the bad and put in the good nutrient dense whole foods.

2. Stay hydrated. Drink 8-10 cups of water every day.

3. Develop a healthy sleep routine. Prioritize sleep. Get on a regular schedule. Going to sleep and waking at the same time each day creates a rhythm for your body. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep.

4. Eat all meals so as to have 12 - 14 hours without food.

5. Exercise moderately.

6. Include supportive supplements and herbal therapies to help balance your body, improve sleep and promote detoxification.