Reasons You’re Not Losing Weight

NOT EXERCISING ENOUGH

Even if you regularly go to the gym or walk, if you’re generally sedentary or in a sit-down job, you probably aren’t getting enough exercise. The key to losing weight, says personal trainer Laura Williams, is to fit exercise into every part of the day. “The best type of workouts to do in five minutes are things that get your heart rate going,” she says, such as jumping, skipping and exercises that use several muscles, like push-ups and lunges.

EATING TOO MUCH GOOD STUFF

We’re told that fruit, legumes and grains are healthy. But they can keep the fat on if we over consume. A lot of fruit, such as mangos and grapes, is full of fructose and if eaten in large quantities can contribute to weight gain. According to studies, more than 100 grams of fructose a day can cause weight gain. Instead, choose lower fructose fruit such as bananas, strawberries and blueberries.

LARGE PORTION SIZES

Sixty years ago food was more expensive, scarcer and portions were smaller. Studies show portion sizes have grown as much as 98 per cent since the 1990s, and this contributes to unwanted weight gain. Controlling your portion sizes by using smaller plates is one way to help keep the weight off.

YOU’RE NOT SLEEPING ENOUGH

Not sleeping enough can make us feel lethargic which leads us to craving sugary or carb-laden snacks to ‘wake up’. But too little sleep also triggers a rise in cortisol, the stress hormone. This signals to your body to conserve energy to fuel your waking hours. Because of this, you will hang on to fat. Try to get more sleep to allow your body to let go of excess body weight.